LEGAL ASSISTANT4093D3 Pay Grade: 24 DEFINITION OF WORK Summary This is para-professional and clerical legal work. Work involves performing a variety of para-professional legal and clerical duties as assigned by licensed attorneys in legal matters of a state agency. Work includes performing legal research or investigating facts for attorneys; maintenance of a calendar system; preparation of standard motions, orders and pleadings; preparation of standard discovery documents; and para-professional trial assistance in litigation; and writing opinions on researched legal cases and reports as to their pertinence in specific situations. Standard Classification Factors Supervision Received - LEVEL B: "Under general supervision…" Employees working under general supervision usually receive some instructions with respect to the details of most assignments but are free to develop their own work sequences within established procedures, methods and policies. They are often physically removed from their supervisor and subject to only periodic checks. Difficulty - LEVEL B: Average… Where the employee is confronted with a variety of duties susceptible to different methods of solution which, in turn, places a correspondingly higher demand upon resourcefulness and concentration. Positions which require the analysis and evaluation of raw data and the rendering of conclusions would, in many instances, fall into this category. Complexity - LEVEL C: Work is of a standardized nature that may involve a variety of duties. Analytical thought becomes more important at this level due to increased data and changing situations. Tasks usually have several steps, some of which may not be directly related. Alternatives may exist for processes or methods to be used in solving problems. Workers at this level exercise a moderate amount of independent judgment. Work is controlled by routine review and reporting to or consultation with supervisors. When guidelines exist at this level, they tend to be more complicated or technical in nature requiring careful interpretation. Consequence of Actions or Decisions - LEVEL C: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are limited in scope and effect as the work is reviewed occasionally. Errors may cause moderate inefficiency. Costs due to errors may be significant. Contacts - LEVEL A: The purpose of the contact is to obtain, clarify, give or screen established factual information, regardless of the type (i.e., easily understood or technical) within a well-defined relationship. Normal communication skills are required. Physical Demands - LEVEL A: The work is predominantly sedentary and requires minimal or negligible physical exertion. The employee is normally seated; however, the nature of the work allows for periods of standing or walking at will. Environmental Conditions - LEVEL A: The work environment involves normal everyday hazards or discomforts typical of offices, meeting and training rooms, or libraries. Comfortable levels of temperature, ventilation, lighting and sound are inherent in the work environment. Exposure to deviations from pleasant environmental conditions is only occasional. The likelihood of injury is remote. Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL B: Involves functional leadership responsibility. As a "senior worker", performing essentially the same or similar work as those overseen, responsibility includes training, instructing, scheduling and reviewing. As a "project leader" may be responsible for a phase(s) of a single project which includes planning, coordinating and reviewing the work of others. This level may also involve limited administrative responsibility such as participating in the evaluation of work performance. Distinguishing Features Differs from the Law Clerk class in which the incumbents are enrolled in or have completed an accredited college or university law school degree program. EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED Searches for, interprets, and applies laws, court decisions, and other legal authority for the preparation of briefs, pleadings, indictments, and other legal papers in connection with legal proceedings. Drafts tentative legal documents and reports for review, approval and use of professional attorneys; compiles administrative transcripts; researches proposed legislation; and maintains law library. Compiles information and prepares motions, orders and pleading with special contents as requested by attorneys; maintains and updates case files. Drafts discovery documents for attorneys' review. Prepares jury instructions for attorneys' review. Schedules witnesses to appear; interviews witnesses and provides summary to attorneys; briefs witness on court proceedings prior to appearances. Coordinates subpoena process by completing the content of subpoenas, obtaining documents needed to accompany subpoenas, and assuring that subpoenas are served in a timely manner. Compiles information needed and prepares trial notebooks; assists in coordination of exhibit preparation; attends hearings and trials and takes notes for attorneys. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS Knowledge *Knowledge of legal terminology. *Knowledge of legal concepts and practices. *Knowledge of legal research techniques and procedures. Abilities *Ability to analyze facts, evidence and precedents and arrive at logical interpretations. *Ability to review decisions and investigation reports in relation to prescribed laws and regulations. *Ability to use discretion regarding confidential material and to understand the legal code of ethics. *Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the public. *Ability to express ideas effectively, orally and in writing. *Ability to follow written and oral instructions. *Necessary at Entry MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Six months experience as a legal assistant, paralegal or legal secretary. Education may be substituted for experience as determined relevant by the agency.NC: 06/94 |