LEGAL SECRETARY - DISTRICT ATTORNEY OFFICE

Overview

FLSA: Non‑Exempt. Employees provide legal secretarial functions in the District Attorney’s Office. Individual Administrative Associates handle specialized areas such as Traffic, Juvenile, Bad Check Program, Domestic Abuse, Sexual Assault, Child Abuse, Misdemeanor and Felony cases, Subpoenas, and serve as backup for calendaring. Employees are selected and supervised by the District Attorney and Office Supervisor, and work under limited supervision in a high‑paced, potentially stressful environment.

Essential Leadership Functions

• Act with Integrity and Build Trust – demonstrate mutual respect, humility, and honesty; speak up appropriately, even when expressing unpopular viewpoints; actively listen and remain open‑minded to diverse perspectives.
• Drive for Results – set clear goals and objectives, seek new opportunities to improve processes, hold self and others accountable, and develop sustainable outcomes.
• Develop Talent and Effective Teams – foster collaboration, provide mentorship, recognize diverse strengths, and support growth.
• Lead with Vision and Strategy – communicate a compelling vision aligned with organizational goals, develop and execute long‑term strategies, and connect daily work to the bigger picture.
• Lead with Paradoxical, Critical, and Agile Thinking – navigate complex situations, adapt quickly to change, and make critical decisions using analytical skills and input from others.
• Build and Maintain Effective Relationships – communicate and collaborate with stakeholders, influence through coaching and consulting, and develop partnerships that create positive outcomes.
• Cultivate Community Engagement and Provide Excellent Service – understand community needs, incorporate community perspectives, and drive initiatives that create positive impacts.
• Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence – show self‑awareness, manage emotions in challenging situations, respond constructively to feedback, and balance empathy with accountability.

Essential Job Functions

• Use a computer to type criminal and other complaints, summons, notices, search and arrest warrants, affidavits, briefs, memoranda, motions, agreements, letters, and various other legal documents.
• Proofread and correct prepared materials for grammar, spelling, punctuation, format, syntax, and content.
• Prepare and assemble materials, documents, and exhibits for meetings, court appearances, and hearings.
• Prepare electronic discovery for defense in a timely manner.
• Compose routine correspondence and obtain Department of Transportation records.
• Enter information into a specialized law‑enforcement database using knowledge of the legal system.
• Produce subpoenas for all court hearings as necessary.
• Schedule and cancel witnesses as needed, often with little or no direction.
• Independently obtain schedules of needed Hygiene and Crime Lab individuals and advise as appropriate.
• Operate standard office equipment (calculators, duplicators, fax machines, telephones, scanners, dictation equipment, AV equipment, etc.).
• Maintain courteous, cooperative, and respectful interactions with the public, clients, coworkers, supervisors, and public officials.
• Cross‑train and assist other department staff as necessary.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands

• Sits at a desk and uses hearing, near vision, and finger dexterity for typing and operating office machines.
• Uses clear oral communication with clients, callers, and department staff.
• Handles papers, manuals, and other office materials; occasional standing, reaching, and lifting of files, copy paper, and other items.
• Frequently reads written material; occasionally moves about the office and waits at a counter.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of legal terminology, syntax, and the organization/format of legal documents and correspondence.
• Ability to type efficiently and accurately.
• Proficiency with word processing software.
• Ability to access, input, and retrieve information from a computerized system.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and exercise independent judgment.
• Ability to transcribe documents from written, oral, machine, or computer‑generated formats.
• Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize time and workload to meet deadlines.
• Ability to accurately retrieve and prepare electronic discovery using various AV systems in a timely manner.

Training, Experience, and Other Requirements

• Associate Degree in Legal Secretary/Paralegal, Administrative Professional, Office Support Specialist, or a related field.
• Two years of office/clerical experience in the legal field.
• Familiarity with court procedures in a prosecutor’s office and with legal terminology.
• Proven proficiency with MS Word, Excel, and internet applications.
• Demonstrated ability to stay highly organized, work in a fast‑paced environment, and meet short deadlines with high volume output while maintaining efficiency and accuracy.
• May consider candidates without an associate degree who have several years of related legal secretarial experience.

Benefits

• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension plan.
• Countywide insurance plans with growing access to local, no‑cost care options for everyday health needs.
• Two dedicated banks of vacation and sick time, accruing from day one.
• Vacation accrual up to twice the annual rate.
• Potential to build up to 150 sick days as a full‑time employee.
• Inclusive workplace culture focused on respect, inclusion, and belonging.