LEGAL SECRETARY - PUBLIC DEFENDER

Jackson County; Jackson (MI); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The Jackson County Public Defender's Office has an immediate opening for a legal secretary. Under supervision, you will perform varied secretarial duties for the legal staff, processing criminal files from initiation to closure for all courts in the County.

Responsibilities include preparing motions, orders, subpoenas, briefs, and trial narratives while answering inquiries from attorneys and stakeholders. Strong typing and familiarity with legal terminology are essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; coursework in legal secretarial areas preferred.
• Knowledge of legal terminology and court procedures is helpful.
• Ability to type 50 words per minute with accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Process criminal files from initiation to closure for all courts in the County.
• Prepare and process legal documents including motions, orders, subpoenas, briefs, and trial materials.
• Respond to telephone callers and visitors; handle inquiries regarding procedures and case information.
• Collect preliminary information and take detailed notes as needed.

Skills

Legal terminology

Typing 50 wpm

Word processing

Paralegal awareness

Legal secretarial duties

Education

High school diploma

Advanced coursework in word processing/legal secretarial

Tools

Database systems

Merge functions

Network environments

Legal software applications

Job description

Position Summary

The Jackson County Public Defender's Office has an immediate opening for a legal secretary.

Position Description

Under the supervision of the Public Defender/Administrator or the Chief Deputy Public Defender, performs varied secretarial and support functions for the legal staff. Responsible for the processing of criminal files from initiation to closure for all courts in the County. Activities include preparing and processing legal documents including various motions, orders, writ of habeas corpus, subpoenas, briefs, trial narratives and outlines, and other legal forms and documents, and prepares proofs of service as appropriate.

Responds to telephone callers and visitors and answers inquiries of attorneys, parties, victims, witnesses, medical professionals and others regarding departmental procedures, schedules, case information and other matters. Collects preliminary information and completes appropriate forms or takes detailed notes.

Qualifications

• Education: High school graduation or equivalent. Advanced coursework in word processing, legal secretarial areas and/or paralegal training.
• Experience: Two to three years of prior typist/secretarial experience in a legal setting providing a knowledge of legal terminology and court procedures is preferred but not required. Requires some knowledge or experience with computer systems including database methodology, merge functions, network environments, and the software applications. Ability to type 50 wpm.