Legal Assistant I - Public Defender (0526)

Nature of WorkCoconino County Public Defender's Office is inviting applicants for a Legal Assistant.The Coconino County Public Defender's Office is a public law office in Northern Arizona located in the heart of Flagstaff. We are a team of approximately 18 attorneys and 13 legal staff who are dedicated to the vigorous defense of individuals charged with crimes in Coconino County. The Public Defender's Office handles cases throughout Coconino County from Fredonia to Flagstaff to Page.Our MissionThe Office of the Coconino County Public Defender is committed to protecting the constitutional rights and liberties of our clients. To provide the highest quality legal representation to the indigent members of our community. To carry out our mission with sympathy, dignity, and respect for our clients, their families, and other members of the Coconino County criminal justice system.Under supervision performs work of moderate difficulty in supporting and assisting criminal and civil attorneys; performs related work as assigned.Typical DutiesLegal Assistant iTYPICAL DUTIES: (Illustrative only)Provides legal support work to attorneys for law-related tasksPrepares and edits documents as requested by attorneys and staffMaintains and updates filesFiles court documents Keeps documents organized in the interim before they are filedFollows procedure for calendaring of events, notifies, and sends reminders to appropriate staff and clients and maintains the master calendar of deadlinesEnters, updates, and retrieves information using multiple systems and databases. Collects, organizes, and prepares files and materials for attorneys for use in court appearances or for transacting other legal businessReceipts and processes emotionally traumatic and graphic materialSchedules appointments and maintains calendarsCoordinates witness travelArranges for proper waiting location for witnesses, greet, support, and update all witnesses needed for trialProvides administrative support to include but not limited to, stamping files, filing, answering telephones, faxing, creating communications and making copiesMay prepare and process new cases for reviewMay receive payments and reconcile accountsMay run conflict checks on new cases assigned to the officeEssential functions of the position include but not limited to: sitting; working with and around others; dealing with interruptions; repetitive motion (hand/wrist, elbow/shoulder) for computer work, filing; vision acuity (near/far) for computer work and filing; hearing and speech for ordinary conversations; finger dexterity for typing. Must be able to lift 40+ pounds and push 75+ pounds.Minimum QualificationsLEGAL ASSISTANT I:MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Two years’ experience in a clerical or administrative position; OR any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position.This position is non-exempt from overtime.Knowledge, Skills And AbilitiesConsiderable knowledge of:Business English, spelling, arithmetic, punctuation, and grammarOffice practices and proceduresLegal procedures and terminologySkill InUse of computer systems, software programs, and other office machinesReport preparationAbility ToCompose correspondence dealing with legal and complex mattersMaintain composure working with individuals in a heightened emotional state under strict time constraintsField complaints and concerns Understand legal procedures and terminologyExercise sound independent judgment on a variety of problems in accordance with established departmental policies and proceduresPrioritize, plan and carry out assignmentsWork safely and support the culture of workplace safetyEstablish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the publicFollow written and verbal instructionsCommunicate effectively verbally and in writingCoconino County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.Employee BenefitsCoconino County offers a comprehensive employee benefitspackage to regular employees working 30 or more hours per week that includes:(Regular Part Time employees receive some benefits on a pro-rated basis. Temporary and Seasonal employees do not receive benefits. Elected officials are not eligible for vacation and sick leave.)Vacation/Annual LeaveSick Leave10 Holidays Per YearHealth Care InsuranceDental PlanVision PlanGroup Life InsurancePre-Tax Deduction PlanSick Leave Conversion PlanPersonal Day Purchase ProgramVacation Sell Back ProgramTuition Reimbursement ProgramWellness ProgramLong-Term DisabilityArizona State Retirement SystemEmployee Assistance ProgramOn-going Training OpportunitiesFree bus transportation/ EcoPass bus passElective CoverageDependent Medical, Dental, and VisionSupplemental Life (for employees & dependents)Flexible Spending AccountHealth Savings AccountTax-deferred investment programAccidental and Disability InsuranceShort Term Disability