Legal Assistant - Public Defender

This is a full-time, FLSA non-exempt position with Carson City Public Defender's Office. Individuals may choose between the following PERS Retirement plans:

• Employer-Paid PERS Retirement: $25.0175 - 35.0244 hourly / $52,036. annually
• Employee/Employer-Paid PERS Retirement: $30.1807 - 42.2530 hourly / $62,775. annually

In addition to an outstanding retirement plan, this position is afforded the excellent benefits set forth in the Carson City Employees Association labor contract.

• Performs confidential legal office support work, which may require the exercise of independent judgment, the application of technical skills, or a knowledge of detailed or specialized activities related to the Public Defender’s Office.
• Receives and screens visitors and telephone calls, providing information regarding the particular area of assignment, which may require the use of judgment and interpretation of policies and procedures.
• Processes a variety of legal documents following instructions.
• Drafts pleadings, subpoenas, briefs, and other legal documents and correspondence, memoranda and reports from stenographic notes, brief instructions, dictated tapes or printed materials.
• Uses a computer for word processing and to input or retrieve data and prepare reports.
• Calendars and schedules court dates, meetings, and appointments for attorneys; and files or arranges for the filing of paperwork with the court.
• Researches and compiles a variety of informational materials.
• Initiates specified correspondence independently for signature by appropriate staff; and reviews finished materials for completeness, accuracy, format, compliance with policies and procedures, and appropriate English language.
• Organizes and maintains legal files as directed.
• Relieves attorneys of certain administrative matters by following-up on projects, transmitting information, keeping informed of pertinent activities, and scheduling and arranging for meetings.
• Organizes own work, sets priorities, and meets critical deadlines.
• Contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the Public Defender’s Office service to its customers by offering suggestions and directing or participating as an active member of a team.
• Provides a variety of general secretarial and office administrative assistance.
• Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with the public and City staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

High school diploma or GED AND two (2) years of clerical or administrative experience in a legal or court office; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience as determined by Human Resources.

• None

Knowledge of:

• The use of specified computer applications involving word processing, data entry and/or standard report generation.
• Microsoft Office suite.
• Business arithmetic.
• Office administrative practices and procedures.
• Record keeping principles and practices.
• Correct business English, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Legal office terminology, processes, procedures, and the format for legal documents.
• Techniques for dealing with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, in person and over the telephone.

Skill in:

• Making accurate arithmetic calculations.
• Establishing, maintaining, and researching office files, composing correspondence independently or from brief instructions.
• Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence,…