Legal Research Assistant at the Jefferson County Family Court. This is a full-time position with the Administrative Office of Courts for the State of Alabama.
DEFINITION
This is legal work of a paralegal nature and routine clerical/administrative work assisting a trial court judge.
Employees in this class research and analyze law sources such as the Code of Alabama, recorded judicial decisions, legal articles, etc., in order to provide a judge with basic information that will assist him in drafting legal decisions and court orders. Employees also perform court clerical duties such as sorting and filing legal documents, and provide assistance in the courtroom. Work is assigned by the administrator and may be reviewed in process or upon completion.
EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED
Performs legal research; reads briefs submitted by attorneys, ensures that cases are cited accurately and that relevant citations are not omitted; reviews cases and pleadings and researches applicable laws; researches the Code of Alabama in preparation of jury charges; prepares memoranda for judge on all legal questions and points researched.
Drafts a variety of complex legal documents and correspondence in accordance with office procedures, court rules, and statutes.
Ensures that case files required for the trial docket are available; calls the docket; swears in witnesses; receives, identifies, and properly marks evidence; posts to case action summary as directed by the judge.
Assists in preparation of annual court calendar, coordinating jury and non-jury terms of court, as well as motion, arraignment, and trial days
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of the Alabama and federal court systems, including statutes, rules of court, Attorney General’s opinions, court procedures, and jurisdiction.
Knowledge of legal research sources and procedures, including WESTLAW.
Knowledge of legal documents, forms, and terminology
Ability to gather and analyze legal information, facts, and precedents, in order to arrive at a valid conclusion, and present ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with UJSadministrators, employees, and the public.
QUALIFICATIONS
A Legal Assistant Certificate from a college or university accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, or a similar regional accrediting agency, with a minimum of thirty semester hours or fifty quarter hours in Legal Assistant Studies.
Contact emily.macmahon@alcourt.gov.