Legal Assistant/ Sr. Legal Assistant - Criminal Division

Responsibilities

• Prepares and files legal documents, manages case files, coordinates court calendars, communicates with law enforcement and court personnel, and ensures timely processing of criminal cases.
• Tracks deadlines, prepares exhibits and trial materials, and enters case data into legal case management systems.
• Maintains confidentiality, accuracy, and efficiency in a fast-paced legal environment.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent AND completed a one-year business school or vocational-technical program in Legal Studies AND three years of experience in a law office.
• An Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree in Legal Assistant/Paralegal studies AND two years of experience in a law office.
• A Bachelor's Degree AND a Paralegal Certificate AND two years of experience in a law office.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience in a law office.

Qualifications

Desirable Experience:

• Experience working as a Legal Assistant or Paralegal in the area of Criminal Law.
• Experience in a public sector law office, such as a County Attorney’s Office or other government legal department.
• Familiarity with the dissemination, handling, and secure storage of digital evidence.
• Proficiency in preparing, proofreading, and editing legal documents with a high degree of accuracy.
• Experience using law enforcement technology platforms, such as Evidence.com or legal case management systems.
• Working knowledge of Minnesota state systems, including those used by the Minnesota Judicial Branch and the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.).

Skills

Core Competencies:

• Promotes diversity and a culturally competent workforce.
• Works collaboratively within the organization and with others involved in the legal process to achieve common goals.
• Demonstrates knowledge of legal office procedures, practices, and regulations.
• Demonstrates knowledge of legal terminology.
• Resolves conflicts and disagreements in a positive and constructive manner to minimize negative impacts.
• Demonstrates skills in utilizing proper formats to prepare legal forms and documents.
• Demonstrates ability to type at least sixty words per minute editing work for accurate spelling and grammar usage.
• Understands court processes and procedures.
• Demonstrates ability to perform mathematical calculations.
• Works in an honest and ethical manner; maintains confidentiality; deals with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events; exhibits sound and accurate judgment.
• Demonstrates ability to maintain confidentiality in accordance with data privacy acts.
• Demonstrates ability to meet multiple deadlines for cases.
• Demonstrates ability to report potentially unsafe situations or individuals.

Benefits

Washington County offers a comprehensive benefit package including paid time off, holidays, medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance.