LEGAL RESEARCH ASSISTANT

BASIC PURPOSE:

Positions in this job family will be assigned responsibilities involving legal research work, investigating facts and preparing documents to provide technical legal assistance.

TYPICAL FUNCTIONS:

• Researches legal data; prepares rough drafts and/or final forms of briefs and arguments.
• Conducts field investigations to ensure accuracy of data and facts.
• Locates and assembles legal material for use in docketing of cases.
• Assists attorneys in the preparation and filing of court actions.
• Answers inquiries concerning legal issues from the public and agency personnel.
• Locates and interviews witnesses; serves notices and copies of pleadings.
• Develops and maintains files on research resources; maintains law library.

LEVEL DESCRIPTOR:

LEVEL I:                                   Code:  E30A                             Salary Band:  I

The Legal Research Assistant job family consists of only one level and incumbent employees will be responsible for performing all functions associated with the position.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required include knowledge of legal procedures and documents; of the rules of evidence pertinent to field investigations; of the sources of information used in locating records and persons; of interviewing techniques; of legal report writing techniques; and of legal terminology.  Ability is required to conduct legal research; to prepare materials for use in court; to interview witnesses; to evaluate, summarize and report results of research; and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Education and Experience requirements consist of completion of eighteen semester hours from an accredited school of law; or completion of an American Bar Association approved legal research assistant program; or completion of a bachelor's degree in legal studies.