Background:
Disability Rights Arizona (DRAZ) is the State of Arizona’s Protection and Advocacy (P&A) System and is part of a national network of public interest firms dedicated to advancing the civil and human rights of all people with disabilities in the community and in institutional settings.
Position Overview:
DRAZ is seeking a detail-oriented and dedicated Legal Assistant. The purpose of the Legal Assistant job is to provide administrative support for DRAZ staff and their assigned work. DRAZ expects the work of the Legal Assistant to be accomplished in a timely and accurate manner and according to the instructions of the assigned staff and/or office manager. Additionally, this person may assist other Managers in the office.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Provide high-level administrative and secretarial support to assigned staff and attorneys.
2. Assemble, review, and summarize information from files for staff and attorney use, including litigation support.
3. Adapt and manage computerized information to meet program and litigation needs, including during discovery.
4. Maintain and coordinate calendars for assigned staff and attorneys, ensuring no scheduling conflicts and tracking critical deadlines, including court-imposed deadlines.
5. Prepare and file legal documents electronically in State courts and the United States District Court of Arizona.
6. Compose and prepare correspondence using templates, guidelines, and instructions.
7. Proofread and edit documents for accuracy, grammar, formatting, punctuation, and completeness.
8. Manage case-related communications, including scanning, faxing, mailing, and electronic distribution of documents.
9. Coordinate travel arrangements, including transportation, lodging, and itinerary planning.
10. Prioritize workload effectively, meet deadlines, and resolve scheduling or task conflicts as needed.
11. Utilize Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Adobe Pro, SharePoint, ShareFile, Microsoft Teams, and internet research tools; troubleshoot basic technical issues.
12. Follow and implement organizational policies and procedures, including client service standards.
13. Assist in organizing, coordinating, and producing reports and work products, including summarizing data from multiple sources and stakeholders.
14. Maintain accurate, thorough records, including database entry and meeting minutes.
15. Handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
16. Develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with staff, attorneys, clients, external partners, and stakeholders, including board members and community representatives.
17. Communicate effectively with employees, clients, and the public at individual, team, and organizational levels.
18. Produce high-quality, error-free written materials in both print and electronic formats.
19. Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced, changing environment.
20. Apply the organization’s mission, vision, and values in all work activities and interactions.
21. Perform additional duties as assigned or required.
Qualifications:
1. High School diploma or General Education Diploma (GED), supplemented by specialized secretarial training.
2. Three years of progressively responsible administrative or secretarial experience in a professional office environment.
3. Keyboard proficiency: 55 net words per minute.
4. Demonstrated experience performing detailed administrative support work, with the ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions, to work well under pressure, and to effectively reprioritize and handle multiple tasks and fluctuating deadlines, with minimal supervision.
5. Experience working with individuals with disabilities.
Compensation:
DRAZ offers a competitive salary and benefits package based on experience and is competitive with other public interest organizations and the State of Arizona. Employment benefits include generous leave, health, dental, life insurance, student loan repayment and a 401(k)-retirement plan. DRAZ observes all federal holidays.
Disclaimers:
This position description is intended to provide a general summary and overview of the key duties and responsibilities associated with the role. It does not encompass the full scope of work or expectations and should not be considered all-inclusive. Management reserves the right to modify, amend, or rescind this description at any time, with or without prior notice.
Candidates for this position are subject to a search of the Adult and Child Protective Services Central Registry pursuant to A.R.S. 8-804.
If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact J.J. Rico at center@disabilityrightsaz.org.
How to Apply:
Send resume and cover letter via email to:
J.J. Rico, Chief Executive Officer
center@disabilityrightsaz.org
Disability Rights Arizona
4539 E. Ft. Lowell Road.
Tucson, AZ 85712