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Legal Secretary 1 Jurisdiction: Schuyler County Jurisdictional Class: Competitive Adopted: June 4, 2003; Revised July 15, 2003, Revised: January 17, 2018; Revised: November 30, 2021 LEGAL SECRETARY DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This is a responsible position providing legal secretarial services in various County legal offices. This position must exercise discretion and independent judgment with regards to matters of significance related to the office. Does related work as required. TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: Uses computer to prepare petitions, forms, motions and other pleadings; Transcribes court appearance tapes; Acts as receptionist; Communicates by telephone with District Attorney, Court, caseworkers, school personnel, medical personnel, etc.; Handles inquiries from County departments and clients, Courts and Court Clients, doing research and providing Attorneys with necessary information; At attorney’s direction in conjunction with the courts, performs scheduling of petitions, forms, motions and other pleadings; Performs limited law research under attorney guidance; Opens, maintains and closes case files; Maintains accurate records and files; Prepares reports; Prepares vouchers for payment for court reporters, expert witnesses, medical records, etc.; Notarizes documents; Drafts correspondence for attorney review; Schedules depositions; Reviews case notes and redacts references to sources; Communicate with clients as directed; Assist in filling out applications for Public Defender services; Review applications for Public Defender services, check for conflicts of interest, determine eligibility and assign counsel; Receive, download in a timely manner, manage files, and notify attorneys regarding newly mandated discovery requirements. Maintain client database. FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Thorough knowledge of office terminology, procedures and equipment; Good knowledge of computer applications; Good knowledge of legal principles and the organization, functions, and policies of the agency to which assigned; Knowledge of Family Court litigation processes, docketing and scheduling, petitions, forms, motions and other pleadings; Ability to draft DSS petitions, orders, and judgments based on attorney’s information; ---PAGE BREAK--- Legal Secretary 2 Ability to communicate well both orally and in writing; Ability to maintain strictest confidentiality of privileged and personal information in accordance with the NYS Bar Association Code of Professional Responsibility, applicable state and federal statutes, rules and regulations; Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Either: A. Graduation from high school or possession of a GED and graduation from a regionally accredited or NYS registered college with an Associate’s degree in secretarial science and 2 years experience as a legal secretary; or B. Graduation from high school or possession of a GED and 4 years experience as a legal secretary. C. An equivalent combination of experience and training as defined by the limits of and