Position Description: The Legal Assistant works under the direct supervision of the County Prosecuting Attorney. The Legal Assistant will also be answerable and subordinate to the Chief Assistant Attorney and any Assistant Attorney.
Position Minimum Requirements:
Experience: This position is not an entry-level position. A qualified applicant will have at least two years of professional experience working with attorneys or law enforcement agencies. A qualified applicant must demonstrate knowledge or experience with criminal law and procedure in the State of Michigan. A qualified applicant must also demonstrate knowledge or experience with the Michigan Probate Court system, as the probate court case management is a large portion of the workload for the Legal Assistant.
Education: A qualified applicant will possess either:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in Paralegal, Legal Assistant, or Pre-Law Studies; or
- A less relevant bachelor’s degree approved by the Prosecuting Attorney, plus an additional two years (4 years total) of professional experience working with attorneys or law enforcement agencies beyond the experience required above.
Skills:
- Legal Writing: A qualified applicant will be able to demonstrate the ability to draft legal documents consistent with the type of legal documents typically filed by the Delta County Prosecutor’s Office.
- Communication: A qualified applicant will be able to demonstrate the ability to work with individuals during the legal process. Relevant examples would include communicating with law enforcement officers, witnesses, and victims of crimes.
- Legal Research: A qualified applicant will be able to demonstrate knowledge of current legal research tools and methods
Position Functions:
The Legal Assistant will assist the Prosecutor and the other attorneys in carrying out all duties and responsibilities required under the law. The Legal Assistant will support the Prosecutor by managing his/her schedule and calendar. The Legal Assistant will assist other support staff when possible. The Legal Assistant will serve as a liaison between law enforcement agencies and the Prosecutor’s Office.
Specific tasks will include but not be limited to: Providing legal and administrative support to the attorneys in the office; Managing the Probate Court caseload; Interviewing witnesses and managing them during court proceedings; Conducting legal research; drafting legal documents and pleadings; Assisting during court proceedings as directed by the Prosecutor; Preparing and gathering evidence; Organizing legally admissible evidence for trial preparation; Preparing video and other computer presentations; Providing general case oversight to ensure evidence is obtained and investigations are conducted as directed by the Prosecutor and assistant attorneys.
