LEGAL ASSISTANT II

The purpose of this position is to perform specialized clerical and administrative tasks in support of assigned attorneys. Incumbents perform work of a specialized nature which requires knowledge of operations, techniques, and procedures in the area of assignment. An incumbent in this position serves at the pleasure of the appointing authority.

• Provides litigation support for assigned attorneys; assembles motions, briefs, exhibits, pleadings, and related items according to proper formats as established by the courts; schedules depositions and special master hearings; prepares and maintains pleading index on ongoing litigation files; prepares documents and files in response to discovery motions; generates subpoenas and sends certified mail or arranges for hand delivery; and monitors court calendars and ensures adherence to critical dates for filings and discovery.
• Drafts complex legal documents, including briefs, motions, revocations, accusations, contempt’s, affidavits, interpleaders, pre-trial orders, warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, lis pendens, support petitions, pleadings, condemnations, nuisance abatements, lease agreements, bankruptcy pleadings, or other legal documents.
• Serves as liaison and point of contact for employees, attorneys, officials, and citizens for legal matters; receives, date stamps, and disburses hand-delivered and special delivery documents; and accepts service of process on behalf of assigned unit.
• Prepares and processes a variety of legal and court documents and information; gathers, transcribes, composes, drafts, amends, types, reviews, and submits accusations, witness lists, bond forfeitures, rule nisi, dismissals, motions, and other documentation to appropriate personnel and parties.
• Provides legal assistance to assigned attorneys; assembles motions and prepares documents according to guidelines; drafts and files legal documents; assists attorneys with case planning and development; gathers and organizes case information; redacts written discovery.
• Attends court to provide assistance to attorneys; updates court calendar; obtains and processes new applications; closes calendar after court; updates case system; uploads supporting documents; closes discovery.
• Monitors, tracks, and maintains documentation and information regarding cases, status of cases, hearings, amendments to court rules, case law, etc.; tracks court documents, filings, and scheduling; follows-up on docket entries, opinions, appeals, criminal complaints, warrants, etc.; conducts preliminary case research and runs criminal histories; forwards documentation and information to appropriate personnel; and compiles statistics and prepares related reports.
• Distributes documentation between department/staff members and internal/external individuals/agencies; distributes/delivers incoming faxes, mail, or other documentation to appropriate personnel; sorts, organizes, opens, and/or distributes incoming mail; processes outgoing mail; and copies and distributes forms, reports, correspondence, schedules, agendas, or other documentation.
• Greets visitors and the general public; provides information/assistance regarding department services, procedures, documentation, or other issues on the phone or in person; distributes forms and documentation; responds to questions or complaints; research problems/complaints; and initiates problem resolution.
• Relieves assigned staff of routine administrative tasks; screens telephone calls, mail, and other communications and initiates appropriate action/response; records dictation; types, composes, edits, and proofreads correspondence on behalf of staff; and records and/or transcribes correspondence, statements, minutes, or other information; and keeps staff informed of significant matters, messages, documentation, or other information.
• Maintains file system of various files/records; prepares files, organizes documentation, and files documents in designated order; retrieves/replaces files; enters records and documentation into computer; updates and verifies accuracy of information entered; prepares files for hearings and trials; ensures all documentation and records are included in files; and closes files as needed and in accordance with laws, rules, and regulations governing records retention.
• Maintains and prepares calendars; schedules and confirms appointments, meetings, interviews, conferences, court trials, hearings, substitutions, and related activities; creates, distributes, and updates calendar on a regular basis; and notifies parties involved of changes.
• Participates in programs, projects, and other unit activities, as assigned; performs program intake functions; supervises program participation; and maintains related documentation and records.
• Processes a variety of other documentation associated with department/division operations, within designated timeframes, and per established procedures; receives and reviews various documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards, or retains as appropriate; prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, and other documentation; compiles data for further processing or for use in preparation of department reports; and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records.
• Operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review, or modify data, utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, database, Internet, e-mail, or other software; and operates general office or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions.
• Communicates with court officials, supervisors, other County employees, attorneys, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:
Requires an associate degree in administrative services or related field, and three (3) years of related experience in providing administrative support in a court or legal setting, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in the area of assignment preferred.

Licenses or Certifications:
Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license. Must possess and maintain Paralegal certification. Must possess and maintain valid Notary Public certification. Depending on area of assignment, may be required to possess and maintain Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) Training Agency Coordinator certification.

Special Requirements:
None.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of local government operations, judicial and legal related programs, policies and plans, and modern office practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other similar programs.
• Skill in the use of computers and software applications related to the essential functions of the job.
• Skill in the management and processing of a variety of legal documents and filings.
• Skill in ensuring compliance with court policies and procedures.
• Skill in resolving problems and developing solutions.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in the management of files and records.
• Ability to meet and deal with employees and the public in an effective and courteous manner.
• Ability to get along with others, and work effectively with the public and co-workers.
• Ability to work flexible hours as needed.
• Ability to multi-task and work within deadlines.
• Ability to deal with confidential and sensitive matters.
• Ability to work with and process payments for accounts within the budget and department.
• Ability to use computers for data entry, word processing, and other relevant purposes.
• Ability to operate a copying machine.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The work is light work which requires exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects. Requires mental acuity including the ability to make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes, the ability to express ideas by means of the spoken word and have close visual acuity.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in a relatively safe, and secure work environment.

Henry County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions described in this job description. Henry County encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Henry County will comply with all applicable federal regulations and Henry County's insurance requirements governing workplace anti-drug and alcohol programs. Henry County employees shall be subject to the provisions of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988.