Paralegal or Judicial Assistant to District Judge

Summary

Provides administrative and law-related support to a United States District Judge and chambers staff. Performs legal research, proofreading, document preparation, case management, calendar coordination, travel administration, records maintenance, and liaison functions. Ensures efficient chambers operations while maintaining confidentiality, professionalism, and compliance with court policies and procedures.

Duties

Perform administrative duties using computer applications to prepare documents and correspondence. Receive, screen, and answer phone calls. Receive and assist visitors. Respond to basic questions related to the status and scheduling of cases. Review legal documents as assigned by the judge for completeness and accuracy. Conduct legal research using source material or the internet. Proofread legal drafts for completeness and accuracy. Check legal citations for accuracy using legal research tools. Search court records and briefs to verify facts and quotes. Serve as chambers liaison to the general public and internal and external agencies such as the Administrative Office of U.S. Courts, Office of the United States' Attorney, U.S. Marshal's Office, Office of the Federal Public Defender and the U.S. General Services Administration. Arrange and manage the judge's calendar and travel logistics. Monitor deadlines, prioritize tasks, and occasionally determine a need for action by the judge. Monitor caseload, organize filings and correspondence related to cases, log motions and other actions. Review daily reports (electronic and paper) to identify new filings. Screen cases for potential conflict. Maintain and update law libraries within Chambers. Maintain chambers information storage and filing systems (electronic and paper) for case filings, correspondence, publications and other documents. Maintain the recusal list, and financial disclosure report for the judge. File orders, notices, and opinions in the court's electronic filing system. Create and update templates and standard documents for orders, motions, and other related documents. Make travel arrangements and prepare travel vouchers for reimbursement purposes. Arrange meetings and conference agendas. Maintain office supplies and inventory of property assigned to chambers. Place calls for repair of office equipment. Coordinate the assignments of chambers staff. Distribute information and assignments to law clerks or other personnel. Provide orientation and training to law clerks and other personnel regarding judge's style and preferences and court administrative protocols. Maintain and certify time, attendance, and leave records for chambers staff. Provide assistance on automated systems and software for chambers staff. Compile and arrange information and data and prepare required periodic reports regarding court and noncourt activities. Perform a wide variety of special projects at the request of the judge which may include event planning or related tasks.

Qualifications

Judicial Assistant (JSP 7-11): High school diploma or equivalent. Two years of general clerical or secretarial experience and progressively responsible specialized experience serving as a principal office assistant in a law-related environment. Specialized experience requirements increase by grade level from two years at JSP-7 to six years at JSP-11. Education may be substituted in accordance with Judiciary qualification standards. Paralegal (JSP 7-11): Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or a paralegal certificate from an accredited paralegal program. Progressively responsible experience closely related to paralegal, legal, judicial, or law-related work required for advancement above the entry level. JSP-11 may also be qualified by possession of a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of legal terminology, court procedures, federal and local court rules, automated case management systems, and legal research methods. Ability to conduct legal research, analyze information, prepare and proofread legal documents, maintain confidentiality, manage multiple priorities, communicate effectively, and exercise sound judgment and discretion.

Education

Judicial Assistant: High school diploma or equivalent required. College coursework, a bachelor's degree, or education in a legal or paralegal curriculum may be substituted for qualifying experience in accordance with Judiciary qualification standards. Paralegal: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or a paralegal certificate from an accredited paralegal program required. A Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree may qualify an individual for placement at higher grade levels in accordance with Judiciary qualification standards.

How You Will Be Evaluated

Resume and application will be rated against required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Required Documents

Cover Letter Resume Judicial Branch Application (Form AO 78) Educational Credentials (transcripts, diploma, paralegal certificate, or other supporting educational documentation)

How to Apply

Submit a complete application package in a single PDF file to viclerk@vid.uscourts.gov. The vacancy announcement number must be included in the subject line of the email. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

What to Expect Next

Only individuals selected for interview will be contacted.

Judicial Assistant (JSP 7-11): High school diploma or equivalent. Two years of general clerical or secretarial experience and progressively responsible specialized experience serving as a principal office assistant in a law-related environment. Specialized experience requirements increase by grade level from two years at JSP-7 to six years at JSP-11. Education may be substituted in accordance with Judiciary qualification standards. Paralegal (JSP 7-11): Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or a paralegal certificate from an accredited paralegal program. Progressively responsible experience closely related to paralegal, legal, judicial, or law-related work required for advancement above the entry level. JSP-11 may also be qualified by possession of a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of legal terminology, court procedures, federal and local court rules, automated case management systems, and legal research methods. Ability to conduct legal research, analyze information, prepare and proofread legal documents, maintain confidentiality, manage multiple priorities, communicate effectively, and exercise sound judgment and discretion.