Public Defender Legal Assistant

Halifax County, NC - USA

Monthly Salary: $ 45000 - 50000

Posted on: Yesterday

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Agency

Indigent Defense Services

Division

PUBLIC DEFENDER 7 DISTRICT

Job Classification Title

Public Defender Legal Assistant (S)

Position Number

Grade

About Us

DO YOUR CAREER JUSTICE! Each and every day North Carolinas courts help provide safety for our communities prosperity for our economy and protection for the rights liberties and freedoms that sit at the foundation of our state and federal constitutions. Consider an exciting and rewarding career with us and join the more than 7000 elected officials and employees who make up our workforce and help us ensure that justice is administrated without favor denial or delay.

Description of Work

Salary Range: $45000.00 - $50000.00

The Office of the Public Defender District 7 which consists of Bertie Halifax Hertford and Northampton counties seeks a qualified individual to play a critical role in supporting the attorneys of the office. The position combines administrative case management and client service responsibilities to ensure the smooth operation of the office and the delivery of effective legal defense. Legal Assistants are often the first point of contact for clients and are essential in keeping case information organized accessible and up-to-date.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

The duties of this position include but are not limited to:

Administrative and Office Support

Manage attorney calendars schedule appointments and maintain the office-wide calendar.
Draft type and format legal documents letters and reports.
File and serve court documents accurately and timely.
Answer screen and route incoming calls professionally.
Maintain the file room and ensure case files are properly opened and closed.

Case File and Data Management

Open and assign new client files to Assistant Public Defenders or private appointed counsel as needed.
Enter and update client and case information in the client tracker system.
Track and maintain case deadlines court dates and key milestones.
Organize and maintain digital and physical case files ensuring information is accurate and complete.
Update and manage the attorney work hour spreadsheet to monitor caseloads and hours worked.

Client and Stakeholder Communication

Serve as a liaison between clients and attorneys providing status updates and scheduling appointments.
Assist clients during intake by collecting documentation and verifying information.
Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate professionalism in all interactions.
Gather and update contact information for clients witnesses and other stakeholders.

Trial Preparation Support

Assist with compiling discovery materials such as police reports witness statements and evidence.
Prepare case summaries subpoenas and witness lists for hearings and trials.
Coordinate with courts law enforcement and other legal professionals as needed.

Office Coordination and Team Support

Provide onboarding support and basic training to new staff on office systems and procedures.
Participate in ongoing training to stay informed about office protocols and legal processes.
Assist attorneys and colleagues with additional administrative tasks as needed.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

Strong organizational and multi-tasking skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication.
High attention to detail and accuracy.
Ability to manage sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word Excel and Outlook.
Capable of independently handling communications and routing them appropriately.
Knowledge of legal office procedures filing systems and court documentation processes.

Supplemental and Contact Information:

INSTRUCTIONS:

Applicants must complete an on-line application by clicking the above APPLY link. Mailed or faxed applications willnotbe accepted.

Before applying please read theOnline Employment Application Guidefor instructions on creating your profile and applying for specific postings.

It is important your application includes all of your relevant education and work experience and that you answer all questions associated with the application to receive proper credit. Résumés are not accepted in lieu of fully completed applications.

*NOTE*Many job postings require certain documents be attached to an application. Verify your application is complete and uploaded documents are attached to your applicationbeforesubmitting it. Applications may not be altered after they have been submitted.

All NC Judicial Branch agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers.

The North Carolina Judicial Branch participates in E-Verify an internet-based system that compares information from an employees Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification to data from the US Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility. To learn more click on these links:

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Travis Davis
NC Administrative Office of the Courts
Human Resources Division
Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an equivalent combination of education and experience. If that language appears below then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

High school graduation or equivalency certificate and one (1) year of legal clerical experience.

Attach cover letter and résumé.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination harassment or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy childbirth or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs observances and practices.

Recruiter:

Travis Davis

Email:

Required Experience:

Junior IC

AgencyIndigent Defense ServicesDivisionPUBLIC DEFENDER 7 DISTRICTJob Classification TitlePublic Defender Legal Assistant (S)Position NumberGradeAbout UsDO YOUR CAREER JUSTICE! Each and every day North Carolinas courts help provide safety for our communities prosperity for our economy and protection ...