What are the responsibilities and job description for the Legal Assistant position at Otter Tail County?
JOB
The purpose of this position is to provide support to the County Attorney’s office including but not limited to providing public relations and customer service tasks, reviewing reports and case information, preparing legal documents, victim/witness notification and services, criminal forfeiture activities, truancy letters and the juvenile diversion program.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Provide public relations and customer service tasks, i.e. serve as main point of contact for the public; make referrals to other agencies as appropriate, receive, screen, and route incoming calls; and provide assistance to other county agencies, attorneys, and the public.Open, screen, and distribute incoming mail; collect, monitor, and process outgoing mail.Provide administrative support to the County Attorney’s office; create and maintain criminal and civil electronic case files including entering victim/witness data; maintain case files and records.Prepare, draft, and proof criminal complaints, warrants, juvenile and child protection petitions, termination of parental rights documents, probation revocations and violations, and other criminal and civil legal pleadings such as guardianship/conservatorship for attorney review, signature and filing with the Court.Electronically file documents with the courts and arrange legal process service to appropriate parties.Basic understanding and proficiency of job-required software applications, the internet, and department software; and ability to apply this understanding in completing daily assignments.Review file discovery to determine necessary supplemental disclosure such as drug tests, criminal history, and additional witness information.Draft administrative subpoenas as requested by law enforcement or investigators.Educate victims and witnesses and their families about Victim Rights Act and other aspects of the judicial system that pertain to their situation.Provide notifications of cases to witnesses including victims, officers, social workers, and probation officers.Assist attorneys in trial preparation by preparing documents for presentation to the jury and managing photos, charts, and audio/video evidence to be displayed during trial. This may include using various software programs to create and/or coordinate complex audio/video presentations.Coordinate forfeiture activities. Monitor criminal cases through disposition; gather information; prepare pleadings for attorney review and signature; arrange payment distribution and property disposal; maintaining records; and serving as department liaison for forfeiture.Administer Juvenile Diversion Program by reviewing all juvenile citations to divert into possible diversion programs. Maintain records of diversion to monitor for completion.Prepare letters and maintain records for Truancy Program. Perform other duties as assigned.May assist with duties and responsibilities as outlined in the County Emergency Operations Plan and Continuity of Operations Plan.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
This position is regularly scheduled to work 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday, 8:00-4:30 p.m. The 2025 starting salary for this position is $22.94 per hour, depending on qualifications, with advancement to $36.85 per hour. The selection process will include an online employment application and supplemental questionnaire. Semi-finalists will be invited to interview. Prior to hire, finalists will be required to pass a background investigation. A standard twelve month probationary period applies. Otter Tail County is a tobacco-free workplace. How To ApplyTo apply for this position, click on desired job title, then the "Apply" link. Online applications are stored on a secure site. Only you and authorized employees have access to the information submitted.When filling out any employment application materials for Otter Tail County, you must include your entire employment and education history. Failure to do so may render your application incomplete.Veterans PreferenceEligible veterans as defined by Minnesota Statute 197.447 may claim Veterans Preference during the hiring process. A DD214 and any supporting documentation must be included with the employment application. Background InvestigationAll employment offers are contingent upon the applicant passing a background investigation which may include but are not limited to gathering information from the following sources: Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, other law enforcement agencies, court documents, educational institutions, previous employers, Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services, military records, Immigration and Naturalization Services, and known associates of the applicant. Criminal convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. Making false statements or withholding information during the application or background investigation process will cause you to be barred from employment or removed from employment. Equal Opportunity Employer
The purpose of this position is to provide support to the County Attorney’s office including but not limited to providing public relations and customer service tasks, reviewing reports and case information, preparing legal documents, victim/witness notification and services, criminal forfeiture activities, truancy letters and the juvenile diversion program.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Provide public relations and customer service tasks, i.e. serve as main point of contact for the public; make referrals to other agencies as appropriate, receive, screen, and route incoming calls; and provide assistance to other county agencies, attorneys, and the public.Open, screen, and distribute incoming mail; collect, monitor, and process outgoing mail.Provide administrative support to the County Attorney’s office; create and maintain criminal and civil electronic case files including entering victim/witness data; maintain case files and records.Prepare, draft, and proof criminal complaints, warrants, juvenile and child protection petitions, termination of parental rights documents, probation revocations and violations, and other criminal and civil legal pleadings such as guardianship/conservatorship for attorney review, signature and filing with the Court.Electronically file documents with the courts and arrange legal process service to appropriate parties.Basic understanding and proficiency of job-required software applications, the internet, and department software; and ability to apply this understanding in completing daily assignments.Review file discovery to determine necessary supplemental disclosure such as drug tests, criminal history, and additional witness information.Draft administrative subpoenas as requested by law enforcement or investigators.Educate victims and witnesses and their families about Victim Rights Act and other aspects of the judicial system that pertain to their situation.Provide notifications of cases to witnesses including victims, officers, social workers, and probation officers.Assist attorneys in trial preparation by preparing documents for presentation to the jury and managing photos, charts, and audio/video evidence to be displayed during trial. This may include using various software programs to create and/or coordinate complex audio/video presentations.Coordinate forfeiture activities. Monitor criminal cases through disposition; gather information; prepare pleadings for attorney review and signature; arrange payment distribution and property disposal; maintaining records; and serving as department liaison for forfeiture.Administer Juvenile Diversion Program by reviewing all juvenile citations to divert into possible diversion programs. Maintain records of diversion to monitor for completion.Prepare letters and maintain records for Truancy Program. Perform other duties as assigned.May assist with duties and responsibilities as outlined in the County Emergency Operations Plan and Continuity of Operations Plan.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
This position is regularly scheduled to work 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday, 8:00-4:30 p.m. The 2025 starting salary for this position is $22.94 per hour, depending on qualifications, with advancement to $36.85 per hour. The selection process will include an online employment application and supplemental questionnaire. Semi-finalists will be invited to interview. Prior to hire, finalists will be required to pass a background investigation. A standard twelve month probationary period applies. Otter Tail County is a tobacco-free workplace. How To ApplyTo apply for this position, click on desired job title, then the "Apply" link. Online applications are stored on a secure site. Only you and authorized employees have access to the information submitted.When filling out any employment application materials for Otter Tail County, you must include your entire employment and education history. Failure to do so may render your application incomplete.Veterans PreferenceEligible veterans as defined by Minnesota Statute 197.447 may claim Veterans Preference during the hiring process. A DD214 and any supporting documentation must be included with the employment application. Background InvestigationAll employment offers are contingent upon the applicant passing a background investigation which may include but are not limited to gathering information from the following sources: Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, other law enforcement agencies, court documents, educational institutions, previous employers, Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services, military records, Immigration and Naturalization Services, and known associates of the applicant. Criminal convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. Making false statements or withholding information during the application or background investigation process will cause you to be barred from employment or removed from employment. Equal Opportunity Employer
Salary : $23 - $37
