Legal Assistant-Sheridan

Under the supervision of attorneys, the Legal Assistant performs a variety of paralegal tasks that assists attorneys in preparation of clients’ defense and appeals. Communicates and maintains contact with others within the judicial system and the corrections system in order to maintain schedules of attorneys for necessary appearances and client visits. The Legal Assistant predominately works at a high level alongside attorneys as a specialist in the legal area.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function which may be performed in the job level.

Consistently demonstrates analytical ability, administrative skills, ingenuity and independent judgment in their area.

Responsible for the organization of files and related paperwork

Answers phones, directs calls, and takes messages.

Opens and closes files (opening motions, file creation, letter to client, etc).

Coordinates calendars with attorneys, courts, and clients.

Responsible for calendaring court dates and mailing client notice of court

Sends letters to clients with court dates, court documents, etc.

First point of contact for clients both in person and on the telephone.

Assists attorneys in drafting pleadings and motions.

Functions as a liaison between the attorneys, courts, clients, witnesses and others.

Schedules and tracks deadlines to move cases forward and meet procedural requirements.

Enters pertinent data into designated computer systems/software programs, reviews, and verifies data.

Performs trial/court preparation work, may assist in trial.

Oversees and coordinates document production; compiles information necessary for reports and case development.

Prepares written and verbal correspondence with involved parties and attorneys.

Assists in the direction of work flow to others.

May conduct legal research as time allows and attorney requires.

Provides case management of discovery documents for disbursement.

Assists attorneys in drafting complex pleadings and discovery.

Serves as a key component at trial.

Gathers information by asking questions or determining sources for information to accurately assist public, law enforcement, attorneys.

Conducts legal research.

Processes subpoenas for law enforcement and witnesses.

Identifies appropriate laws, judicial decisions, legal articles and other materials that are relevant to assigned cases.

Verifies accuracy of cited cases.

Performs legal research using both traditional and computer databases to retrieve, organize, index and cross-reference legal materials.

Interviews witnesses.

Researches documents.

Qualifications

PREFERENCES:
Preference may be given to those with a Certificate or a National Association of Legal Assistants certificate as a CLA or ALS (Certified Legal Assistant) or CP (Certified Paralegal) or National Federation of Paralegal Association PACE Registered Paralegal.

KNOWLEDGE:
Knowledge of legal concepts, terminology, principles and procedures.

Knowledge of administrative law, terminology, principals and procedures.

Knowledge of the use of legal reference material and legal research.

Knowledge of state and federal court policies and procedures.

Knowledge of government and legislative processes.

Knowledge of Wyoming Statutes and agency mission goals, policies and procedures.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: Bachelor’s Degree (typically in Paralegal/Legal Studies) PLUS Experience: 0-2 years of progressive work experience (typically in Paralegal /Legal Studies) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Legal Support Specialist OR Education & Experience Substitution: 3-5 years of years of progressive work experience typically in Paralegal /Legal Studies) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Legal Support Specialist Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: OR a National Association of Legal Assistants certificate as a CLA or ALS (Certified Legal Assistant) or CP (Certified Paralegal) or National Federation of Paralegal Association PACE Registered Paralegal

Necessary Special Requirements

NOTES:
FLSA: Non-Exempt

Supplemental Information

008-Public Defender – Trial