New Hampshire Public Defender works diligently to provide quality representation to indigent defendants accused of crimes in all state courts. The office assistant provides reception services to the office, both via telephone and to in person visitors.
Key Responsibilities
• Greet visitors to the office, ascertain the nature of their business and direct them accordingly.
• Answer phone and give general, non-legal information to callers; take complete messages or route call to appropriate individual.
• Handle incoming mail according to office practices.
• Handle outgoing mail according to office practices. Conduct routine mail and court delivery.
• Maintain file materials. Locate and retrieve information from files upon request.
• Operate computer, printer, photocopier, fax machine, as well as other office machines that may be utilized.
• Maintain behavior and appearance appropriate to a professional environment.
• Maintain client confidentiality in course of duties.
• Assumes other responsibilities as may be required from time to time to ensure smooth operation of the office.
Requirements
Educational and Experience
• High-school diploma or GED required.
• One year of administrative/office experience required; two years of related experience preferred.
Physical Requirements
Physical requirements include retrieving and distributing files, written documents, or office supplies weighing up to 25 pounds; retrieving and replacing objects from shelves up to eight feet high; sitting and keyboarding for extended periods of time.
This is a temporary, full-time position. A full-time work week for NH Public Defender is 37.5 working hours.
The New Hampshire Public Defender was established in 1972 as a pilot project of New Hampshire Legal Assistance, and has existed as a stand-alone institution since 1985. Its sole purpose is to provide indigent defense services to citizens charged with crimes. The Program began with a single office in Concord. Over time, the Program opened satellite offices in other counties, and established administrative offices in its Merrimack County office, located in Concord, the state capital.
In 1981, the Public Defender, in collaboration with the Franklin Pierce Law Center (now the University of New Hampshire School of Law), started the Appellate Defender Program, which provides indigent defense services to defendants who appeal their convictions to the New Hampshire Supreme Court.
Today, the Public Defender is an independent, non-profit, corporation with offices in every county. The Program works diligently to provide quality representation in a cost-effective manner to indigent defendants accused of crimes in all state courts. In addition to its attorneys, the Public Defender employs legal assistants, investigators, support staff, and information technology specialists, all of whom are dedicated to its core mission of serving indigent citizens accused of crimes.
