Legal Assistant

Flexible Employment Options: This position may be available as either a full-time or part-time opportunity, depending on the needs of the applicant and the organization. We welcome applications from qualified candidates seeking either full-time or part-time employment and encourage you to apply to discuss the opportunity that best fits your availability and experience.

The Legal Assistant plays an integral role in supporting the mission of the New Hampshire Public Defender: providing high-quality legal representation to indigent individuals accused of criminal offenses.

Working as part of a team, the Legal Assistant provides clerical, informational, logistical, and reception support to clients, attorneys, management, staff, and other Program constituents. The Legal Assistant works collaboratively with the office team, including attorneys and investigators and, as applicable, other Legal Assistants, to support the effective and efficient operation of the office.

Key Responsibilities

Includes but may not be limited to:

• Provides in-office, electronic, and telephone services for clients and other stakeholders.

• Provides information to clients and listening empathetically, without giving legal advice.

• Produces documents as requested by assigned attorneys.

• Manages calendar for attorneys including court dates, client appointments, meetings, and other events.

• Manages computer-based case management system accurately so that all necessary information is available for attorneys.

• Work with attorneys in planning and scheduling to meet deadlines and ensure the completion of assignments and projects.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Maintains a professional appearance, in dress and in work area.

• Demonstrates respect for clients and is consistent with a professional services environment.

• Works well under pressure and demonstrates proactive attitude toward problem solving, conflict resolution, and the needs of the office staff.

• Excellent keyboarding, proofreading, and editing skills.

• Strong word processing skills and facility with standard office and computer systems.

Education and Experience

• A high school diploma or GED is required.

• Previous work in a legal setting is highly desired.

• Post-secondary education in Paralegal Studies, Criminal Justice, or a relative field, is highly desired.

Physical Requirements

Physical requirements include retrieving and distributing files, written documents, or office supplies weighing up to 20 pounds; retrieving and replacing objects from shelves up to eight feet high; sitting and keyboarding for extended periods of time.

Benefits

• Holidays/PTO/Sick Time

• State Health and Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• Life/Disability Insurance

• 403(b) Retirement Account

• Professional Development Opportunities