Legal Assistant

LEGAL ASSISTANT -

The essential function of the position within the organization is to provide broad administrative, organizational, and clerical support to a family law General Magistrate. The position requires someone who is self-motivated, has a keen eye for detail, completes assignments timely, and can maintain the confidentiality and sensitivity of matters before the Magistrate. The successful candidate must have the ability to ensure that all persons are treated with courtesy, dignity, and respect, while providing equal access to the Court through very detailed administrative work.

Examples of Work The General Magistrate Assistant performs a variety of secretarial, administrative, and clerical duties managing the daily office operations. A variety of working relationships are established with State Courts System personnel, judges and non-judicial officers, judicial assistants, and the public. The position works independently and exercises discretion in dealing with confidential and sensitive information relating to court cases. Work is performed under the general supervision of a General Magistrate.

Answer telephone calls and assist callers; directs callers to other departments, as appropriate; drafts, types, and emails daily dockets; draft and process recommended orders; prepare and process final orders for the presiding judge; maintains the calendar for the General Magistrate and schedules hearings as appropriate.

Education and Experience Guidelines High school diploma or GED and two years of college or vocational school education in paralegal, secretarial skills, computer operations, or a closely related field. Two years of related work experience. Competencies Legal experience necessary; family law experience preferred but not required;
Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook);
Knowledge of the rules of English grammar, spelling, punctuation;
Ability to compose, proof read, and edit correspondence and reports;
Communicate clearly and effectively;
Interact effectively with the general public;
Maintain confidentiality concerning sensitive information;
Work under pressure and meet deadlines;
Establish work priorities;
Analyze court files for completeness of appropriate legal documentation.