Legal Assistant – Clarke County Attorney’s Office
The Clarke County Attorney’s Office seeks a highly organized, professional, and detail-oriented Legal Assistant to provide critical administrative and legal support to the County Attorney and Assistant County Attorney. This position serves at the discretion of the County Attorney and will have a one-year probationary period. This is a demanding position that requires discretion, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by the legal assistant. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Case File Management:
- Creating, organizing, and maintaining physical and electronic case files, ensuring all documents are accurately filed and easily accessible.
- Compiling and organizing evidence, exhibits, discovery materials, and other documentation for use in criminal and civil cases.
- Court Document Preparation and Filing:
- Drafting legal documents, including notices, subpoenas, orders, correspondence, and motions under the direction of an attorney.
- Accurately preparing and filing documents with the Iowa District Court and other courts, adhering strictly to all court rules and deadlines.
- Scheduling and Calendar Management:
- Maintaining the office’s court calendar and keeping track of all critical court dates, deadlines, hearings, trials, and meetings for the attorneys.
- Coordinating attorney and witness schedules and managing service of subpoenas and notices.
- Communication and Office Support:
- Serving as the primary point of contact for the office, including professionally taking and routing incoming phone calls from law enforcement, opposing counsel, victims, witnesses, and the general public.
- Managing incoming and outgoing mail, claims and bills, and electronic communications.
- Maintaining office supplies and equipment as needed.
Required Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED.
- A minimum of two years of experience in an administrative, clerical, or secretarial role, preferably in a legal setting.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook), ability to learn case management software, and standard office equipment.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion and integrity.
- Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple deadlines simultaneously.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Associate’s degree or higher in Paralegal Studies, Criminal Justice, or a related field.
- Experience working within an Iowa County Attorney’s Office, Public Defender’s Office, or in a related criminal law practice.
- Familiarity with the Iowa Rules of Civil and Criminal Procedure, Iowa Code, and court e-filing systems (e.g., EDMS).
- Knowledge of legal terminology and legal document formatting.
Compensation and Benefits
- Salary: Commensurate with experience, based on the County’s established pay scale.
- Benefits: Health, Dental, IPERS retirement, Paid Time Off.
To Apply: Please submit the Clarke County Application for employment, cover letter, resume, and three professional references to Johanna Olson, atty@clarkecountyiowa.org by October 14th, 2025. Clarke County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.