Legal Assistant
POSITION SUMMARY:
This position is to perform skilled legal administrative support work to assist the District Attorney in the prosecution of criminal, traffic, civil forfeitures, child protection cases and juvenile court proceedings by independently gathering and maintaining prosecution files and maintaining communication to other parties for efficient handling of cases.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be required and assigned.
• Assigns and enters new referrals received from law enforcement agencies. Independently drafts legal documents, criminal complaints, summons, warrants, ordinance violations, juvenile petitions, motions, discovery, orders, briefs and routine letters assisting in the prosecution of criminal, juvenile, traffic, and forfeiture cases.
• Creates, prepares and maintains criminal, traffic, juvenile and forfeiture prosecutor files.
• Answers, screens and responds to incoming calls and visitors in a highly professional manner.
• Contacts law enforcement and state and federal agencies to obtain essential documents and/or information needed for case preparation, management and/or prosecution.
• Prepares and processes subpoenas, interstate subpoenas, Writs of Habeas Corpus, and Orders for Transport for upcoming court proceedings.
• Contacts and/or assists victims and witnesses in criminal and juvenile cases as needed. Serves as primary contacts for victims and witnesses in non-criminal cases.
• Schedules, coordinates, monitors, and resolves conflicts with weekly office calendar in conjunction with the court calendar.
• Conducts in-person settlement conferences with defendants prior to pretrial conferences for traffic/forfeitures cases. Prepares for and participates in mandatory pretrial conferences for traffic/forfeiture cases if no resolution.
• Assists law enforcement in drafting search warrants and document subpoenas.
• Generates criminal histories and driving records and maintains confidentiality pursuant to Crime Information Bureau guidelines. Researches prior offenses to assist in determining appropriate charging decision. This may require obtaining additional documents/information to assist with charging decision/case prosecution.
• Provides in-courtroom assistance to prosecutors, as needed.
• Processes, files, and distributes incoming and outgoing mail, court filings, and faxes.
• Assists the Diversion Program in preparing diversion agreements. Provides backup assistance to the Diversion Program in the absence of the assigned staff.
• Prepares and files appellate briefs pursuant to Wisconsin Supreme Court Rules.
• Notarizes documents as required.
• Other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
• Associates degree in paralegal, criminal justice, legal assistant, or closely related field
• Minimum of two (2) years’ previous work experience in a law office with an emphasis in criminal law or civil litigation.
• Three (3) + years of experience preferred.
LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
• Must be TIME System certified (State of Wisconsin Transaction Information for the Management of Enforcement) within one (1) year from date of hire.
• Must obtain Notary Public certification within six (6) months from date of hire.
• Must successfully pass criminal background check.
Posting Pay Range: $21.99-$29.60
Posting Expected Pay Range: $21.99-$24.64
Department: District Attorney
FTE: 1.0
Deadline Note:
