Legal Assistant
The Federal Public Defender for the District of Nebraska is accepting applications for a full-time Legal Assistant in our Omaha office. The federal defender organization operates under the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. §3006A, to provide criminal defense and related help in federal courts.
Job Description: This position provides secretarial and clerical support to the attorneys and staff utilizing advanced knowledge of legal terminology, Word and information processing software. This is not an entry-level position. Legal Assistants must understand U.S. District and Circuit court rules and protocols; create, edit, and proofread legal documents, correspondence, and memoranda; transcribe dictation; perform cite checking and assemble documents for filing and mailing. Duties also include case management, such as opening and closing cases in our case management system, screening and referring telephone calls and visitors; screening incoming mail; reviewing outgoing mail for accuracy; handling routine matters as authorized; assembling and attaching supplemental material to letters or pleadings as required; maintaining calendars; setting appointments as instructed; organizing and photocopying legal documents and case materials; and case file creation and management.
The ideal candidate will have a general understanding of office confidentiality issues, such as attorney/client privilege; the ability to analyze and apply relevant policies and procedures to office operations; exercise good judgment; have a general knowledge of office protocols and secretarial processes; analyze and recommend practical solutions; be proficient in Microsoft Word and Adobe Acrobat; have the ability to communicate effectively with assigned attorneys, other staff, clients, court agency personnel, and the public; and have an interest in indigent criminal defense. Must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills and be self-motivated while also excelling in a fast-paced team environment. Spanish fluency is preferred.
Requirements: Minimum qualifications are high school graduate or equivalent and at least three years legal secretary experience, federal criminal experience preferred. Starting salary ranges from JSP-7 to JSP-8, $49,495 to $54,813 annually depending on experience.
Salary and Benefits: This position is full time with a comprehensive benefits package that includes health and life insurance, vision and dental benefits, flexible spending accounts, paid time off, sick leave, 11 federal holidays, participation in the Federal Employees’ Retirement System, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan with up to 5% government matching contributions. Salary is payable by direct deposit.
Conditions of Employment: Appointment to the position is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and/or investigation including an FBI name and fingerprint check. Employees of the Federal Public Defender are members of the judicial branch of government and considered “at will.” You must be a U.S. citizen or person authorized to work in the United States and receive compensation as a federal employee.
Application Information: Please submit a statement of interest, resume, and three references to: Martin Adams, Administrative Officer: martin_adams@fd.org
Applications must be received by Friday, June 7, 2024. The position will remain open until filled and is subject to the availability of funding. The Federal Public Defender is an equal opportunity employer. We seek a diverse range of candidates to join our team.
