A law enforcement officer assists attorneys and judges with legal research, administrative support, and document preparation. They may also conduct interviews, facilitate arbitrations, and provide transportation for jurors and witnesses. The position typically lasts for six months and requires strong analytical skills and communication abilities.
Typically, a law enforcement officer is required to assist attorneys and judges with all aspects of legal research related to defense or prosecution cases. These activities often include trials, hearings, and bail motions. She may also be required to act as a bailiff or secretary during hearings. Other roles often include administrative support requests assigned by attorneys or judges. The work is usually performed by a law student.
Much of a law enforcement officer’s work is related to research and analysis. She is often driven to find and read legal documents to verify facts and case law and evaluate related causes of action. To compile draft arguments or summaries for review and acceptance, she is regularly asked by a lawyer to investigate and evaluate case law.
Another significant job requirement for a law enforcement officer focuses on the preparation, presentation and delivery of documents, petitions and arguments. This often includes written correspondence about cases and preparation of related depositions. He or she regularly serves subpoenas to witnesses and copies of apologies to opposing counsel.
In cases involving real estate matters, a law enforcement official is usually directed to prepare real estate closing statements and help facilitate the closing process. She is commonly asked to help with the estate planning process. This often requires taking an inventory of real and personal property and valuing it. Reviewing forfeiture documents and related essentials are also regularly required job functions.
Other duties commonly assigned to people in this position include providing transportation and lodging for non-local jurors and witnesses and interviewing them using a prescribed list of questions. Arbitration may be necessary in some cases, and a law enforcement official is usually authorized to conduct these negotiation sessions. This may require a review of police reports and witness statements.
Extensive writing and filing of court papers and supporting documents often make up a large part of a law enforcement officer’s workday. Traditionally, the clerk is assigned the most tedious tasks or is assigned work that the lawyer or judge for whom she works finds the most boring. As depicted in many fictional and non-fiction accounts of law enforcement officials, performing these tasks is often seen as a rite of passage required of all aspiring lawyers.
To succeed as a law enforcement officer has traditionally required a strong work ethic and a resilient constitution. Excellent analytical skills are highly valued. The ability to communicate with a wide range of personalities across multiple environments is a valuable asset.
This position normally lasts for about six months. Extensions may be granted at the discretion of the law school dean or director of admissions. The scope of job responsibilities is highly dependent on the needs of the attorney or judge being assisted by the employee.
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