Legal Assistant - State of Idaho

Description

State of Idaho Opportunity

Legal Assistant, State Public Defender’s Office

Full-time (40 hours) - $52,000 - $73,000 annually D.O.E.

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.

Please note your office preference/s in your cover letter - Boise, Pocatello, Hailey, Sandpoint, Idaho Falls, Caldwell, Burley, Gooding, Rigby, Coeur d'Alene, American Falls, and/or Twin Falls.

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. 

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.

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.

Other Excellent Benefits

• Excellent low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance – employee coverage for PPO $65/month for medical and vision and $11.80/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.

LOCATION

Please note your office preference/s in your cover letter - Boise, Pocatello, Hailey, Sandpoint, Idaho Falls, Caldwell, Burley, Gooding, Rigby, Coeur d'Alene, American Falls, and/or Twin Falls.

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 must be submitted no later than October 31, 2024. 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 inquiries on this position, please contact Jennifer Cichocki at jennifer.cichocki@spd.idaho.gov. For technical assistance on your application, please contact Gina Romano at gina.romano@dhr.idaho.gov. 

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 ada.coordinator@dhr.idaho.gov.

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 through 4:59 PM MST on the posting end date.