Legal Assistant 2 - Jerome County

State of Idaho Opportunity

Legal Assistant 2 - Jerome County

Full-time (40 hours) - $60,000 annually

The Idaho State Public Defender (SPD) provides holistic legal representation meeting the highest ethical and professional standards to protect the rights of people who cannot afford to retain counsel. The SPD is responsible for all indigent defense cases throughout the State of Idaho, including both juveniles and adults.

VISION STATEMENT

A fair and just legal defense system that values the humanity and dignity of all.

SPECIAL NOTIFICATION: This position is a non-classified position and is exempt from classified state service and the rules of the Division of Human Resources and the Idaho Personnel Commission.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Legal Assistant 2 provides high-level administrative and legal support to one or more attorneys handling misdemeanor and felony cases, including complex, sensitive, and capital cases. This role performs complex, sensitive, or specialized tasks, exercising discretion and initiative, with a high degree of autonomy and limited need for supervision. The Legal Assistant 2 may mentor junior staff and assist attorneys with critical case preparation, document management, and courtroom support, while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.

This is a non-classified position that reports to the Lead Attorney or their designee.

Example of Duties

• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of legal practices, procedures, and case management, applying expertise to support attorneys and staff and ensure accuracy and efficiency in all tasks;
• Assist with document review, preparation, and processing discovery for all types of cases, including complex cases;
• Generate motions, memoranda, and pleadings in the case management system (CMS) with accuracy and independence;
• Provide document management support for meetings, hearings, and trials, including complex cases;
• Enter and review data in the case management system (CMS) according to CMS guidelines, ensuring accuracy and completeness;
• Assist with trial exhibit preparation for all cases;
• Communicate professionally with clients, court personnel, and other stakeholders;
• File documents electronically in accordance with court and agency standards;
• Track own time and tasks in CMS, managing priorities with a high degree of autonomy and limited need for supervision;
• Assist attorneys with administrative tasks and projects as needed;
• Maintain confidentiality of client information and adhere to ethical standards at all times;
• Organize electronic case files in CMS to support efficient case management and attorney workflows;
• Answer phones, send emails, and greet clients in the office, providing a high level of professionalism;
• Calendar events and deadlines and schedule appointments, ensuring attorneys' schedules are managed efficiently;
• Demonstrate advanced proficiency with CMS, legal, and administrative software and platforms;
• Accurately record client information in case management system and maintain organized intake documentation;
• Serve as a resource for other staff and may provide guidance to more junior staff;
• May perform receptionist and/or intake duties; and
• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• One to Five (1-5) years of experience in the legal field related to the job responsibilities reflected above OR One to Five (1-5) years of experience performing standard administrative tasks such as preparing correspondence or reports, filing, entering data, receiving payments, and/or maintaining logs and includes the regular, proficient use of electronic management information systems and word processing and other standard business software applications or an Associate Degree or Bachelor's Degree in a related field;
• Exceptional administrative skills, including organization, time management, and attention to detail;
• Excellent grammar and proofreading skills;
• Clear and professional communication skills; and
• Must be fluent in Spanish (oral and written) to effectively communicate with customers and clients.

BENEFITS

The State of Idaho offers a comprehensive total compensation package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and work-life balance. Benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance effective the first day of the month following your hire date
• Generous paid time off, including vacation and sick leave that begin accruing on your first day of employment and may be used as soon as accrued
• 11 paid holidays each year
• Paid parental leave
• One of the nation's best public retirement systems (PERSI), providing a lifetime retirement benefit once vested
• Optional retirement savings plans, including two supplemental retirement plans with pre-tax and Roth options, plus a deferred compensation plan
• Life insurance coverage for employees, spouses, and eligible dependents
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for eligible healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support your well-being
• Training and professional development opportunities to help you grow your career
• Additional employee discounts and wellness perks are available through the State's medical plan
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility

LOCATION

Jerome, Idaho

HOW TO APPLY

Qualified applicants who would like to apply for this position must submit the following: 1) cover letter, 2) resume, and 3) two references. Application materials should be submitted through the Careers with the State of Idaho website, https://statecareers.idaho.gov/, and not directly to the agency.

For assistance on your application, please contact Mariette Barcinas at Mariette.Barcinas@spd.idaho.gov

EEO/ADA/VETERAN

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities; auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact 208-334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711) or email ada.coordinator@dhr.idaho.gov.

The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibiting discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibiting discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations. *Benefits may not be applicable for temporary or seasonal positions.

• Applications will be accepted by 11:59 PM MST on the posting end date.