This classification performs management of criminal support staff and advanced level legal assistance for the District Attorney’s Office and is responsible for organizing, supervising and training the criminal support staff, including victim assistance, and performs technical legal assistant research and drafting of legal documents, as required.  As legal assistant supervisor, this classification formally supervises two or more full-time legal assistants, and full- and part-time legal, office and clerical staff.

EXAMPLES OF PRINCIPAL DUTIES

(Duties assigned to this classification include, but are not limited to, the following examples.  Any one position may not perform all listed tasks.)

1. Assume responsibility for managing the office of the District Attorney serving as administrative assistant. Duties include: act as liaison between department and public providing information requiring knowledge of policy and procedure, maintaining fiscal, employee, office supplies and equipment records; prepare department head correspondence, make reservations and prepare necessary vouchers for travel; compile and prepare quarterly reports; prepare work orders. 

2. Formally supervise two or more full time legal assistants and full- and part-time office and clerical staff in the operations of the District Attorney’s office.  Is instrumental in selection, training and evaluation of employees; plan, organize, assign, coordinate and review work of support staff; design and recommend new procedures and change in work flow. 

3. Determine sequence of procedural steps to move paperwork through department  in a timely manner.  Monitor work schedules to ensure timely completion of legal tasks on time in accordance with court and statutory time frames. 

4. Develop, establish, maintain, and oversee departmental routines and office procedures, computerized systems, files, forms and recordkeeping. 

5. Draft and independently prepare complex  legal documents, petitions, pleadings, summons, findings of fact, conclusions, orders, and other material of a confidential nature from brief verbal instructions, notes, or personal knowledge and research.  Research information from files, manuals, journals, judgments, and library that will support document preparation.  Schedule hearings with docket clerk; maintain case docket. 

6. Assist with budget preparation; monitor fiscal expenditures, and, process office financial transactions. Receive contract funds and monitor department contracts. 

7. Attend meetings or hearings and prepare minutes; may participate in the absence of the department head.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY REQUIRED OF THIS POSITION

Knowledge of:  Thorough knowledge of legal office practices, procedures, documents, ethics, legal terminology, phrases, criminal justice system; thorough knowledge of business English, grammar, and composition; thorough knowledge of practices, procedures and policies of a legal office in the public sector and its relationship to courts, municipal government, attorneys.  Skill in:  Use of modern office equipment which includes automated equipment and systems; processing information on a computer.  Ability to:  Communicate effectively in oral and written forms; develop, improve, and implement office procedures, forms, systems; perform advanced and highly responsible legal secretarial and administrative support work; prepare and type contracts; independently conduct departmental research and prepare legal reports and correspondence; plan, organize, and supervise the work of support staff; establish and maintain records, reports, fiscal and statistical data; make decisions independently in accordance with established policies, establish new policies when applicable, and use initiative and judgment in completing tasks and responsibilities; type with speed and accuracy; courteously meet and deal effectively with other employees, other agency officials, court personnel, law enforcement officials, attorneys, committees, advisory boards, vendors, clients and families and the public.

Education, experience and training:  Five years clerical experience of a progressively responsible nature, two years of which must have been in a public or private law office and includes supervisory experience OR a satisfactory equivalent combination of education, experience and training.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS OF THIS POSITION

This classification works under the direction of the District Attorney and/or his designee.   Recurring, routine assignments are independently performed by employee based on past experience.  The employee receives general instructions regarding the scope and approach to projects or assignments, but procedures and problem resolution are left to employee discretion and interpretation.  Employee works independently and estimates and manages time efficiently.  Work is reviewed periodically to ensure determinations and decisions made are in compliance to department policy and procedures.

GUIDELINES

Work is performed within departmental policy and procedures, federal, state and county statutes, rules, regulations and ordinances; court regulations and procedures; criminal and civil codes; numerous legal reference materials and manuals; various dictionaries and secretarial handbooks.  The employee uses seasoned judgment, initiative and experience in independently interpreting and applying guidelines and contributes to modifications of existing guidelines by recommending changes or adapting guidelines to problems encountered.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Regular and consistent attendance is required.  Works in an office environment; work is generally sedentary; however, may require bending, hearing voice conversation, keyboarding, kneeling, lifting up to 50 pounds, pushing, reaching, standing and walking.