Senior Legal Specialist

JOB CODE: 2040

PAY GRADE: 1130

SALARY RANGE: $27,828 - $47,376

LOCATION OF WORK
Various City-Parish Departments

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Under the direction of a higher classification, performs highly responsible administrative and clerical work involving complex work methods and specialized duties of a legal nature. Work may involve preparation and processing of court records including court dockets and court orders. Work may also involve transcription of City and Parish Council minutes as well as verbatim recording of court proceedings. Employees of this classification should be familiar with legal terminology, legal format, and legal forms. Incumbents perform work independently and may exercise supervision over lower level classifications. Performs other work as requested.

ESSENTIAL WORK TASKS
Makes minute notations of dispositions; takes minutes in courtroom and of all official meetings of City and Parish Councils, other assigned committees, commissions and bodies; compiles data and necessary papers for appealed cases. Prepares court dockets by assigning court dates; obtains records prior to court and prepares necessary documents for court docket; schedules appearance of incarcerated defendants; prepares affidavits, arraignments, ordinances, resolutions and witness lists. Takes and transcribes legal dictation concerning orders for support, stipulations, interrogations, hearings, pleadings, reports, court orders, motions, briefs and opinions. Prepares and types legal documents including judgments, verbatim court transcripts, commitments, case appeals, orders and other court ordered actions; maintains related statistical reports; issues and recalls bench warrants as ordered by the Court. Makes a verbatim record of court proceedings on PC based digital recording system; arranges for the production of and prepares written transcripts; prepares case records to be lodged with the Appellate Court; catalogues CD tapes, recordings, and log notes and maintains their storage. Interviews and screens callers on matters relative to Council activities; provides information to attorneys, department heads, other court personnel and the public regarding court policies, procedures and status of cases. Advises traffic/criminal violators of procedures, alternatives and charges; accepts and records fines; processes jail money received from booking desk. Supervises the operation of the office and all related duties including preparation of correspondence, filing, ordering supplies, and answering and screening incoming telephone calls. Supervises and trains lower level Legal Specialists and clerical personnel. May be deputized in order to administer oath to witnesses in accordance with the law.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of legal terminology and legal format; knowledge of business English, spelling, arithmetic and punctuation. Knowledge of court processes and procedures. Knowledge of the organizational structure and administrative processes of municipal government including Council procedures. Skill in taking and transcribing legal dictation, and in the operation and care of modern office equipment such as computer terminals and associated equipment. Ability to make responsible decisions in accordance with established policies and procedures. Ability to accurately record court proceedings at a reasonable rate of speed. Ability to keep complex, confidential records and to prepare periodic reports. Ability to plan, modify and carry out responsible and complex clerical, legal and administrative procedures. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, attorneys, officials, coworkers, subordinates, and the public. Ability to apply good work habits such as punctuality, reliability, preciseness, and dependability in order to effectively complete assigned tasks and contribute to the smooth operation of the department and division.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS