PRINCIPAL LEGAL STENOGRAPHER

 

DEFINITION


 Under direction, performs highly responsible and varied clerical
 work involving in-taking and transcribing legal dictation and
 other varied clerical tasks and/or supervises the work of a small
 legal clerical unit; does related work.

 NOTE: The examples of work for this title are for illustrative
 purposes only.  A particular position using this title may not
 perform all duties listed in this job specification.  Conversely,
 all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

 
EXAMPLES OF WORK:


 Takes and transcribes complex legal dictation.

 Performs   highly  responsible  work  involved  in   taking   and
 transcribing dictation of legal briefs.

 Locates relevant laws, statutes, rules, quotes and cases cited in
 legal briefs.

 Takes and transcribes statements from witnesses, defendants and
 complainants.

 Answers the more difficult inquiries regarding assigned legal
 clerical work.

 Composes and replies to correspondence requiring the exercise  of
 independent judgement.

 Trains new clerical employees.

 May assign and supervise the work of a small legal clerical unit.

 Maintains a legal diary containing information relative to
 matters in litigation.

 As directed, compiles information used to prepare reports.

 Previews, checks and certifies reports, applications and other
 documents for correctness where difficult determinations are
 concerned.

 Under direction, drafts proposed ordinances and/or resolutions.

 Maintains, classifies, indexes and cross references records and
 files.

 Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic
 and/or manual recording and information systems used by the
 agency, office or related units.

 REQUIREMENTS:

      EXPERIENCE:

           Four (4) years of experience in legal stenographic and
 clerical work.

      NOTE: Successful completion of a clerical training program
 with  a  minimum of 700 classroom training hours or  thirty  (30)
 semester  hour credits in secretarial science from an  accredited
 college  or  university  may be substituted for one (1)  year  of
 indicated  experience.  Course work must include  typing  skills,
 methods,  and procedures; other courses may include, but  not  be
 limited  to,  office procedures, word  processing,  and  business
 English.


           LICENSE:

            Appointees  will  be required to  possess  a  driver's
 license  valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a  vehicle,
 rather  than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential
 duties of the position.

 KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

 Knowledge of legal stenographic and clerical procedures.

 Knowledge of office methods, practices and equipment.

 Ability to read, interpret and apply departmental regulations.

 Ability to take and transcribe dictation.

 Ability to organize assigned work and develop effective work
 methods.

 Ability to compose correspondence.

 Ability to work harmoniously with attorneys and other concerned
 persons.

 Ability to maintain suitable records and files.

 Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual
 recording and information systems used by the agency, office or
 related units.

 Ability  to  read,  write, speak, understand and  communicate  in
 English  sufficiently  to perform the duties  of  this  position.
 American  Sign Language or Braille may also be considered  as  an
 acceptable form of communication.

 Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long
 as  they  can  perform the essential functions of the  job  after
 reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations.   If
 the  accommodation  cannot be made because  it  would  cause  the
 employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

 CODES: LG - 02819               MCK                   7/21/99

 This job specification is for local government use only.