/To be considered for OPD positions, applicants must complete and submit their application online, as well as upload any required application materials./* / /* / /* *_Our Mission_ To Provide the Most Compassionate and Expert Defense of Clients and the Constitution * * _Our Vision_ Creating Expert Teams of Advocates for Justice, Bringing Respect and Dignity to our Clients to Achieve Holistic and Equitable Outcomes /* /* _Reasons to work for the Office of the Public Defender:_ Our work changes lives! The work OPD does, makes a difference for the people in our communities. * Public Defenders work for their clients, protect constitutional rights and ensure the system remains fair. We are proud of the work we do, to find out more about OPD visit our website HERE.* * *_Benefits of working for OPD:_ The ability to work and play in the beautiful state of Montana is one of the benefits you will love about this opportunity! Montana, offers theaters, museums, fairs, rodeos, a high-quality educational system, and many recreational opportunities. Montana's mountains, rivers and lakes provide year-round opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Fishing, hiking, camping, boating, biking, hunting, skiing, and snowmobiling can be accessed throughout our great state. Other fantastic benefits include:* * *Health Coverage * Retirement plans * Paid vacation, sick leave and Holidays * Work/life balance * Flexible schedules * Opportunities and room for professional growth * Telework (when applicable) * Public Service Loan Forgiveness- *Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive loan forgiveness- click HERE to learn more! *_Materials Required of Applicants: _ * Cover Letter * Resume * References: */Please provide contact information for (2) current or former supervisors and (1) professional peer./// * *Supplemental questions (if applicable) About this Opportunity! * * Job Overview: The Administrative Assistant is instrumental in performing various administrative, office and legal support activities for Appellate Defender offices, which handle criminal and civil cases on appeal to the Montana Supreme Court. This position’s responsibilities include ensuring the effective operations of Appellate Defender offices by performing administrative functions such as drafting, reviewing and formatting documents, assisting clients and office staff with information requests, data input, and maintaining files. This position coordinates with official court reporters and clerks of court statewide for production and delivery of appellate records. The Administrative Assistant conducts a supportive and teamwork environment and provides exceptional customer services to all clients, courts and internal customers. Thispositon reports to the Appellate Defender Division Administrator. Essential Functions (Major Duties or Responsibilities): A. *Administrative Legal Support (70%) * Drafts defense pleadings and all appropriate motions necessary for perfecting an appeal, obtaining a transcript, and pursuing the appeal, including Notices of Appeal, Petitions to Proceed in Forma Pauperis, Requests for Production of Transcripts, and Motions for Extensions of Time. * Reviews the lower court proceedings, including the district court record and transcript. * Formats appellate briefs to comply with the Rules of Appellate Procedure. Prints, binds and submits required copies of appellate briefs for in-house and contract attorneys * Coordinates with official court reporters and clerks of court statewide for production and delivery of appellate record. * Formats, drafts, prepares and proofreads a wide variety of legal and other documents in accordance with instructions established in policies and procedures. * Establish and maintain case files and ensures that such files are complete, up to date and in proper format and order including transfer of hard files to electronic format;retrieveslegal documents, records, and reports. * Mail, fax, or arrange for delivery of legal and other correspondence to clients, attorneys and court officials * Manages information requests received from clients, courts and office staff. B. Office Management (25%) * Independently develops and manages a brief bank and database. * Manages the calendar, master case list and docket control to ensure that deadlines are not missed by keeping a record of the deadlines imposed on staff attorneys, court reporters, and opposing counsel by the law, Montana Supreme Court, district courts throughout Montana,and the U.S. Supreme Court. Missing a deadline may seriously affect and/or foreclose the availability of further options or remedies for the client. * Reviews inventory and purchases equipment and supplies pursuant to the guidelines of the state term contracts and purchasing policies. * Maintains document control by organizing documents, transferring to electronic format and filing topically and/or chronologically foreach case. * Inputs data into Case Management System concerning all clients, case information, closes cases and runs reports from the OPD Case Management System. * Arranges telephone, video and in person attorney-client visitation at the various state prison and regional correctional facilities statewide. Receives and screens telephone calls and potential office visitors. * Reviews and distributes mail. C. Other Duties as Assigned (5%) *Physical and Environmental Demands:Typical office environment, utilizing a computer, telephone system and other office equipment. Minimal in-town travel is required approximately 5% of the time. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Behaviors): Required for thefirst day of work: * Knowledge of office administrative processes and procedures. * Knowledge of bookkeeping, recordkeeping and database management. * Effective written and oral communication skills. * Professional customer service skills. * Ability to operate personal computer and general office equipment as necessary to complete essential functions, including using spreadsheets, word processing, legal research programs, case management, database, email, internet, and other computer programs. * Ability to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships. * Ability to follow written and verbal instructions. * Ability to plan, organize, and gather information. * Abilitytoworkindependently. * Abilitytomaintainconfidentialinformation. * Abilitytoaccuratelytracknumerousdetailssimultaneously. * Ability to perform tasks with accuracy while under pressure of strict deadlines. Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience): * High school diploma or equivalent. * 2-3 years of directly related office experience performing a variety of office support or clerical work.* * Other combinations of directly-related education and experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis. *Preferred: * Knowledge of the functions, procedures and organization of a law office and the principles and practices of legal research; court and law enforcement systems and understanding of different aspects of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement and jail procedures as well as legal terminology. Title: Administrative Assistant 2 - Appellate Defender - Helena Location: Helena Requisition ID: 24141492