Legal Assistant

General Description:

Provides litigation support for the investigators and attorneys of the office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel related to their handling of attorney disciplinary cases. This position involves frequent contact with State Bar staff, committees, and departments, attorneys, and other individuals and organizations outside the State Bar.

Primary Functions:

1. Assists attorneys in the preparation of pleadings, petitions, discovery requests, interviewing witnesses, judgments, and other documents.

2. Assists investigators and attorneys with legal research and in gathering pertinent data, documents, and records; and with case management and preparation for hearings and trials.

3. Assists in contacting court personnel, complainants, and witnesses, both verbally and in written form.

4. Attends trials and appellate arguments, takes notes, maintains exhibits, and summarizes trial testimony and depositions.

5. Organizes and maintains documents for presentation and filing.

6. Responds to inquiries from complainants, respondents, witnesses, and the public while maintaining confidentiality.

7. Prepares and organizes trial notebooks.

8. Maintains a docket control system via case-tracking software and external tracking system.

9. Assists Statewide Compliance Monitor with respondents’ compliance with disciplinary judgments entered.

10. Performs other duties as required.

Position Requirements:

Certification from an accredited paralegal program, or a minimum of three years of legal assistant experience in civil litigation. Requires technological competency, including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Adobe Pro, Zoom, Teams, and Outlook Express. Experience using case management software preferred. Requires knowledge of legal research, legal drafting, legal terminology, and legal concepts; advanced skills in writing; and knowledge of civil court procedure. Requires proven written and oral communication skills. Minimal travel required.