Sr Legal Assistant

Lake County, IL; Waukegan (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Lake County Government is seeking a Senior Legal Assistant to support the State’s Attorney’s Office in the misdemeanor division. The role involves handling Traffic and Misdemeanor case information, preparing petitions and notices, and providing administrative support to Attorneys and Victim Specialists.

The position requires knowledge of the criminal court system, ability to work independently, and discretion in handling confidential information.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; college courses or legal admin experience preferred.
• Experience in a law or legal office is advantageous.
• Ability to learn SAO case management system and legal documentation procedures.

Responsibilities

• Operate computer and standard office software.
• Access SAO case management system for Traffic and Misdemeanor case information and status.
• Generate legal documents such as petitions, orders, motions, notices, subpoenas, and related documents.
• Provide administrative support to Traffic and Misdemeanor Attorneys and Victim Specialists.
• Assist reception and notarize documents as needed.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Oral communication

Written communication

Judgment

Planning & organizing

Adaptability

Dependability

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma + related college courses or 4 years legal admin experience

Tools

Outlook

Word

Excel

Job description

Are you looking for a challenging role within an organization that provides rewarding compensation, an excellent benefit package, and career growth opportunities? If so, Lake County Government is the place for you. Comprised of nearly 3,000 employees, it is our goal to positively serve the residents of Lake County while working with a purpose. We believe our employees should take pride in the work they accomplish while truly respecting a collaborative work environment.

Performs administrative and legal support work for the State’s Attorney’s Office. The role requires knowledge of the criminal court system and its procedures, an understanding of legal terms, forms, and documents, as well as familiarity with the flow of a case from initial filing through post-disposition. The position involves managing a high volume of cases and handling a variety of tasks, including accessing databases to obtain and enter case information, preparing legal documents, correspondence, and notices utilizing the SAO case management system. The job requires sound judgment, the ability to work independently, and the flexibility to adjust processes as situations change. The work of a Senior Legal Assistant is performed in our misdemeanor division. Work is performed under the general supervision of a Division Chief.

• Operate a computer, perform various PC operations, software, and case management system.
• Utilize copiers, printers, scanners, and other office equipment.
• Access and utilize the SAO case management system for Traffic and Misdemeanor case information and status.
• Generate legal documents such as petitions, orders, motions, notices, subpoenas, informations, and related documents.
• Request and share case information with Records departments from Law Enforcement Agencies
• Prepare Traffic and Misdemeanor court call material for Attorneys.
• Scan and link Traffic and Misdemeanor evidence from Axon to eProsecutor.
• Perform criminal history checks for Traffic and Misdemeanor cases by accessing Law Enforcement Data Systems (LEADS).
• Complete and forward uniform disposition reports to Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification for State's Attorney’s Office compliance with federal rules and regulations and State statute.
• Provide Administrative assistance to Traffic and Misdemeanor Attorneys as well as Victim Specialists.
• Assist Reception as necessary.
• Notarize documents for Traffic and Misdemeanor Attorneys.
• Perform related work as required or assigned.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS ABILITIES

• Considerable knowledge of PC operations and software (Outlook, Word, Excel) is required.
• Good knowledge of practices and procedures of a law/legal office.
• Good knowledge of the court system, legal forms, documents and terminology.
• Ability to compose legal documents, reports and correspondence.
• Maintain complex legal records and prepare material from such sources.
• Excellent telephone skills and knowledge of the operation of a multiple-line telephone system.
• Ability to operate a high-volume telephone system calmly and efficiently.
• Good knowledge of office equipment.
• Good knowledge of general math, spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
• Readily acquire knowledge of applicable policies and procedures.
• Make minor decisions in accordance with laws, ordinances, and established office procedures.
• Ability to prioritize work and maintain workflow in a hectic environment.
• Ability to identify questions that should be answered by an attorney.
• Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely.
• Ability to use good judgment, tact and courtesy.
• Ability to exercise discretion, confidentiality, and uphold the ethical standards of the legal profession.

COMPETENCY:

• Analytical – Analyzes complex or diverse information; collects and researches data; uses intuition and experience to complement data; designs workflows and procedures.
• Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions.
• Oral Communication– Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and seeks clarification; responds well to questions; participates in meetings.
• Written Communicati on – Writes clearly and informatively; edits work for spelling and grammar; varies writing style to meet needs; presents numerical data effectively; reads and interprets written information.
• Change Management– Develops workable implementation plans; communicates changes effectively.
• Quality Management – Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
• Organizational Support– Follows policies and procedures; completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; supports organizational goals and values.
• Strategic Thinking – Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; adapts strategies to changing conditions.
• Judgment – Shows willingness to make decisions; exercises sound and accurate judgment; supports and explains reasoning for decisions; includes appropriate people in the decision-making process; makes timely decisions.
• Planning/Organizing – Prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently.
• Professionalism – Approaches others in a tactful manner; reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect and consideration regardless of status or position; accepts responsibility for actions; follows through on commitments.
• Quantity – Meets productivity standards; completes work in a timely manner; strives to increase productivity; works efficiently.
• Safety and Security – Observes safety and security procedures; uses equipment and materials properly.
• Adaptability – Adapts to changes in the work environment; manages competing demands; adjusts approach or method to best fit the situation; handles frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Attendance/Punctuality – Is consistently at work and on time.
• Dependability – Follows instructions; responds to management direction; takes responsibility for actions; keeps commitments.
• Initiative– Seeks increased responsibilities; takes independent action.

PHYSIOLOGICAL FACTORS:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS:

• Ability to effectively and professionally handle and respond to verbally abusive individuals or disparaging conduct.
• Ability to maintain pleasant working relationships.
• Ability to operate under continuous pressure.
• Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously.

EDUCATION:

Completion of a standard high school program supplemented by college courses, business classes/training, and computer/software classes and four years ‘experience in administrative support work in a law or legal related area; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.Reasonable accommodations may be made to perform the essential functions. This job description describes a general category of jobs. In order to meet the needs of the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office, employees may be assigned other duties, in addition to or in lieu of those described above, and any duties are subject to change at any time.

Lake County offers a competitive salary and benefit package. We also offer flexible working hours, and a comprehensive wellness and training program. Visit our Prospective Employee page to get additional information on why you should work for Lake County!

Any offer of employment is conditioned on the successful completion of a background screening and drug testing.

Lake County is committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.