Legal Assistant III (Criminal Case & Docket Management)

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Salary Range (Min-Mid)

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Job Description

Applicants for this position are required to submit a résumé and encouraged to submit a cover letter to provide additional information about their qualifications and interest in the position.

DEFINITION AND DUTIES:

Under general supervision, researches and prepares various litigation-related documents for the County Attorney’s Criminal Division. Performs litigation support services for the County Attorney and Assistant County Attorneys. Prepares schedules for performance of department business by others, responds to inquiries for information from the public requiring thorough knowledge of departmental policies, and coordinates inter-departmental communications. 

Knowledge of:

• Basic criminal law 
• Iowa Civil and/or Criminal court procedures 
• Current office practices and procedures, including legal terminology
• English language to include grammar, spelling, punctuation, sentence structure and vocabulary skills

Ability to:

• Learn, apply, and articulate departmental policies and procedures
• Represent Johnson County and perform duties in a professional, responsible and trustworthy manner 
• Perform clerical tasks with a high degree of speed and accuracy
• Maintain confidentiality and security of information as appropriate
• Make decisions requiring interpretation and judgment
• Follow verbal and written instructions
• Collect data, keep accurate records, and prepare specialized reports
• Be detail-oriented when working with documents and information
• Operate common office equipment such as photocopiers, including scanner and fax functions, calculators, postage machines, and multi-line telephones  
• Type a minimum of 55 wpm
• Organize and present facts, ideas, and opinions clearly and concisely, orally and in writing
• Provide customer service that is courteous and responsive
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with co-workers, public officials, law enforcement personnel, victims of crimes, witnesses, other departments, agencies, and members of the public
• Interact effectively with persons representing widely divergent backgrounds, interest, and points of view
• Organize and prioritize multiple time-sensitive responsibilities
• Handle moderate levels of stress, meet deadlines and solve problems appropriate to the position
• Stand, sit, squat, kneel, bend, twist, reach, and use a step stool as needed
• Lift and/or move up to 25 pounds as needed
• Have clarity of speech and hearing which permits effective communication
• Have sufficient vision which permits moderate to heavy production and review of a wide variety of materials in both electronic and hardcopy forms
• Have sufficient manual dexterity to make handwritten notations and which permits moderate to heavy use of keyboards and mouse
• Sufficient personal mobility to complete field work at various facilities
• Read and understand pleadings, including dispositional orders, complaints, charging documents, probation and contempt documents and other litigation documents 
• Draft documents for filing in court and related to litigation 
• Become certified to access criminal histories 
• Maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, public officials, law enforcement personnel, victims of crimes, witnesses, other departments, agencies, and members of the public 
• Use a computer for the purposes of word processing, research, data entry, spreadsheets, and creating presentations 
• Quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information and/or technology 
• Create filing systems; maintain files and important documents in accordance with departmental guides and practices 
• Work occasional overtime as needed

MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

Associate’s degree in paralegal studies, legal assistant program or related field AND at least three (3) years of experience with the court system in a criminal law office or litigation support OR any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the work. 

Special requirements: Valid driver’s license and insurable under county liability coverage.

Obtain and maintain Notary Public certification within 1-year of hire.

SPECIFIC DUTIES:to be performed satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation

The following duties are normal for this position.  These are not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive.  Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Provides litigation assistance to attorneys, including reviewing charges for accuracy, and docketing court deadlines. 
• Provides legal support services for the County Attorney and Assistant County Attorneys by preparing pleadings in routine cases.  
• Manages initiation of all new criminal cases in a timely manner and reviews criminal complaints to provide accurate information and deadline compliance in each case. 
• Reviews and interprets all initial appearance orders, including waivers and appearances. 
• Process intake documents, warrants, and reports for new and existing cases. 
• Profiles court documents, reports, and warrants. 
• Maintains demographic information.  
• Reviews and interprets all routine and substantive orders, including but not limited to; sentencings, restitution orders, search warrant application, and no contact orders 
• Reviews and interprets all search warrant applications. 
• Responsible for entry of case outcomes and charge statistics.
• Maintains and manages court docket for criminal attorneys to ensure adequate coverage.
• Composes and sends correspondence for attorneys.
• Performs general clerical duties such as photocopying, e-filing, filing, faxing, typing, sorting and distributing of mail, and making deliveries. 
• Assists with telephone answering; responds to questions from callers and walk-ins seeking assistance or information.
• Attends court hearings and work-related meetings; participates in committees, conferences, and seminars as requested.
• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with County policies, procedures, and safety practices.
• Attends work at the designated place and time.

Supplemental Description

Johnson County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the Employer. For assistance please contact: Human Resources at humanresources@johnsoncountyiowa.gov or 319-356-6003.

Compensation Grade