Legal Office Specialist

at  Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court

COMPETENCIES/QUALIFICATIONS

The successful applicant should demonstrate knowledge of legal terminology; procedures, court rules, policies, and operations; case management systems and applicable software; authorized and unauthorized practices of law; Supreme Court Rules and Regulations; New Mexico One Source of Law and other electronic legal databases; New Mexico Statutes Annotated (NMSA); New Mexico Judicial Branch Personnel Rules; Arbitration, Settlement Facilitation, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), civil and criminal processes, Pro Se, On-Record Appeals, etc.; rules and statutes of Notary Public; office management and customer service practices; research methodology; filings in magistrate court; journal docket; sources for fact gathering; and data collection.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The following functions are representative, but not all-inclusive of the work environment and physical demands an employee may expect to encounter in performing tasks assigned to this job. Work is performed in an office or court setting. A valid driver’s license and travel may be required. The assigned work schedule may include nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime. The employee must regularly interact positively with co-workers, clients, the public, judges, and justices.

• This job description is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions performed

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university in any field
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Education Substitution: Two (2) years of experience as a legal assistant, legal office specialist, judicial specialist, or directly related field.
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- Experience: Three (3) years of experience as a legal assistant, legal office specialist, judicial specialist, or directly related field.
- Experience Substitution: Additional relevant education may substitute for up to one (1) year of experience. Thirty (30) semester hours equals one (1) year of experience.
TO APPLY: Submit ONE of the following options:
1. NM Judicial Branch Application for Employment, plus proof of education.
2. Resume and Resume Supplemental Form, plus proof of education (HS Diploma, GED, or college transcripts).
Sixth Judicial District Court
Attn: Susan Kirker
PO Box 2339, Silver City, NM 88062 (mailing)
201 N. Cooper Street, Silver City, NM 88061 (physical)
Email: sildsck@nmcourts.gov

EXAMPLES OF JOB DUTIES

• The Legal Office Specialist is responsible for providing routine legal support according to court rules and guidelines.
• Composes correspondence, notices, and legal documents.
• Performs administrative support functions.
• Keeps court associates apprised of operational and procedural changes.
• Manages and coordinates the timely processing of documents, case files, and statistics.
• Researches legal material and records.
• Analyzes and processes cases, maintains and manages case flow for rule compliance, and stamps and dockets pleadings and legal records.
• Identifies cases for judgments and court orders pursuant to directives by the judge or commissioner.
• Maintains calendar of deadlines and appointments, coordinates the timely processing of documents, and manages office files and records.
• Creates agendas, schedules appointments, prepares materials for meetings, and manages administrative minutes.
• Communicates and applies complex rules for case administration, filing, court procedures, and legal processes under the New Mexico State Law.
• Utilizes and updates legal reference materials.
• Reviews court rules and makes recommendations to address non-routine legal issues that may fall outside court rules and guidelines.
• Provides guidance to, consults, and assists new law clerks and other legal office specialists in the technical and procedural aspects of the job.
• Assists the judge or hearing officer in the courtroom.
• Provides customer service and information to the general public, attorneys, and judicial partners.
• Prepares transport list, data collection, and compiles and prepares statistical reports.
• Prepares legal pleadings, proofreads documents, and follows up on overdue arbitrations.
• Provides assistance for backup and serve as a liaison with state agencies and the public.
• Prepares draft memoranda in areas of law and maintains law library.
• May serve as a court monitor.
• Other duties as assigned.

The following functions are representative, but not all-inclusive of the work environment and physical demands an employee may expect to encounter in performing tasks assigned to this job. Work is performed in an office or court setting. A valid driver’s license and travel may be required. The assigned work schedule may include nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime. The employee must regularly interact positively with co-workers, clients, the public, judges, and justices.

• This job description is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions performe