Purpose of Position: The Legal Assistant provides legal administrative support to the District Attorney’s Office by performing complex legal duties within statutory guidelines and time limits.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
Assist in drafting and filing of legal documents, such as complaints, subpoenas, motions, orders etc.
Draft letters, reports, memos correspondence.
Locate incarcerated defendants and schedule transport from facility including drafting and filing Orders to Produce to ensure the defendants appearance.
Begin process and arrange out-of-state extraditions/detainers.
Ensure appropriate information is included and filed appropriately with criminal complaints and other filings.
Confidential work concerning sensitive criminal matters, juvenile delinquency, victim rights information, and HIPAA Information Handling.
Schedule important court hearings and events, cognizant of time limits. Maintain DA and ADA calendars ensuring deadlines are met. Handles scheduling conferences.
Add new law enforcement and other referrals and open cases in the Prosecutor Technology for Case Tracking (PROTECT) case management system, and prepare referral for review by District Attorney or Assistant District Attorney.
Assist with preparing for trials by preparing witness list, motions in limine, jury instructions, and motions to impeach.
Ensures all discoverable materials have been timely provided to defense.
Prepare case file for Wisconsin Circuit Court Access Program (CCAP).
Greets the public, answers general questions and processes department mail on a daily basis.
Answer multi-line telephone and direct income calls. Administer conference calls.
Reviews cases to ensure necessary witnesses are added to the subpoena queue for hearings and trials.
Acquires all certified legal documents needed; coordinates any required prepayment and ensures the documents are received timely for court use.
Maintains CCAP queue.
Prepares for bond hearings by obtaining Probable Cause Affidavit, schedule hearings, advise court and jail staff accordingly, and prepares available information for the District Attorney and Assistant District Attorney.
Review criminal traffic and civil traffic referrals from law enforcement agencies regarding drivingoffenses.
Assist in arranging appearances from jail if any inmates are needed for a court hearing.
Accept and review all Issuance of Worthless Check referrals. Drafts criminal complaints accordingly or returns to complainant for additional documentation.
Keep up-to-date on new criminal, traffic and juvenile laws or changes in those laws, changes in statute numbers and changes in penalties.
Attends all trainings, seminars, conferences, workshops, and meetings as required.
Position adheres to statutory requirements and established policies and procedures, but often calls for independent judgment and authority in handling routine matters according to precedents and policies that have been developed for the department. Work originates from law enforcement agencies, the general public and from other governmental agencies. Position requires only general supervision with work reviewed mainly in terms of error-free operation. Position interacts daily with court system, law enforcement, private attorneys and the general public.
Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Training and Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions A high school diploma or equivalent plus an Associate’s Degree or two years of vocational school or training in criminal justice, legal secretary or related field is required. A minimum of 2-3 years’ experience in a prosecutor’s office is preferred. Applicants must be able to obtain Notary Public and TIME certification and hold a valid driver’s license. A combination of education and experience that provides the equivalent necessary knowledge, skills and abilities will be taken into consideration. Applicants must pass a fingerprint background check.
