Litigation Assistant

The primary role of the Litigation Assistant is to assist with the litigation and trial of criminal cases in Montgomery County.

The Litigation Assistant works very closely with attorneys in the Trials Division. This includes gathering, reviewing and summarizing investigative materials in preparation for trial, including electronic device downloads, police records, court records, prison calls, medical records and other records. It is helpful but not required for the applicant to be a notary public. In addition, the Litigation Assistant transcribes witness interviews, prison calls, 911 calls, and other audio recordings. The Litigation Assistant also assists Assistant District Attorneys to completely, accurately, and efficiently convey discovery and specifically log the items conveyed to defense counsel.

The Litigation Assistant works directly with Assistant District Attorneys in preparing for trial, including: preparing trial exhibits; coordination of trial preparation meetings; coordination of witness travel and accommodations; location of missing witnesses; and coordination of subpoena service. During trial, the Litigation Assistant assists the attorneys in the support of victims and witnesses. This includes: court accompaniment; ensuring comfort of witnesses, including explanation of reimbursement for meals, parking and mileage; maintaining and restocking the victim witness room with supplies; and coordinating witness timeliness and readiness for testimony. Furthermore, the Litigation Assistant assists with the coordination, set up, and operation of trial technology during trial.

The Litigation Assistant also assists in collecting and compiling statistics for criminal cases. Duties include maintaining the DAO court schedules calendar and trial technology reservations. Finally, the Litigation Assistant completes special projects as assigned by the Chief of Trials, Assistant Chiefs of Trials and/or Captains of Trial Units.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Gathering, reviewing and summarizing investigative materials.
• Transcribing forensic interviews, prison calls, 911 calls, and other audio recordings.
• Conveying and logging discovery.
• Coordination of meetings.
• Arranging witness travel and accommodations.
• Preparation of exhibits.
• Location of missing witnesses and coordination of subpoena service.
• Court accompaniment and witness accommodations and comfort.
• Coordinating witness timeliness and readiness for testimony on day of trial.
• Set up and operation of trial technology.
• Collect and maintain statistics for criminal cases;
• Maintain DAO court schedules calendar and trial technology reservations.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• High school diploma or GED equivalency certificate.
• Two years of college-level course work in criminal justice or related field.
• Typing and computer skills.

• Proficiency with apple products.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs such as Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

• Knowledge of departmental structure and mission.
• Oral and written communications skills.
• Analytical ability.
• Ability to plan and prioritize.
• Problem solving ability.
• Research.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; and talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands or arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and depth perception.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.