Legal Assistant / Secretary

Human Resource Department Portage County, Ohio; Ravenna (OH); On-site; USD 44,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Legal Assistant to support the Public Defender's Office. This role involves managing office operations, assisting attorneys with case preparations, and ensuring effective communication with clients. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of criminal court procedures, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to work independently. This full-time position offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the legal field while working in a supportive environment. If you are passionate about justice and eager to contribute, this could be the perfect role for you.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of work experience in a legal or office environment.
• Valid Ohio driver's license required.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily office operations and assist attorneys with case preparations.
• Interview clients to determine eligibility for representation.
• Prepare and send notices and documents to clients timely.

Skills

Knowledge of Criminal Court rules and procedures

Knowledge of law office functions

Effective communication skills

Computer proficiency

Ability to follow detailed instructions

Ability to work with little supervision

Education

Vocational or post-secondary education

Tools

Copier

Typewriter

Calculator

Computer

Printer

Job description

JOB OBJECTIVES: Incumbent is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the non-legal functions of the Public Defender's Office. A general management of office operations in the absence of the office manager.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Acting as a receptionist, answering and directing calls, and advising clients as to the status of their cases;
• Opening files on all new cases and logging information into the computer;
• Preparing pleadings and other documents for attorneys to review before filing with the Court;
• Documenting Court schedules from court notices for each attorney;
• Interviewing prospective clients to determine indigent eligibility for representation;
• Reviewing the court schedule daily and notifying attorneys on cases added to the daily court schedule;
• Preparing a preliminary list for Friday and ensuring attorneys have files;
• Preparing and sending on a timely basis all notices and letters to clients;
• Daily mail pickup and filings at the courthouse;
• Filing all entries and closed files in designated area.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Performs related Essential and Non-Essential functions as needed.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Equipment: Incumbent operates the following equipment: copier, typewriter, calculator, computer, and printer.

Critical Skills/Expertise:

• Knowledge of Criminal Court rules and procedures;
• Knowledge of law office functions;
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Knowledge of computers and related equipment;
• Ability to understand and follow detailed instructions;
• Ability to work with little supervision.

Job Standards: Vocational or post-secondary education is required, along with related training and 1-3 years' work experience. Must have a valid Ohio driver's license.

DIFFICULTY OF WORK

Work involves moderately complex, relatively standardized tasks, processes, and operations following established laws and procedures.

RESPONSIBILITY

Supervisor provides technical and detailed instructions regarding Court pleadings and filings, and reviews work daily. Incumbent makes general decisions regarding work independently. Errors in work could result in incorrect scheduling.

PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Incumbent has contact with co-workers, public sector employees, and institutional residents. The purpose of these contacts is to schedule clients and interview inmates.

PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Physical Requirements: Incumbent performs heavy work which may require lifting up to fifty (50) pounds occasionally.

Physical Activity: Incumbent performs the following physical activities: stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, pulling, lifting, fingering, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.

Visual Activity: Incumbent performs work where the seeing job is close to the eyes.

Job Location: Incumbent works inside with no exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

Position Requirements

Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time

Shift: Days

Union or Non-Union: Non-Union

Classified or Unclassified: Classified

Working hours: Monday - Friday / 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Salary: $43,814.37 / Annually

Position: Legal Assistant / Secretary

Close Date: N/A

Post Internal Days: 0

Number of Openings: 1

Exempt/Non-Exempt: Non-Exempt

Req Number: CLE-25-00011

Open Date: 4/16/2025

Location: Portage County Public Defender’s Office

EOE Statement: Portage County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation with the application and/or interview process, please notify the person from whom you obtained this application. All applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, medical condition or disability, veteran/reserve/national guard status, genetic information or any other legally protected status.

This position is currently accepting applications.