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Legal Assistant
Career Insights for Paralegal / Legal Assistant
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Scorecard
Based on Texas data
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What they do
A Paralegal or Legal Assistant assists attorneys and law offices with a variety of tasks ranging from administrative support to legal research and writing. Maintains and organizes files or file databases. Conducts legal or other background research, assists with preparation for trials or hearings, and drafts documents to be filed. Uses software for electronic discovery of materials such as email for a trial. May specialize in a particular area of the law such as corporate or criminal law, family law or real estate law.
$62,165 / year median in Texas
+12% projected growth
Job Description
POSITION DUTIES
The Legal Assistant provides legal secretarial and clerical support services for one or more Assistant Federal Defenders. The duties of a Legal Assistant include: Manage attorney calendars, including court settings and filing deadlines. Answer and route calls; handle general inquiries professionally. Maintain organized, accurate case files and records. Draft and review legal documents, briefs, and correspondence in Word; verify accuracy. Perform conflict checks as required.Provide office support:
heavy word processing, filing, photocopying, translating (oral/written), and mail routing. Deliver documents to the courthouse as needed. Perform other duties as assigned.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
High school diploma or equivalent. 2+ years general experience and 1 year specialized (relevant coursework may substitute). Sound judgment; apply policies; recommend practical solutions. Proficient in Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat. Proactive; works independently and collaborates effectively. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Thrives in a high‑volume, fast‑paced law office. Spanish fluency.Preferred:
Prior law office experience. Employment contingent on a satisfactory background check (FBI name & fingerprints).BENEFITS
Retirement benefits under the Federal Employees Retirement System. Optional participation in Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB). Optional participation in Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP). Optional participation in Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI). Position is excepted service, without competitive civil service tenure.HOW TO APPLY
Cover letter and resume. Three professional references with their contact information. Form AO-78 - All sections of the AO-78 must be completed in full, with dates in the following format: mm/dd/yyyy. Apply at Openings at Federal Public Defender, Western District of Texas.https:
//federal-public-defender-western-district-of-texas.breezy.hr/. Attach your cover letter, resume, references and the AO-78 in one pdf. Incomplete applications will not be considered. To request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or interview process, contact Human Resources at (210) 472-6700. The Federal Public Defender is an equal-opportunity employer.Benefits
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Other Retirement and Savings