Administrative Assistant

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

The Montgomery County Public Defender’s Office (MCPDO) seeks zealous and dedicated administrative professionals to serve as Administrative Assistants. All MCPDO employees will provide high quality representation to indigent defendants. Ideal Administrative Assistants combine demonstrated interest in the representation of indigent clients with superior administrative skills. The Administrative Assistant is responsible for ensuring that all case files are organized and up-to-date, and that all clients receive the highest level of customer service.

Administrative Assistants will be one of several non-legal and legal professionals on the MCPDO team who work together to ensure that clients receive the highest level of legal and professional services possible. Because the performance requirements of this position entail regular access to highly privileged and confidential information, Administrative Assistants must comport themselves in a manner consistent with the responsibilities entrusted to the position.

• Creates and maintains physical and digital files;
• Prepares various documents (e.g., correspondence, internal memorandum, pleadings, and subpoenas), ensures that the documents are properly formatted and the spelling, punctuation, and grammar are correct;
• Edits and proofreads initial drafts, transcribes dictation, performs cite checking and assembles copies with attachments for filing and mailing;
• Communicates with attorneys, clients, various court officials and the public;
• Manages and maintains attorney calendars, including arranging meetings and conferences, and recording future court appearances on the office master calendar and the personal calendar of the Assistant Defender(s);
• Notifies clients of the dates and times of court appearances and appointments with the Assistant Defender(s) and defense experts;
• Files, serves, and delivers documents as necessary;
• Facilitates defense team communication by keeping all members as informed as possible;
• Transcribes dictation, case related audio tapes and court proceedings (e.g., 911 recordings, preliminary hearing tapes, plea tapes, witness interviews, etc.);
• Types, assembles, and prepares briefs;
• Reviews, assembles, and enters client/case information in office case management system;
• Assists counsel in the preparation for hearings and trials;
• Arranges for courier or express mail services and oversees outgoing mail;
• In some circumstances, serves as back‑up receptionist;
• Assists the Information Technology Officer with simple IT tasks.

• Working knowledge of legal secretarial principles, practices, and methods;
• An understanding of District and Circuit court rules and protocols;
• Working knowledge of the rules of grammar, punctuation, and spelling;
• Strong computer skills;
• Proficiency in various computer applications including the MS Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat and other legal office software;
• Skill in using general office equipment including scanners, copiers, multi‑line telephones, postage meters, etc.;
• Skill in working and communicating with the public;
• The ability to compile, assemble, and maintain large amounts of data and documents;
• The ability to type a minimum of 60 wpm and proficiency in using transcribing equipment;
• The ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
• The ability to establish and maintain active, healthy working relationships;
• The ability to prioritize work, manage time, and stay organized;
• A general understanding of office confidentiality practices, including attorney/client privilege;
• The ability to analyze and apply relevant policies and procedures to office operations;
• The ability to communicate orally and in writing;
• Experience in successfully providing legal support services to multiple attorneys;
• Experience in preparing and editing legal documents;
• The ability to successfully initiate and complete electronic filing of various documents on court websites;
• Promptness in notifying attorneys and clients of upcoming appointments in court, or with team members or community resource/treatment facility;
• The ability to appropriately screen and route…