Legal Secretary Appellate Division

Legal Secretary Appellate Division

The Legal Secretary is instrumental in ensuring the effective operations of the Appellate Defender Division by performing a variety of high level administrative and office support activities. This position's responsibilities are to ensure the smooth and effective operations of the office which include but are not limited to data input and maintaining files, scheduling appointments, providing correspondence, assisting clients and office staff with information requests, and ensuring that all court requirements are met.

A Legal Secretary provides exceptional customer services to all clients, courts and internal customers in support of the Appellate Defender Division and reports to the Office Manager.

Essential Functions (Major Duties or Responsibilities):

• Administrative Assistance (95%)
• Other Duties as Assigned (5%)

Physical and Environmental Demands:
Typical office environment, utilizing a computer, telephone system and other office equipment. Minimal travel may be required approximately 5% of the time to deliver or pickup items or to attend conferences and trainings.

Knowledge,

Skills and Abilities

(Behaviors):
Required for the first day of work:

• Knowledge of office administrative processes and procedures.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Professional customer service skills.
• Ability to operate personal computer and general office equipment as necessary to complete essential functions, including using spreadsheets, word processing, database, email, internet, and other computer programs.
• Ability to learn, understand, and consistently utilize the Agency's case management system.
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to plan, organize, and gather information.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Ability to accurately track numerous details simultaneously.
• Ability to perform tasks with accuracy while under pressure of strict deadlines.
• Ability to act with initiative, good judgment, and tact, often in stressful situations.
• Ability to comprehend, draft, and prepare a variety of legal documents.
• Ability to maintain professionalism when critiqued.
• Ability to work effectively with marginalized populations who are disproportionately impacted by the criminal justice system in Montana.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):
High school diploma or equivalent. One year of directly related office experience of performing a variety of office support or clerical work. Other combinations of directly related education and experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Preferred:
Knowledge of the functions, procedures and organization of a law office, courts, and law enforcement systems, and understanding of different aspects of the criminal justice system, including legal terminology.