Legal Assistant
POSITION SUMMARY:
This position provides advanced administrative and legal support services to assist the District Attorney in the prosecution of criminal, traffic, civil forfeitures, and juvenile court proceedings. This position performs case management, legal document preparation, records coordination and litigation support functions in support of criminal and civil prosecutions. This position plays a vital role in supporting the effective administration of justice while maintaining strict confidentiality and professional standards.
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, for review by prosecutors, assisting in the prosecution of criminal, juvenile, traffic, and forfeiture cases.
· Creates, prepares and maintains criminal, traffic, juvenile and forfeiture prosecutor files and electronic case files in accordance with office procedures and records retention requirements.
· Answers, screens and responds to incoming calls and visitors in a highly professional manner.
· Contacts local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to obtain digital media, documents and reports needed for case preparation, management and/or prosecution.
· Assists in the redaction of investigative reports, files, court records, photographs, audio and visual recordings and other documents for disclosure to pro se defendants, defense attorneys and other persons in compliance with Civil and Criminal Rules of Procedure and Marsy’s Law.
· 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 contact for victims and witnesses in non-criminal cases.
· Schedules, coordinates, monitors, and resolves conflicts with weekly office calendar in conjunction with the court calendar.
· Prepares for and participates in mandatory pretrial conferences for traffic/forfeiture cases.
· Assists law enforcement in drafting search warrants and document subpoenas.
· Performs basic legal research including researching and reviewing Wisconsin statutes, administrative code provisions, and local ordinances relevant to criminal cases; reviewing court records and prior case dispositions to assist in determining appropriate charging decisions; and researching interstate and jurisdictional matters involving, warrants, extraditions, subpoenas and records requests.
· Generates and interprets criminal history and driving records and maintains confidentiality pursuant to Crime Information Bureau guidelines. Research prior offenses to assist in determining appropriate charging decisions. This may require obtaining additional documents/information to assist with charging decision/case prosecution.
· Assists attorneys with trial preparation, including preparing trial notebooks, exhibits lists, witness lists and other litigation materials.
· Obtains certified copies of medical, state and court records as needed for court exhibits.
· Tracks statutory deadlines, court dates, discovery compliance and case status information within case management system.
· Serves as a trial assistant in major and complex cases by providing direct litigation support to attorneys during court proceedings. Responsibilities include documenting witness testimony for use in trial strategy and closing arguments and facilitating the logistical and operational activities necessary for effective case presentation.
· Prepares and files appellate briefs pursuant to Wisconsin Supreme Court Rules.
· Provides general administrative support by processing court filings and correspondence, notarizing documents, assisting with staff training, and performing other office support functions necessary for efficient department operations.
· Other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
· Associate degree in paralegal, criminal justice, legal assistant, or closely related field.
· Minimum of two (2) years of legal support or paralegal experience preferred, particularly in criminal law, civil litigation, law enforcement or court operations
· Five (5) years of legal support or paralegal experience in an office with an emphasis in criminal law or civil litigation will be considered in lieu of the required associate degree.
LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
· Must be TIME System certified (State of Wisconsin Transaction Information for the Management of Enforcement) within six (6) months from date of hire.
· Notary public certification within one (1) year from date of hire.
· Must successfully pass criminal background check.
Starting pay is determined within the expected hiring range based on qualifications, directly related experience, and internal equity. Employees may advance through the full salary range in accordance with County policy.
Expected Hiring Range: $24.10 – 27.27/hour
Full Salary Range: $24.10 – $33.59/hour
Department: District Attorney
FTE: 1.0
St. Croix County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We take affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to an individual’s race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, disability, marital status, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.
Deadline Note: