Legal Assistant
POSITION SUMMARY:
This position serves as a critical member of the Office of Corporation Counsel, providing advanced legal administrative support essential to the effective delivery of legal services to the County. Responsibilities include the preparation, review, and processing of legal documents and court filings; coordination and management of legal calendars and schedules; preparation of materials and case files for court hearings, administrative proceedings, and other legal matters; and serves as a primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders involving time-sensitive legal matters. The position also performs specialized word processing, records management, and communications duties that support the efficient operation of the office and ensure compliance with legal and procedural requirements.
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.
– Schedules and prepares cases for court hearings, ensuring timely notice and adherence to legal requirements for: Chapter 48 Children in Need of Protection or Services and Termination of Parental Rights; Chapter 51 mental commitments and recommitments; Chapters 54/55 guardianship/protective placements and annual protective placement reviews, small claims and collection proceedings; and Zoning and other Code enforcement.
– Establishes case files, creates files for trial, and contacts individuals for court appearances, schedules hearing, trial dates and times, which must be completed in a very short timeframe such as 48 to 72 hours for initial hearings.
– Drafts and prepares legal documents for review by the office attorneys and filing with circuit courts, appellate courts and administrative tribunals, including, but not limited to: legal briefs, stipulations, orders, summonses, complaints, petitions, affidavits, notices, and subpoenas as set forth by state statutes, administrative code or Federal Rules.
– Tracks statutory deadlines, court dates, discovery deadlines, and case status information using case management system.
– Obtains certified copies of medical, state, and court records as needed for trial exhibits.
– Performs redactions of reports and court records for disclosure to parties to cases, defense attorneys, and Guardian ad Litems in compliance with Wisconsin statutes.
– Initiates contact with law enforcement officers and social workers to gather information, documents, and reports needed for case processing and exhibits.
– Maintains legal records and case files through accurate filing, indexing, retention, and records management practices to ensure compliance with statutory requirements.
– Assists attorneys during court proceedings and jury trials by coordinating witnesses, organizing exhibits, preparing documents, and providing courtroom support.
– Maintains scheduling calendars and reminder system for appointments, meetings, court proceedings and deadlines for department attorneys.
– Assists attorneys with legal research by locating statutes, regulations, case law, and related reference materials and preparing information in memorandum or other requested formats.
– Performs administrative support activities including document preparation, correspondence, scanning, copying, filing, mail processing, and maintenance of legal records.
– Serves as a receptionist by answering telephones and greeting visitors and provides general information and resources to citizens when requested.
– Updates legal resources with supplements and replacement pages.
– Prepares and maintains accurate meeting minutes for subcommittees to which an attorney is assigned.
– Notarizes documents for both staff and the public.
– Performs the job duties of the Paralegal in their absence.
– Other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
– Associate degree in legal assistant, paralegal, business administration, or closely related field.
– Minimum of two (2) years’ work experience in a legal setting or law office.
– Five (5) years’ previous work experience in an office with an emphasis on civil law will be considered in lieu of the required Associate degree.
– Must obtain Notary Public certification upon hire.
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: Corporation Counsel
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: