LEGAL ASSISTANT

YOUR EXPERIENCE COUNTS - Under a recent change to the rules, an applicant's relevant experience now counts towards formal education degrees referenced in the posting See Per 405.1.

18 Months of additional relevant experience = Associate's degree

36 Months of additional relevant experience = Bachelor's degree

54 Months of additional relevant experience = Master's degree

*See total compensation information at the bottom of announcement.

The State of New Hampshire, Department of Health and Human Services, Division for Children, Youth, & Families has a full time vacancy for Legal Assistant.

SUMMARY:

To provide and coordinate legal support activities for the attorneys in the Office of Legal & Regulatory Services, Bureau of General Counsel, Division for Children, Youth & Families (DCYF).

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Prepares legal documents for use by attorneys and ensures timely and accurate completion of tasks, such as discovery, witness lists, exhibit lists, exhibit packets, and service by sheriff and publication. Organizes legal materials to assist attorneys in case management and monitoring caseloads to ensure deadlines are met, to include establishing and maintaining a confidential system of electronic and hardcopy files, as well as maintaining legal calendars

Assists in the timely provision of discovery by monitoring deadlines, coordinating with DCYF social workers and support staff, and assisting the DCYF attorneys with preparation and distribution of the same. Conducts pretrial DCYF litigation discovery, as assigned by DCYF staff attorneys and the Divisions’ Director of Legal Services, by reviewing files, obtaining documents and medical records, and analyzing and compiling information into appropriate format for attorney use. Responds to opposing counsels’ discovery requests, as assigned by DCYF attorneys.

Composes and assists in the drafting of correspondence and motions, including proofreading and checking format for the DCYF attorneys. Communicates orally and in writing with opposing counsel, the courts, law enforcement, and other state and federal agencies as needed and under the supervision of DCYF attorneys. Communicates with DCYF field staff to facilitate flow of information between the legal office and the DCYF social workers relative to child protection cases. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with attorneys, law enforcement personnel, judges, DCYF social workers, and the general public.

Assists DCYF and DCYF attorneys with responses to case records requests submitted to the Department within established timeframes.

Organizes litigation material and oversees maintenance of complex, multi-volume files necessary for expeditious retrieval of voluminous discovery documents; and monitors various court orders, discovery schedules and multi-party agreements to ensure compliance. Compiles exhibits for hearings/trials and depositions.

Organizes and prepares legal materials for the DCYF attorneys to assist agency administrators in case management, such as providing documents needed by the Attorney General’s office for Supreme Court appeals or other matters.

Enters data to process for payment or reimbursement various invoices, witness fees, and legal notifications.

Discovers and contacts medical, psychiatric, and other expert witnesses for use in hearing/trial preparation and during hearings/trials. Drafts subpoenas and contacts witnesses to ensure their appearance for testimony at court cases and administrative hearings. Compiles and maintains general expert witness file, which serves as a database for information regarding areas of expertise, hourly rates, and past performances of such experts for use by all attorneys in all offices in hearing/trial preparation and during hearings/trials.

Supervises and coordinates tasks completed for the DCYF attorneys by DCYF support staff, such as scanning in of court orders, discovery, responding to case records requests, and managing mail and the court calendar for the DCYF attorneys. Coordinates with DCYF support staff to determine when legal files are to be archived and monitors the legal file until it is properly archived with the DCYF file.

Attends depositions, contested judicial and administrative hearings, and meetings to take notes, consult with attorneys, and prepare deposition and hearing summaries.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Associate’s degree in business science with major study in legal science, business, or legal stenography, paralegal studies or a related legal field. Each additional year of approved formal education may be substituted for one year of required work experience.

Experience: Five years’ experience as a legal secretary, paralegal, or in an area which provided experience with legal terminology. Each additional year of approved work experience may be substituted for one year of required formal education.

License/Certification: None required.

RECOMMENDED WORK TRAITS: Knowledge of legal office methods, policies, and procedures. Knowledge of the New Hampshire legal system including statutory and case law and legal reference material. Skill in taking and transcribing legal dictation. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to prepare complex legal documents utilizing specialized formats. Ability to establish and maintain a confidential system of files. Ability to establish and maintain effective and collaborative working relationships with attorneys, clerical staff, and other employees within the Department.

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT: The supplemental job description lists the essential functions of the position and is not intended to include every job duty and responsibility specific to the position. An employee may be required to perform other related duties not listed on the supplemental job description provided that such duties are characteristic of that classification.

For further information please contact Deanna Baker, DCYF Legal Director, Deanna.Baker@DHHS.NH.GOV, 603-271-1220.

*TOTAL COMPENSATION INFORMATION

The State of NH total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits, including:

HMO or POS Medical and Prescription Drug Benefits:

The actual value of State-paid health benefits is based on the employee's union status, and employee per pay period health benefit contributions will vary depending on the type of plan selected.

Value of State's share of Employee's Retirement: 13.85% of pay

Other Benefits:

o Dental Plan at minimal cost for employees and their families ($500-$1800 value)

o Flexible Spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts

o State defined benefit retirement plan and Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan

o Work/life balance flexible schedules, paid holidays and generous leave plan

o $50,000 state-paid life insurance plus additional low cost group life insurance

o Incentive-based Wellness Program (ability to earn up to $500)

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website:

EOE

TDD Access: Relay NH 1-800-735-2964