Legal Assistant

Purpose Of Position/Summary

Position works within the Indiana Civil Rights Commission (ICRC). Incumbent investigates allegations of discriminatory practices pertaining to the Civil Rights Act, gather and analyzes documents relevant to the charge via interview and onsite investigations, prepares a written summary of the investigation, and makes a recommendation as to whether or not there is probable cause to believe a discriminatory act occurred.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• Conduct interviews of complainants, respondents, witnesses via phone, office interview, or onsite interview, using generally accepted investigative interviewing principles.
• Analyze gathered information including interviews, comparative information and statistical information.
• Prepare a concise written articulation of violations or non-violations in a case analysis, including relevant facts, interviews, observations, and conclusions gathered, using appropriate formatting as determined by supervisor.
• Carry a caseload where at no time the number of "aged" cases (180+ days) exceeds 9% of an investigator's case load. Employment investigators must submit a minimum of eight (8) cases per month.
• Maintain an update appropriate case file records, including paper files, and online case management systems.
• Establish effective working relationships with coworkers, clients, and/or the public by serving as a resource to educate and train others regarding Civil Rights Laws and the work of the ICRC.
• Performs legal administrative support duties as required.
• Performs related duties as required.
  
  

Job Requirements

• Must possess bachelor's degree
• Thorough knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply the Indiana Civil Rights Law, Commission rules and regulations, and court decisions falling within the area of Civil Rights.
• Specialized knowledge of the principles, practices, and the past and current trends of the Civil Rights field on a state and national level.
• Ability to secure and analyze data and testimony relevant to all areas covered by the Indiana Civil Rights Law, especially employment.
• Ability to conduct difficult and involved investigations and make recommendations to the director regarding disposition.
• Ability to understand legal concepts and to relate prior decisions to specific cases.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Working knowledge of computers and Microsoft Office 365.
  
  

Difficulty Of Work

Incumbent considers a wide variety of factors and variables in analyzing conflicting aspects of civil rights complaints. Judgment is utilize din the selection of appropriate laws, regulations, and court decisions in recommending appropriate disposition of the charge. Work involves gathering and analyzing data relating to charges alleging violation of the Indiana Civil Rights Law.

Responsibility

Incumbent reviews each case assigned, applying standardized regulations and procedures. Any deviation from these guidelines is referred to the supervisor for a decision. Instructions are general in nature and anticipated, unusual problems are discussed. Incumbent may make timely judgments as needed. Work is reviewed for technical accuracy and adherence to instructions before findings are sent to parties in a case.

Personal Work Relationships

Incumbent works with departmental staff, attorneys, employers, educational institutions, complainants, and witnesses in attempting to negotiate terms of settlement of cases involving alleged violations of the Indiana Civil Rights Law.