Legal Assistant

Job Title: Legal Assistant

Location:I ndianapolis, Indiana

Duration: long Term Contract

Summary:

The Legal Assistant provides all legal, administrative, and clerical support to the OUCC’s technical staff and attorneys.

The position plays a central role in helping to maintain, organize, and process information (records, tariffs, and files - both electronic and hard copy) in compliance with established standards and helps to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of division operations.

Responsibilities:

In addition to general administrative and clerical duties and responsibilities (e.g. - answering telephones, processing mail, filings, proofreading reports, making and distributing hard copies of certain documents, process tariffs, etc.), the Legal Assistant is responsible for performing a variety of case - specific tasks including tracking and reporting on certain activities and changes and maintaining various spreadsheets and databases.

The legal assistants are responsible for preparing all legal filings, discovery, motions, and all other documents written by the agency’s lawyers and technical analysts.

They are also responsible for ensuring all filed documents are properly served on all parties to a case and for calendaring all dates.

The Legal Assistant is also expected to become a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in existing and emerging IT capabilities within the OUCC.

As such, this position may become involved with research and reporting on various topics in support of Commission cases and projects.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Manages and processes all case and non-case related information/documents.

Supports and assists technical staff and attorneys as assigned.

Supports and assists all Administrative Assistants in coordinating daily work schedules.

Maintains calendar dates (in Outlook) for all active cases.

Setup and coordinate meetings and conferences.

Organizes case files for attorneys in preparation of evidentiary hearings.

Contributes to overall Agency and Division goals.

Interacts with public and external contacts as frontline administrative assistant.

Creates and modifies documents using Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Adobe pdf.

Perform general clerical duties including but not limited to copying, faxing, mailing, and filing.

Maintains files in Microsoft Dynamics as well as other emerging IT applications.

Tracks activities and maintains various spreadsheets and databases.

Maintains any required Division records and reports.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Exceptionally strong organizational skills, including meticulous attention to detail and ability to work on multiple cases and assignments simultaneously.

Excellent time management skills, including ability to perform and complete tasks under deadline pressure.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, capable of interfacing with all levels of the organization in a dependable, self-motivated, and team-oriented manner.

Sensitivity to confidential and redacted information in legal filings;

Knowledge and skill in developing and maintaining case files and other documents;

Ability to work independently and in teams both in a timely and well organized manner;

General knowledge of Agency’s Microsoft Dynamics system.

Proficiency in using Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, SharePoint);

This position requires a high school diploma. Some college or vocational training and at least 2 years of applicable experience are desired. The Legal Assistant must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and is expected to provide a business image that is professional, well-organized, and helpful. A working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite is required, and incumbent must be able to quickly learn new computer applications. Experience with Microsoft Excel and other office-based programs is a plus.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

The Legal Assistants have no supervisory responsibilities.

Difficulty of Work:

Work is of average difficulty, but at times requires better than average ability to perform many tasks at the same time. Attention to detail and the ability to understand legal and regulatory terminology are also crucial.

Responsibility:

The Legal Assistant is expected to complete filings and additional assigned tasks in a consistently accurate and timely manner. The Legal Assistant is responsible for being able to contact appropriate staff as required at any time.

Personal Work Relationships:

Necessary working relationships and contacts are broad in scope and include staff throughout the OUCC, relevant IURC staff, utility industry representatives, and the general public.

Physical Effort:

Work requires normal physical demands as required for general filing, sitting, typing, and reading.

Working Conditions:

Work performed in an office environment.

Required/Desired Skills

Experience

High School Diploma Required 0

Legal assistant or paralegal experience Required 2 Years

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite Required 2 Years

Able to work independently with excellent attention to detail. Required 0

Ability to establish effective and cooperative working relationships. Required 0

Prior experience with Microsoft Excel. Highly desired 0

Paralegal certification or coursework Highly desired 0

Prior working experience in a State or Federal Government Agency. Highly desired 0

Prior experience as an executive or lead administrative or legal assistant. Highly desired 0