Trial Legal Assistant - Los Angeles

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

15d • 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 our trial unit for our Los Angeles office. The Federal Public Defender’s office is committed to the pursuit of justice by aggressively advocating in federal court for the constitutional rights and inherent dignity of individuals who are charged with federal crimes and cannot afford their own lawyer.

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.
• Legal assistants must be available to work during regular business hours, and when necessary, during evenings, weekends, and occasionally holidays if in the middle of a trial.
• This is an in-office position. Telework is not available.
• 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 ideal candidate will also have comprehensive knowledge of legal secretarial principles, practices, methods, and techniques; an understanding of state, district and circuit court rules, protocols, policies, and precedents; and knowledge of legal terminology and Blue Book citation format.
• 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