Legal Support Specialist

Department:                                Public Defender

Position Control Number:            0417-005

FLSA Status:                               Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime

Safety Sensitive Designation:     This position is not designated as safety-sensitive.

Random Drug/Alcohol Test:        No

Opening Date:                            October 3, 2025                           

Closing Date:                              October 12, 2025 at 11:59 PM

This job description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive.  It is intended to identify the essential functions and minimum qualifications of this job.  The incumbent(s) may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this job description.  Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign job-related responsibilities and tasks to this job at any time.  Certain functions are understood to be essential; these include, but are not limited to, attendance, getting along with others, working a full shift, and dealing with and working under stress.  Any essential function of this class will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant only to the extent medically

and reasonably feasible.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

JOB SUMMARY:  Provides legal secretarial support to the legal staff within the Public Defender’s Office.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

     * Answers and direct telephone calls.

     * Reviews incoming legal cases and documents for completeness and accuracy.

     * Prepares a variety of legal pleadings and correspondence to clients as directed by an attorney; submits to an attorney for review.

     * Processes all documents for court and legal action.

     * Maintains daily dockets for annual statistical reports.

     * Schedules pen calls for attorney staff to speak to clients for the preparation of trials.

     * Assembles all necessary case materials for an attorney in preparation for court.

     * Creates and maintains case files; updates narrative as the case progresses; enters case information into the appropriate database.

     * Prepares routine correspondence as assigned.

     * Provides information concerning case status to clients; answers questions from the general public.

     * Copies, files, and processes documents following office procedures.

     * Transcribes hearings, abstracts, and briefs.

     * Conducts research as requested by legal staff; reports findings in written or verbal form.

SECONDARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

     * Performs other related duties as required.

PERSONNEL SUPERVISED: None

WORKING CONDITIONS:  Work is performed primarily in a smoking-restricted office environment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES:

     *

          + Good Knowledge of the responsibilities and services provided by the Public Defender’s Office.   

          + Considerable knowledge of the preparation and maintenance of court dockets, legal documents, and case files.

          + Considerable knowledge of office practices, procedures, equipment, and terminology.

          + Good knowledge of filing and record-keeping systems.

          + Some knowledge of laws and policies that govern the functions of the Public Defender’s Office. 

          + Ability to maintain detailed accurate record-keeping systems.

          + Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

          + Ability to handle confidential materials in a reliable manner.

          + Ability to prepare narrative and informational reports.

          + Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

          + Ability to maintain detailed record keeping.

          + Ability to prepare numerical reports.

          + Ability to attend work regularly and reliably. 

          + Skill in the operation of a computer.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

     *

          + Ability to communicate orally in person and by telephone.

          + Digital dexterity is needed for keyboard operation.

          + Visual acuity is necessary for the use of a computer screen.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Completion of high school or GED equivalency; considerable clerical work experience with customer service or record-keeping in a legal, court system, or related area; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities.