Legal Secretary/Intake Specialist

Full Job Description

This is a non-Civil Service announcement. The Public Defender’s Office represents individuals accused of committing crimes in Davidson County who cannot afford to hire a lawyer. Performing advanced secretarial and administrative duties in direct support of Assistant Public Defenders and maintaining client and office files and records in a manner consistent with policies and practices.

The Metropolitan Public Defender’s Office represents adults accused of crimes in Davidson County who cannot afford to hire a lawyer, and children in Davidson County charged with being delinquent and unable to hire a lawyer. Cases range from the simplest misdemeanor to complex capital murder cases. Our mission is to defend the liberty, honor and constitutional rights of the individuals, of all ages, whose cases have been entrusted to us. Through zealous advocacy, we strive not only to deliver excellence in our representation of each and every client, but also to stand with our clients and the community in working to create a more just, fair and compassionate legal system. The guiding principle of the Office is that each client is entitled to quality representation that recognizes the client's dignity and achieves the best possible outcome for the case. Our attorneys, investigators, social workers and support staff take great pride in providing a high level of service.

A resume and cover letter is required with your application.

Requirements

SUPERVISION EXERCISED/SUPERVISION RECEIVED
No supervision of others

Reports to General Sessions Administrator

WORKING CONDITIONS
Employee works primarily in an office setting under generally favorable working conditions. There may be some walking, standing, bending, carrying of light items, etc. No special physical demands are required to perform the work. Occasional lifting of boxes containing files that weigh up to 15 pounds may be required.

Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent and five (5) years of secretarial experience in legal or related field.

Or Two (2) years of college and three (3) years of secretarial experience in legal or related field.Applicants should have maturity; the ability to work independently, but also in a team; excellent customer service skills and experience dealing with the public; and good organizational skills.Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish is required.

No substitution OR Education may substitute for education OR Additional education may be considered in lieu of some experience OR Experience may substitute for education OR Additional experience may be considered in lieu of some experience.

Candidates with accreditations earned in a foreign institute are encouraged to apply. Note: Per Metro Ordinance No. SO94-1078.

All employees of the Metropolitan Government shall be residents of the State of Tennessee or become residents of the state within six (6) months of employment as a prerequisite to employment with the Metropolitan Government.

Additional Information Paralegal certificate and experience are preferred, as is prior experience in a law firm or indigent legal services office.

We are an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.

Metro Nashville Government respects the religious beliefs and practices of all employees and will make, on request, an accommodation for such observances when a reasonable accommodation is available that does not create an undue hardship on business operations.

Any questions regarding the position or requests for ADA accommodation for the recruitment process should be directed to pdhumanresources@jisnashville.gov.