Legal Assistant I

Legal Assistant Position The Law Offices of the Public Defender, 20th Judicial Circuit, may be the place for you! The agency is seeking qualified applicants for a Legal Assistant position. The starting salary for the position is $35,000 to $40,000 annually, dependent upon experience andqualifications. Essential Duties and Responsibilities The primary responsibility of the Legal Assistant I is to provide highly efficient and professional clerical duties to the agency and legal staff. Duties include, but are not limited to: Creates correspondence and other materials on general or legal subjects; types routine acknowledgments in response to inquiries. Assist clients as necessary. Prepares and maintains files and records. Acts as office receptionist, answers telephone; greets, announces and routes visitors/clients. Types with speed and accuracy, proficient in word processing systems and associated peripherals. Reads incoming mail and independently composes reply when attorney's personal attention is not required. Prepares and files complex motions, orders, and subpoenas for both depositions and trials, attends court hearings and keeps docket. Keeps attorney's appointment calendar and maintain schedules of meetings, appointments, legal hearings, trials and sentencings. Establishes and maintains a comprehensive filing system. Handles calls regarding cases and court hearings in attorney's absence. Prepares general legal forms and pleadings independently. Completion of monthly reports, data input into case management system. Maintains confidential case follow-up and other essential legal records and files. Performs related work as required. Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed in this document are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Ability to: Communicate effectively and professionally with clients and staff. Use correct English grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Follow written and oral instructions and procedures. Exhibit sound judgment and good listening skills. Handle matters with integrity and confidentiality. Plan and prepare reports, correspondence, and charts in a variety of formats. Use personal computer and general office equipment. Be extremely organized, establish priorities, and meet deadlines. Maintain an effective filing system. Manage multiple assignments simultaneously including long- and short-range projects. Be flexible in work assignments and processes based upon need. Travel to various locations throughout the circuit for assignments and training. Effectively utilize Microsoft Word and Outlook. Graduation from high school and two years of progressively responsible secretarial experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Prior legal experience preferred. Education and/or Experience Graduation from high school and two years of progressively responsible secretarial experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Prior legal experience preferred. Language Skills Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, technical procedures, legal documents and governmental regulations. Ability to write business correspondence. Computer Skills Basic computer skills are required including keyboarding, use of PC's, printers, etc. Microsoft Office experience required. Mathematical Skills Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals. Reasoning Ability Must be able to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations. Must be able to evaluate problems, isolate key issues, research and develop alternative solutions. Physical Demands While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to be mobile, speak and hear. The employee is frequently required to sit and reach. The employee is occasionally required to stand. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus. Certifications, Licenses, Registrations Valid Florida Driver's license. Work Environment The noise level for this position is moderate. Equipment Utilized Personal computers, printers, copiers, scanners, telephones, calculators, cell phone Job Type Full Time Pay Starting at $35,000.00 per year Benefits Access to the Florida Retirement System Health/Dental/Vision/Life insurance Generous Paid Time Off Paid Holidays Tuition waiver Employee Assistance Program Schedule Flexible; Monday – Friday 8 am – 5 pm Ability to commute/relocate Fort Myers, FL 33901