Under the supervision of the Directing Attorney, this is a position devoted to enhancing attorney effectiveness by providing information-management support, administrative and clerical support in a legal office environment. The work is specialized and requires knowledge of the preparation and processing requirements of legal documents, legal terminology, civil procedures and discovery, sources of law and the court system.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
• Answer and direct incoming calls to appropriate staff, refer ineligible callers to other resource providers as appropriate and document all calls per program policy and procedures.
• Greet and maintain professional tact in dealing with or assisting CILS clients, tribal members, tribal officials, outside counsel or other CILS visitors.
• Sort and distribute daily mail, faxes, and process outgoing mail.
• Maintain general organization and function of the office, ensuring supplies are stocked and well-coordinated with office staff.
• Manage office systems including phone and voicemail system, database, mailing and faxing, office supplies and equipment, and coordinate office cleaning to ensure professional, efficient, and timely workflow of day-to-day operations of office.
• Create, maintain, and organize case and correspondence files including case file tickling with attention to detail and minimal supervision.
• Conserves attorneys’ time by reading, reviewing, verifying, and routing correspondence, reports and legal documents; drafting simple letters and legal documents; collecting information; initiating telecommunications; organizing attorney-client meetings including preparing attorneys for meetings and court by providing meeting packets and fact summaries, travel arrangements and directions; scheduling couriers, court reporters, witnesses, and other special functions; preparing expense/reimbursement reports; post-meeting/court follow up to ensure calendars, case files and case management system are updated accordingly and timely.
• Represents attorney by communicating and obtaining information; following-up on delegated assignments; willingness to ask for direction yet provide degree of self-motivation and problem solving.
• Be willing to learn, interpret and apply a variety of tribal and state laws, rules, or procedures as
directed by staff attorneys.
• Must communicate professionally and maintain a positive rapport with all staff. This position is designed to support all staff in the office.
• Minimum of 2-3 years’ experience – Any combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying; typical education would include a high school diploma, or equivalent and legal secretarial course work.
• Highly organized and able to analyze and present ideas clearly and concisely.
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills – ability to communicate empathetically but productively with callers in crisis.
• Comfortable with a variety of computer programs including web-based case management systems.
• Ability to work productively and empathetically with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to take initiative and work independently, as well as part of a team.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Fast learner
• Prior legal services experience.
• Demonstrated interest in Native American rights, public interest law, and/or commitment to working with low-income and other disadvantaged clients.
Submit a resume and cover letter to Eureka Directing Attorney Denise Bareilles via e-mail at [email protected]. We will accept applications until we fill the position, but CILS does not accept incomplete applications.