The Idaho State Public Defender (SPD) is a newly created state agency which provides trial representation to indigent criminal defendants pursuant to Idaho Code §§ 19-6005, 19-6009 (effective 10/1/24). The SPD is responsible for all indigent defense cases throughout the State of Idaho, including both juveniles and adults.
The SPD values its employees and offers meaningful work that has a direct impact on citizens across the state. Additionally, the SPD is a qualifying employer for the purposes of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).
POSITION & RESPONSIBILITIES
The primary purpose of a legal assistant is to support attorneys as they provide zealous holistic representation of clients in criminal, juvenile or child protection cases.
This is a non-classified position that reports to the Management Assistant or Lead Attorney.
Example of Duties
- Assisting with document review and preparation and processing discovery,
- Generating motions, memoranda, and pleadings in the case management system (CMS),
- Providing document management support for meetings, hearings and trials,
- Entering and reviewing data in the case management system (CMS) according to CMS guidelines,
- Assisting with trial exhibit preparation,
- Communicating with clients and court personnel,
- Filing documents electronically,
- Tracking own time and tasks in the CMS,
- Assisting the attorneys with administrative tasks and projects as needed,
- Maintaining confidentiality of client information and adhering to ethical standards,
- Organizing electronic casefiles in the CMS,
- Answering phones, sending emails and greeting clients in the office,
- High proficiency with CMS, legal and administrative software and platforms,
- Calendaring events and deadlines and scheduling appointments, and
Other duties as assigned.
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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; and
Clear and professional communication skills.
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BENEFITS
Best Retirement Available in The Nation
The State of Idaho has one of the Nation’s best state retirement systems (PERSI) that offers a lifetime benefit once vested. This position is PERSI Retirement eligible, and the duties correspond to General Member - which means a mandatory employee contribution of 7.18%, while the employer contributes at a higher rate of 11.96%.
Other Excellent Benefits
- Excellent low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance – employee coverage for PPO $70.74/month for medical and vision and $12.08/month for dental (full-time).
- Generous vacation and sick leave accrual will begin as soon as you start.
- Paid parental leave.
- Eleven paid holidays per year.
- Multiple retirement savings plans, including optional 401K and Deferred Compensation plan.
- Group Life Insurance/Disability Insurance/Supplemental Life Insurance .
- Employee Assistance Program .
- Flexible Spending Accounts .
Wellness Programs.
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LOCATION
Twin Falls, 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 [email protected].
EEO/ADA/VETERAN
The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit 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.
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 [email protected].
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 4:59 PM MST on the posting end date.
