Legal Assistant

Description and Functions

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Serves as a paralegal to agency attorneys and other staff members by performing legal research using both traditional and computer databases to retrieve, organize, index, and cross-reference legal materials and verify accuracy of cited cases; prepares and drafts procedural and formal orders documenting form decisions of the agency; assists in the drafting of proposed agency rules and legislation; prepares formal correspondence on behalf of commission or commission attorneys.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function which may be performed in the job level.

• Consistently demonstrates analytical ability, administrative skills, ingenuity, and independent judgment in their area.

• Assists attorneys in drafting complex orders, pleadings, and discovery.

• Functions as the liaison between the attorney, courts, clients, and others including witnesses.

• Gathers information by asking questions or determining sources for information to accurately assist the public, law enforcement, attorneys.

• Conducts legal research.

• Schedules and tracks deadlines to move cases forward and meet procedural requirements.

• Provides case management of all discovery documents for disbursement.

• Enters pertinent data into designated computer systems/software programs, reviews, and verifies data.

• Processes subpoenas for witnesses.

• Identifies appropriate laws, judicial decisions, legal articles, and other materials that are relevant to assigned cases.

• Verifies accuracy of cited cases.

• Prepares summaries from transcripts.

• Performs trial/court preparation work, but does not appear in court.

• Enters pertinent data into designated computer systems/software programs, reviews, and verifies data.

• Oversees and coordinates document production; compiles information necessary for reports and case development.

• Prepares written and verbal correspondence with involved parties and attorneys.

• Performs legal research using both traditional and computer databases to retrieve, organize, index, and cross-reference legal materials.

• Conducts factual investigations.

• Researches documents.

• Trains and backs up other paralegals and new paralegal positions.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE:

• Knowledge of legal concepts, terminology, principles, and procedures.

• Knowledge of administrative law, terminology, principals, and procedures.

• Knowledge of the use of legal reference material and legal research.

• Knowledge of state and federal court policies and procedures.

• Knowledge of government and legislative processes.

• Knowledge of Wyoming Statutes and agency mission goals, policies, and procedures.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Bachelor's Degree (typically in Paralegal/Legal Studies)

Experience:

0-2 years of progressive work experience (typically in Paralegal /Legal Studies) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Legal Support Specialist

OR

Education & Experience Substitution:

3-5 years of progressive work experience (typically in Paralegal /Legal Studies) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Legal Support Specialist

OR

National Association of Legal Assistants certificate as a CLA or ALS (Certified Legal Assistant) or CP (Certified Paralegal) or National Federation of Paralegal Association PACE Registered Paralegal

Necessary Special Requirements

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work; however, there may be some walking, standing, bending, carrying light items, driving an automobile, etc.

• Special physical demands are not required to perform the work.

NOTES:

• FLSA: Non-Exempt

Supplemental Information

023-Public Service Commission

Click here to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure.

URL: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm

The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.