The Garza Law Firm’s Criminal Defense Legal Assistant position is an entry level position and is a support role for the Criminal Division. The Criminal Defense Legal Assistant works closely with and reports to the Legal Operations Manager and assigned attorneys, if applicable. Works with other Legal Assistants to provide administrative support required for case management, acquiring legal documentation, and proper preparation for client meetings. 

The Criminal Defense Legal Assistant does not have the authority to practice law, give legal advice, or set strategy on a pre-case/per-client basis.

Responsibilities

• Criminal Team Support: Criminal Defense Legal Assistants provide work assistance to support the Criminal Attorneys and Criminal Paralegal on tasks as requested.
• Case Preparation: The Criminal Defense Legal Assistant receives tasks via Filevine to ensure case files include warrants or citations, attorney notes, a copy of the Defendant’s Driver's License or other Form of ID, the defendant’s contact information, a filed Notice of Appearance, as well as any and all necessary evidence the client has provided. 
• Legal Investigative Support: The Legal Assistant ensures bodycam or dash-cam video is requested, the arrest or crash report is requested, and that any necessary 911 audio is requested.
• Case Management: The Legal Assistant monitors the Criminal Case Files via Filevine, to make certain all additional documents are added to the correct file over the course of the case.
• Expungement Management: The Legal Assistant ensures all necessary expungements are submitted per attorney discretion, and all proper payments have been obtained from the client to perform the expungement.
• Potential and New Client Preparation: The Legal Assistant ensures the warrant or citation has been requested prior to the potential client meeting. The Legal Assistant will make certain a slip-file is assembled prior to the attorney/potential new client meeting.

Work Experience

Required:

• Proficient with Microsoft 365 Suite Applications, including but not limited to, Outlook, Word, and Teams.
• Verbal and Written Communication Skills.
• Organizational Skills.

Preferred:

• Experience with Case File Management such as Filevine.
• Experience with lead generation systems such as Lead Docket.
• Experience in Customer Service both in-person and over the phone, while monitoring and diffusing escalated issues.
• Experience talking on the phone regularly and corresponding through email with a professional and confident tone. 

Education / Certifications / Other Qualifications / Success Traits

Required:

• Must have a High School Diploma or Equivalent.
• Ensure Accountability: Take responsibility for work product and the performance of the firm. Own commitments and show a willingness to answer for actions without being defensive or shifting blame.
• Client Focus: Intentionally seek to understand Client needs. Proactively identify opportunities to serve or create a benefit to the Client. Look to exceed Client expectations by creating delight. Establish and maintain effective Client relationships.
• Situational Adaptability: Rebound from setbacks vs. emotionally responding with drama. Demonstrate confidence under pressure. Handle or Manage change or crises effectively. Maintain a positive attitude despite adversity. Grow from hardships and negative experiences.
• Action Oriented: Readily take action on challenges, without unnecessary delay. Identify and seize new opportunities. Display a can-do attitude in good and bad times. Step up to handle tough issues without avoidance. 

Preferred:

• Secondary education, bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.