Job Description

Legal Assistant II

The Legal Assistant II performs and provides senior level paraprofessional legal assistance, research, and technical support functions for the attorneys in the City Attorney's Office. Position involves competing demands, performing multiple tasks, working to deadlines, occasional work beyond normal business hours, and responding to customer issues. Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services. Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Las Cruces policies.

Light physical demands. Frequent use of a personal computer and telephone. Work is performed in a standard office environment.

FIRST CONSIDERATION MAY BE GIVEN TO CURRENT CITY OF LAS CRUCES EMPLOYEES WHO MEET THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS. Meeting or exceeding the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process. Full-time, regular, Non-exempt. This position is a grade RN13.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Researches, evaluates, and analyzes civil and criminal law sources such as statutes, recorded judicial decisions, legal articles, and legal codes to prepare draft documents related to legal questions, legal opinions, appeals, pleadings, subpoenas, interrogatories, deposition notices, resolutions, settlement agreements, contracts, seizures, and other legal documents.
• Supports attorneys and other legal assistants, monitoring work completed, and ensuring that all legal processes and protocols are followed.
• Prepares, coordinates, and assembles various special and recurring reports; prepares and proofs legal documents; coordinates and monitors assigned projects to ensure that legal cases are ready for adjudication and filing deadlines are met.
• Researches, reads, and reviews various reports and documents to assist with case management and preparation for trials, negotiations, appeals, and hearings; organizes documents, schedules, and court filings.
• Contacts witnesses, victims, attorneys, and others associated with cases to coordinate interviews and collect and transmit case information; acquires and organizes related reports, documents, and other background information.
• Gathers information for prosecution and litigation; routes and tracks legal documents submitted to defendants, attorneys, and courts for processing; maintains, tracks, and updates legal information and records.
• Assists attorneys in litigation and prosecution by tracking the course and deadlines of cases; establishes and maintains files in various mediums and formats related to criminal and civil cases.
• Provides customer service, responds to questions and requests for information, explains and interprets policies, procedures, and regulations as authorized; responds to requests for information within scope of authority; refers matters requiring legal interpretation to supervisor for response and resolution.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate's degree in criminal justice, paralegal studies, or related field and three (3) years of legal office experience in the research, review, and preparation of legal documents and pleadings, which may include experience in handling prosecution cases. A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy.

Licenses/Certification(s)

Valid driver's license may be required or preferred. Certification as a Legal Assistant or Paralegal may be preferred. If applicable, position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with City of Las Cruces policies.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of: principles and techniques of record keeping, case files, and records management; legal research techniques and terminology; New Mexico court processes and procedures; principles, practices, techniques, activities, rules, and regulations related to the operations and functions of the position and services provided; current principles of record keeping and records management; principles and practices of effective research methods and data analysis, customer service, and problem resolution techniques; occupational and environmental safety and health hazards, and safety practices; safe and effective use and maintenance of related tools, materials, and equipment; current methods and standards for preparing effective business correspondence; correct English usage, grammar, composition, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; business and personal computers and related software applications; City organization, operations, policies, and procedures to effectively perform the required functions and duties of the position.

Ability to: perform a variety of duties and responsibilities and assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and demands to meet deadlines; ensure appropriate levels of customer service to achieve expectations and meet objectives; read, understand, and assure compliance with a variety of policies, procedures, rules, standards, and regulations governing related activities and functions; collect applicable information and maintain accurate and timely records; maintain confidentiality of information and data; communicate effectively orally and in writing and use interpersonal skills to sufficiently exchange or convey information and receive work direction; prepare and present accurate and reliable information and reports; establish and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public; safely and effectively operate relevant tools, equipment, and motorized vehicles; navigate across even and uneven surfaces; timely and accurately enter data and update records using various mediums and formats; take initiative and exercise sound independent judgment within established procedural guidelines and carry out primary responsibilities in accordance with all governing regulations, statutes, and procedures to ensure achievement of goals and objectives.

Skills in: researching and analyzing laws, regulations, technical, and administrative procedures; reading legal documents and extracting relevant information; reading, understanding, and applying relevant rules, ordinances, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures; effectively managing assignments; responding to inquiries timely and within the scope of delegated authority; responding appropriately, maintaining objectivity and freedom from prejudice, and exercising sound judgment and understanding in all interactions; effectively working independently, or as a team member, in various environments with changing priorities; preparing and presenting various reports, documents, forms, and correspondence; researching information, analyzing data, maintaining accurate records, and updating information in various mediums and formats; operating a personal computer with installed generic and specialized software; preparing and presenting information in a clear and concise manner; demonstrating appropriate and effective interpersonal communication and conflict resolution skills; performing highly effective support in assigned areas.

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