Paralegal / Legal Assistant
JOB TITLE: Paralegal / Legal Assistant
CLASSIFICATION: Exempt
DEPARTMENT: Public Defender
SUPERVISOR: Public Defender
SALARY: $56,128 to $67,354 Annually
Under the direction and supervision of the Public Defender, this position performs paralegal duties with respect to misdemeanor cases in the Municipal Court. This position is responsible for conducting legal research, preparing and managing legal documents, coordinating case activities, maintaining confidential case files, and ensuring compliance with applicable court rules, statutes, and procedural deadlines. This position requires exceptional organizational, analytical, and communication skills, as well as the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced legal environment while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and attorney-client confidentiality.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Coordinates and establishes secure computer or video access for competency evaluations with the Wyoming State Hospital and monitors clients during evaluations to ensure compliance with court and institutional requirements.
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Assists in the preparation of trial documents and exhibits.
- Maintain and assist Public Defender in use of interpreter log and coordinate billing of interpreter time each month.
- Drafts and reviews pleadings, motions, correspondence, discovery requests, discovery responses, and other legal documents for Public Defender’s review.
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Serves as a key component at trial.
- Conducts legal research using statutes, case law, court rules, and legal databases to support criminal defense litigation.
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Monitors case calendars and litigation deadlines to ensure compliance with court rules, discovery obligations, and procedural requirements.
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Manages case files by organizing, filing, distributing, and maintaining legal documents in both electronic and physical formats while ensuring confidentiality and document integrity.
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Enters and updates case information into designated case management systems and legal databases.
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Processes subpoenas for law enforcement and witnesses.
- Reviews and verifies the accuracy and current validity of legal citations and authorities included in pleadings and memoranda.
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Reviews deposition, interview, and hearing transcripts and prepares concise summaries highlighting key testimony and evidentiary issues.
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Maintains detailed telephone and client communication logs, prioritizes messages, and promptly communicates time-sensitive information to Public Defender.
SECONDARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Maintains proficiency with legal research platforms, case management software, and electronic filing systems.
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Maintains and orders office supplies.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as requested.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Basic knowledge of legal terminology, court procedures, legal forms, and documents applicable to paralegal practice.
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Knowledge of legal procedures and practices related to drafting, processing, filing, and maintaining pleadings, motions, discovery, subpoenas, and other legal documents.
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Knowledge of standard legal reference materials, legal research methods, and applicable statutes, case law, court rules, and legal resources.
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Ability to conduct legal and factual research, analyze information, verify legal authorities, and summarize findings.
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Ability to create, organize, maintain, and manage electronic and physical case files, records, and records management systems in accordance with applicable retention requirements.
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Ability to communicate clearly, effectively, and professionally, both orally and in writing, with attorneys, clients, court personnel, law enforcement agencies, City officials, and the public.
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Proficiency in the use of computers, legal case management systems, electronic filing systems, Microsoft Office applications, and other office equipment and software.
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Maintains strict confidentiality of attorney-client privileged communications and case information.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE JOB
Required:
Education: An associate degree in Paralegal/Legal Studies or two years or more of years of work experience as a Legal Assistant or Paralegal in a law office, or comparable work environment.
Maintain notary stamp or have qualifications to notarize.
Ability to pass requirements to accompany Public Defender to jail as necessary.
Preferred:
At least ten (10) years’ work experience working as a legal assistant.
Preference will be given to applicants with a prior paralegal/legal assistant background.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for making observations, communicating with others, reading, and writing. The employee is also required to maintain physical condition necessary for operating assigned equipment, walking, standing, kneeling, repeated bending or sitting for prolonged periods of time and lifting to 30 pounds. Maintain mental capacity which allows the capability of making sound decisions demonstrating intellectual capabilities.
Working Environment:
This is an office setting; however, lifting of heavy file boxes and walking to and from the courtrooms and other buildings is required.
