Office Administrator

New Hampshire Public Defender; Laconia (NH); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

New Hampshire Public Defender seeks an Office Administrator to ensure smooth operation, case intake, and assignment processes. The role supervises legal assistants and office staff, guiding training and performance, while maintaining confidentiality and a professional environment.

Responsibilities include managing supplies and facilities, promoting teamwork, and enforcing office policies with a focus on client-centered service and ethical standards.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience as a legal assistant or paralegal or similar role in a legal setting.
• Supervisory experience is highly desired.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience considered.

Responsibilities

• Process incoming cases and perform conflict checks.
• Maintain a welcoming, professional atmosphere for clients and staff.
• Manage office administration, supplies, equipment, and facilities.
• Promote teamwork, open communication, and staff development.
• Lead support team and oversee staff workflow.
• Conduct timely, constructive performance evaluations.
• Uphold policies, guidelines, and core values of the office.

Skills

Leadership

Confidentiality

Problem solving

Organizational skills

Editing / proofreading

Legal terminology

Education

Post-secondary education

Tools

Microsoft Word

Job description

Description

The Office Administrator plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of our office. They ensure that all incoming cases are received, logged, and recorded for assignment. They work closely with the Managing Attorney and the clerks of the court to facilitate office functions. The Office Administrator supervises the administrative support staff (legal assistants/office assistants) and provides critical guidance, mentoring, and training for them.

Duties include, but may not be limited to:

• Process incoming cases and perform conflict checks.
• Maintain a welcoming and professional atmosphere in the office, creating a positive experience for clients, visitors, and staff members.
• Manage and coordinate all aspects of office administration, such as managing office supplies, equipment, and facilities maintenance.
• Foster a positive and inclusive work environment, promoting teamwork, open communication, and professional growth among the staff.
• Lead support team to competently perform the necessary operations and tasks of the office, and closely oversee staff workflow.
• Conduct performance evaluations that are timely and constructive.
• Ensure management of program through consistent application of policies and guidelines. Handles discipline of direct reports as needed and in accordance with company policy.
• Uphold the core values of New Hampshire Public Defender, including compassion for clients, honesty, and respect in all aspects of the role.

Requirements

Education and Experience

• A minimum of two (2) years experience as a legal assistant or paralegal, or similar role in legal field.
• Prior supervisory experience is highly desired.
• Post-secondary education is highly desired.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Maintains a professional appearance and works in collaboration with the staff to similarly maintain a professional environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to make decisions independently and resolve issues effectively.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities and the capability to inspire and motivate others.
• Knowledge of legal office procedures and familiarity with legal terminology.
• Adherence to ethical standards and a commitment to maintaining confidentiality. Works well under pressure and demonstrates proactive attitude toward problem solving, conflict resolution and the needs of the office and administrative staff.
• Working knowledge of the principles of personnel management, including ability to organize work, create work plans, assign duties, and oversee completion of a variety of tasks.
• Excellent keyboarding skills as well as proofreading and editing skills are a requirement. Strong word processing skills and familiarity with other standard office and computer systems.

Physical Requirements

Physical requirements include retrieving and distributing files, written documents, or office supplies weighing up to 20 pounds; retrieving and replacing objects from shelves up to eight feet high; sitting and keyboarding for extended periods of time.

This is a salaried position. A full-time work week for New Hampshire Public Defender is 37.5 hours.