Legal Assistant for Public Defender Office

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Franklin (VA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

The Indigent Defense Commission is seeking a Legal Assistant in Franklin/Smithfield to support the Public Defender Office with essential administrative and clerical duties. The role involves greeting visitors, managing calls, and handling legal documents with attention to detail.

Applicants should have strong knowledge of office practices, Microsoft Word and Excel, and Google Suite, plus excellent communication skills and the ability to work both independently and in a team within a fast-paced

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of office practices and procedures for memos and letters.
• Experience with Word and Excel.
• Familiarity with Google Suite applications.
• Experience creating and managing filing systems (electronic and manual).
• Effective written and oral communication; able to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to communicate compassionately with clients and others in the legal system.

Responsibilities

• Greet persons entering the Public Defender Office and operate a multi-line telephone system.
• Screen and forward calls, provide information, take messages, schedule appointments.
• Type, edit, and review memos, letters, and legal documents.
• Maintain filing and record-keeping system (electronic and manual).
• Sort, distribute, and prepare mail.
• Interact with public defender office colleagues, clients, and judicial system personnel.

Skills

Communication (oral & written)

Independent & collaborative work

Typing / keyboarding

Adaptability in fast-paced environment

Criminal justice familiarity

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Google Docs

Gmail

Job description

The Indigent Defense Commission is seeking a Legal Assistant in Franklin/Smithfield to support the Public Defender Office with essential administrative and clerical duties. The role involves greeting visitors, managing calls, and handling legal documents with attention to detail.

Applicants should have strong knowledge of office practices, Microsoft Word and Excel, and Google Suite, plus excellent communication skills and the ability to work both independently and in a team within a fast-paced