Capital Habeas Legal Assistant

Federal Public Defender, Central District of California • Los Angeles, CA

21d • Onsite

About The Position

The Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Central District of California is accepting applications for a full-time legal assistant position in its Capital Habeas Unit (CHU) stationed in Los Angeles, California. The CHU advocates for the constitutional rights and inherent dignity of indigent persons sentenced to death. We provide the highest quality representation in post-conviction proceedings through diversity of experience, collaborative and thorough case development, focused litigation strategies, and skilled courtroom advocacy.

Requirements

• All applicants must have graduated from an accredited school with a bachelor’s degree or at least one-year specialized experience performing progressively responsible duties as a legal assistant. Extensive relevant experience may substitute a bachelor’s degree.
• Candidates must demonstrate a high level of computer literacy, including expertise with Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat programs.
• Comprehensive knowledge of legal secretarial principles, practices, methods, and techniques
• An understanding of state, district and circuit court rules, protocols, policies, and precedents
• Knowledge of legal terminology and Blue Book citation format.
• Legal assistants must be available to work during regular business hours, and when necessary, during evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• A background investigation is required as a condition of employment.
• In line with current appropriations law, applicants must be United States citizens or permanent residents seeking citizenship as described here: https://www.uscourts.gov/careers/search-judiciary-jobs/citizenship-requirements-employment-judiciary.
• Successful applicants demonstrate an interest in social justice, civil rights, or indigent defense
• Must have excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills
• Have strong organizational, analytical, and technical skills
• An ability to organize work and set priorities to meet critical deadlines
• Capable of learning new technological tools, when needed
• Be able to work independently and take initiative
• Work well in teams

Nice To Haves

• Experience with legal practice-related programs such as evidence review platforms, document management systems, and document indexing tools is also highly preferred.
• The ability to speak, read, and write in Spanish is preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

• Filing of court documents electronically and manually
• Preparing and editing draft pleadings, reports, and correspondence
• Maintaining attorneys’ calendars
• Accurately maintaining up-to-date case files and facility clearances
• Composing correspondence
• Screening public and client telephone calls
• Processing mail, as needed
• Assist with overflow coverage when needed

Benefits

• Benefits include health and life insurance, retirement, and a Thrift Savings Plan.
• For more information on benefits, see http://www.uscourts.gov/careers/benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level