Legal Assistant (Commonwealth Attorney)

Under limited supervision, provides accurate and reliable support to the Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney.  Provides advanced legal support to assigned Attorneys and/or investigators, and Special Prosecutors from other jurisdictions, including but not limited to, preparation of Response to Discovery, subpoenas, case files, correspondence, orders, briefs, Department of Motor Vehicles and criminal hearings research, and other legal documents.   Requests and researches various data, information files, etc. from local state and federal agencies, including Department of Motor Vehicles, National Crime Information Center, Virginia Criminal Information Network, state police, etc.  May maintain and prepare Circuit Court misdemeanor appeals and revocations.  Reports to the Legal Services Coordinator.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described.  Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.

• Assists the Commonwealth's Attorney, Deputy/Assistant Commonwealth's Attorneys, and Special Prosecutors in all facets of their duties, as requested.

• Composes, drafts, types, prepares, or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, legal documents, orders, briefs, answers to discovery, jury instructions, indictments, and other documents. Compiles information for reports, documents and correspondence and coordinates copy preparation.

• Responsible for maintenance of litigation files, including preparing and setting up files; sorting and organizing documents to be filed; filing documents in designated order. Copies documents, records, pleadings, etc. with regard to litigation matters. Maintains all litigation files.

• Schedules court appearances including hearings, motions, trials; maintaining the calendar of assigned Attorney responsible for litigation.

• Files legal documents including, Notices, Motions, Memorandum of Law, Petitions, etc. with various Court Clerk's Offices. Responsible for delivery of correspondence to various City Departments; responsible for delivery of legal documents and correspondence to opposing attorneys involved in litigation with the City.

• Controls, manages and prepares various court dockets for the Commonwealth's Attorney's office; receives dockets and enters data into computer system database; reviews dockets for accuracy and completeness; distributes dockets; makes recommendations to the Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney regarding status of dockets.

• Maintains and prepares a variety of files for attorneys; receives case reports and retrieves and reviews case files to assist attorneys in cases; receives and manages various records; routes files to appropriate personnel as required; prepares casefiles and misdemeanor appeal files.

• Enters a variety of data into computer databases and spreadsheets; creates, modifies, and archives database files.

• Assists in legal secretarial work including preparing and typing material from typed or handwritten copy or machine dictation, which requires use of a variety of complicated formats for preparing correspondence, lists, briefs, notices, memos, pleadings, orders, petitions, jury instructions, and other legal documents or routine documents, reports, files, and manuscripts; assumes responsibility for correctness of spelling, punctuation, format, and grammar; makes copies of all documents as required.

• Requests and researches various data, information, files, etc. from local, state and federal agencies including DMV, National Crime Information Center, Virginia Criminal Information Network, state police, etc.; records findings in approved log book; receives case reports from the Police Department.

• Maintains calendar and coordinates meetings and appointments for attorneys; files petitions and sets up interviews for habitual offenders, potential victims of traffic summons forgeries, and Alcohol Safety and Prevention program participants; schedules court dates and hearings; updates information of same, anticipating and adapting to changes in the status of cases; reports problems requiring changes in dates.

• Coordinates and schedules medical/psychological interviews; prepares interview reports and submits to attending physician.

• Prepares, distributes, and records subpoenas for witnesses and files documents.

• Manages information regarding extradition matters; obtains necessary documentation in order to secure detainer; secures out-of-state transportation and requests travel orders, prepares forms, obtains Governor's warrants, and contacts other jurisdictions to ensure proper documentation of release or pick-up of prisoner.

• Coordinates transportation of prisoners to and from court; prepares and distributes prisoner list; coordinates special instructions for prisoners considered a high security risk.

• Receives concealed weapons applications; copies and records application information; delivers to the Special Investigator.

• Designs forms to expedite routine office tasks.

• Assists other departmental personnel as necessary.

• Answers telephone calls and provides information to general public on questions and inquiries.

• Attends staff meetings.

• Assists in troubleshooting computer problems in the office; performs routine maintenance on computer systems including changing printer cartridges, installing software, etc.

• Performs related work as required.

Graduation from two-year college or vocational/technical school with major course work in secretarial science, and 1 to 2 years' experience in an administrative position in a law office, preferably in a local government; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Requires State certification through the Department of Virginia State Police for operation of the Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) terminal and may require Notary Public designation.

• Please attach a letter of interest, resume (including references and/or letters of recommendation).*