Williamson County
Legal Assistant II - County Attorney
Williamson County, Georgetown, Texas, United States, 78628
Overview
Reporting directly to a Division Chief, this position provides advanced legal assistance to assigned legal staff and serves as a liaison between attorneys, courts, witnesses, law enforcement agencies, other agencies, and the public. The role includes drafting all necessary legal documents and supporting attorneys in case management across multiple assignments.
Responsibilities
Prepares petitions, motions, orders, and other legal documents
Requests hearing dates, mediation dates, and other settings
Prepares and sends notice of court hearing
Researches case information
Files, makes copies, and mails notices
Arranges and coordinates witnesses
Notarizes legal documents
Attends court to assist attorneys as needed
Assists with the preparation of discovery, subpoenas, briefs, bench warrants, and other time-sensitive legal documents
Assists with records management and filing, including e-filing and use of the County’s electronic case management system
Maintains calendar, case files, and dockets
Assimilates legal discovery
Processes and distributes Public Information Requests
Serves as back-up to other Legal Assistants as needed
Maintains division’s central email inbox, responds to inquiries, monitors E-file notifications, and takes action as required
Communicates with the County Attorney’s Office staff/prosecutors, private attorneys, local mental health authority counselors, jail staff, courthouse personnel, citizens, and outside agencies
Division Assignments
Civil Assignment
Schedules depositions
Assists in the process of settlement of damage claims
Works closely with the Local Mental Health Authority, social/case workers, local/state hospitals, and the Health and Human Services Commission
Obtains updated medical records from mental health hospitals, as needed, prior to probable cause or commitment proceedings
Coordinates with out-of-county hospitals and Crisis Intervention Team on transfers
Serves as the first point of contact for intake of applications involving involuntary commitments or other mental health matters; attends commitment hearings as necessary
Obtains updated medical records from mental health hospitals, as needed, prior to probable cause or commitment proceedings
Receives and uploads waivers from court-appointed attorneys for Probable Cause hearings
Communicates regularly with mental health hospitals regarding potential filings, discharges, and patient status
Processes, analyzes, and organizes all responsive information for Public Information Act requests
Organizes, drafts, and compiles exhibits for briefs submission to the Attorney General’s Office
Maintains calendar of all deadlines and mails all 10-day letters and 15-day briefs to the Attorney General’s Office for Public Information Act requests
Assists with cost estimates for Public Information Requests and distributes to requestors
Creates secure online links to distribute responsive information to requestors
Oversees auto-redactions of responsive information and sends to attorney for review
Juvenile Assignment
Reconciles Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) and submits paper records to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) for criminal history reporting
Processes juvenile referrals, including data entry, legal document preparation, requesting court/jury dates, and notifying counsel and schools
Reviews sex offender registration status, completes CJIS reporting information, and calculates child support and restitution
Sets up each case in the database with all pertinent identifying information, DPS offense codes, and DPS tracking number
Performs daily reporting on the DPS Electronic Disposition Reporting (EDR) website
Coordinates detention hearings
Prepares transfer paperwork for juveniles to be certified as an adult
Prepares appointment/court setting notices to schools and attorneys
Processes general juvenile-related communications from probation staff, court staff, law enforcement, parents, attorneys, and school officials
Contacts law enforcement agencies to obtain missing information as needed
Prepares and sends collection letters
Drafts judicial confessions, writs of attachment, and applications for grand jury subpoenas
Routes paperwork for assessments, releases from detention, furloughs, and trial documents
Files enforcement actions
Provides written updates to Juvenile Services on actions taken and disposition outcomes
Calculates child support as needed
Contacts Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (TDFPS) for case information and status
Family Justice Assignment
Works closely with outside agencies including TDFPS, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), and The Office of the Attorney General
Arranges mediations; prepares and sends out notice of mediation
Drafts and coordinates with respondents and/or attorneys for the execution of Affidavits for Relinquishment of Parental Rights
Requests birth certificate verifications and reviews pleadings to ensure accuracy of information
Requests TDFPS visitation plans and ensures attachment to the appropriate order
Monitors, responds to, and notifies attorneys of legal intervention requests
Coordinates with court staff and clerk’s office for new case filings
Conducts conflict checks to ensure appropriate appointment of attorneys
Reads TDFPS affidavits and determines appropriate pleadings and orders needed based on information; drafts documents for attorney review
Prepares letters requesting Issuance of Citation and Precept and e-files
Requests and reviews criminal history information and compiles certified copies of documents; notifies attorneys of possible aggravated circumstances that warrant further pleadings
Protective Order Assignment
Creates case shells for all protective order inquiries
Conducts conflict checks across divisions and records
Runs criminal histories and locates information in CJIS databases
Assists law enforcement with properly obtained evidence and distribution to the protective order file
Works closely with the victim assistance coordinator and investigator assigned to protective orders
Obtains non-law enforcement records such as medical records, phone records, and certified records from County and District Clerk’s Offices nationwide
Creates and organizes service packets and coordinates with process serving agencies
Assists in data entry of necessary information into CJIS databases
Drafts and files all necessary paperwork, including applications for protective orders and related orders
Compiles, organizes, and prepares all exhibits for presentation to the Court
Organization Relationships
Reports directly to – A Division Chief
Direct Reports – No
Physical Demands
Position involves prolonged sitting at a workstation, visual examination of documents, reaching, walking, twisting, bending, standing and occasional lifting/carrying
Environmental Factors
Work is primarily indoors in an air-conditioned environment
High stress, deadlines, and case management under limited time constraints
Irregular Hours
Work outside of normal office hours may be required
May be deemed essential personnel in the event of an emergency
Regular attendance is required
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work. They are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills. This job description is subject to change as needed.
Experience, Education, and Certifications
Associate degree in a related field and one year of legal experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
Licenses and Certifications Required within thirty (30) days of employment
Valid driver’s license
Required within six (6) months of employment
CJIS certification
TCIC certification
Texas Notary Public Commission
Preferred Qualifications
Paralegal certification
Working knowledge of Odyssey, Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Sign, Laserfiche, Kronos, Alice, and Jabber
Bilingual: Spanish
Employment Testing Employment is contingent on post-offer pre-employment screening as listed:
Criminal background check: Yes
Motor Vehicle Record check: Yes
Drug screening: No
Physical exam: No
Psychological exam: No
Additional: N/A
A Williamson County online application must be received before the position is closed. Positions are open until filled, subject to close at any time after five (5) calendar days. The Human Resources Department is located at 100 Wilco Way, Georgetown, TX 78626. Phone (512) 943-1533 or visit our website at www.wilcotx.gov/469/Human-Resources .
Williamson County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and USERRA. If you require an accommodation in order to apply for a position, please request assistance from the Human Resources Department.
Tobacco Free Workplace Policy Williamson County is a tobacco free workplace. The use of tobacco products and Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems is prohibited on all Williamson County premises. Violations may result in disciplinary action up to termination.
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Responsibilities
Prepares petitions, motions, orders, and other legal documents
Requests hearing dates, mediation dates, and other settings
Prepares and sends notice of court hearing
Researches case information
Files, makes copies, and mails notices
Arranges and coordinates witnesses
Notarizes legal documents
Attends court to assist attorneys as needed
Assists with the preparation of discovery, subpoenas, briefs, bench warrants, and other time-sensitive legal documents
Assists with records management and filing, including e-filing and use of the County’s electronic case management system
Maintains calendar, case files, and dockets
Assimilates legal discovery
Processes and distributes Public Information Requests
Serves as back-up to other Legal Assistants as needed
Maintains division’s central email inbox, responds to inquiries, monitors E-file notifications, and takes action as required
Communicates with the County Attorney’s Office staff/prosecutors, private attorneys, local mental health authority counselors, jail staff, courthouse personnel, citizens, and outside agencies
Division Assignments
Civil Assignment
Schedules depositions
Assists in the process of settlement of damage claims
Works closely with the Local Mental Health Authority, social/case workers, local/state hospitals, and the Health and Human Services Commission
Obtains updated medical records from mental health hospitals, as needed, prior to probable cause or commitment proceedings
Coordinates with out-of-county hospitals and Crisis Intervention Team on transfers
Serves as the first point of contact for intake of applications involving involuntary commitments or other mental health matters; attends commitment hearings as necessary
Obtains updated medical records from mental health hospitals, as needed, prior to probable cause or commitment proceedings
Receives and uploads waivers from court-appointed attorneys for Probable Cause hearings
Communicates regularly with mental health hospitals regarding potential filings, discharges, and patient status
Processes, analyzes, and organizes all responsive information for Public Information Act requests
Organizes, drafts, and compiles exhibits for briefs submission to the Attorney General’s Office
Maintains calendar of all deadlines and mails all 10-day letters and 15-day briefs to the Attorney General’s Office for Public Information Act requests
Assists with cost estimates for Public Information Requests and distributes to requestors
Creates secure online links to distribute responsive information to requestors
Oversees auto-redactions of responsive information and sends to attorney for review
Juvenile Assignment
Reconciles Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) and submits paper records to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) for criminal history reporting
Processes juvenile referrals, including data entry, legal document preparation, requesting court/jury dates, and notifying counsel and schools
Reviews sex offender registration status, completes CJIS reporting information, and calculates child support and restitution
Sets up each case in the database with all pertinent identifying information, DPS offense codes, and DPS tracking number
Performs daily reporting on the DPS Electronic Disposition Reporting (EDR) website
Coordinates detention hearings
Prepares transfer paperwork for juveniles to be certified as an adult
Prepares appointment/court setting notices to schools and attorneys
Processes general juvenile-related communications from probation staff, court staff, law enforcement, parents, attorneys, and school officials
Contacts law enforcement agencies to obtain missing information as needed
Prepares and sends collection letters
Drafts judicial confessions, writs of attachment, and applications for grand jury subpoenas
Routes paperwork for assessments, releases from detention, furloughs, and trial documents
Files enforcement actions
Provides written updates to Juvenile Services on actions taken and disposition outcomes
Calculates child support as needed
Contacts Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (TDFPS) for case information and status
Family Justice Assignment
Works closely with outside agencies including TDFPS, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), and The Office of the Attorney General
Arranges mediations; prepares and sends out notice of mediation
Drafts and coordinates with respondents and/or attorneys for the execution of Affidavits for Relinquishment of Parental Rights
Requests birth certificate verifications and reviews pleadings to ensure accuracy of information
Requests TDFPS visitation plans and ensures attachment to the appropriate order
Monitors, responds to, and notifies attorneys of legal intervention requests
Coordinates with court staff and clerk’s office for new case filings
Conducts conflict checks to ensure appropriate appointment of attorneys
Reads TDFPS affidavits and determines appropriate pleadings and orders needed based on information; drafts documents for attorney review
Prepares letters requesting Issuance of Citation and Precept and e-files
Requests and reviews criminal history information and compiles certified copies of documents; notifies attorneys of possible aggravated circumstances that warrant further pleadings
Protective Order Assignment
Creates case shells for all protective order inquiries
Conducts conflict checks across divisions and records
Runs criminal histories and locates information in CJIS databases
Assists law enforcement with properly obtained evidence and distribution to the protective order file
Works closely with the victim assistance coordinator and investigator assigned to protective orders
Obtains non-law enforcement records such as medical records, phone records, and certified records from County and District Clerk’s Offices nationwide
Creates and organizes service packets and coordinates with process serving agencies
Assists in data entry of necessary information into CJIS databases
Drafts and files all necessary paperwork, including applications for protective orders and related orders
Compiles, organizes, and prepares all exhibits for presentation to the Court
Organization Relationships
Reports directly to – A Division Chief
Direct Reports – No
Physical Demands
Position involves prolonged sitting at a workstation, visual examination of documents, reaching, walking, twisting, bending, standing and occasional lifting/carrying
Environmental Factors
Work is primarily indoors in an air-conditioned environment
High stress, deadlines, and case management under limited time constraints
Irregular Hours
Work outside of normal office hours may be required
May be deemed essential personnel in the event of an emergency
Regular attendance is required
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work. They are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills. This job description is subject to change as needed.
Experience, Education, and Certifications
Associate degree in a related field and one year of legal experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
Licenses and Certifications Required within thirty (30) days of employment
Valid driver’s license
Required within six (6) months of employment
CJIS certification
TCIC certification
Texas Notary Public Commission
Preferred Qualifications
Paralegal certification
Working knowledge of Odyssey, Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Sign, Laserfiche, Kronos, Alice, and Jabber
Bilingual: Spanish
Employment Testing Employment is contingent on post-offer pre-employment screening as listed:
Criminal background check: Yes
Motor Vehicle Record check: Yes
Drug screening: No
Physical exam: No
Psychological exam: No
Additional: N/A
A Williamson County online application must be received before the position is closed. Positions are open until filled, subject to close at any time after five (5) calendar days. The Human Resources Department is located at 100 Wilco Way, Georgetown, TX 78626. Phone (512) 943-1533 or visit our website at www.wilcotx.gov/469/Human-Resources .
Williamson County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and USERRA. If you require an accommodation in order to apply for a position, please request assistance from the Human Resources Department.
Tobacco Free Workplace Policy Williamson County is a tobacco free workplace. The use of tobacco products and Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems is prohibited on all Williamson County premises. Violations may result in disciplinary action up to termination.
#J-18808-Ljbffr