Administrative Assistant
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT 2023-03
St. Louis, Missouri
Application deadline: March 10, 2023
ABOUT US
The Federal Public Defender for the Eastern District of Missouri is a law office that provides legal representation to persons charged with committing federal crimes who cannot afford to hire a private attorney. We represent the accused from arrest through trial and appeal, including the U.S. Supreme Court.
We are attorneys, paralegals, investigators, mitigation specialists, office administrators, and information technology specialists. Our team fosters interdisciplinary skill sets that ensure compassionate and comprehensive representation. We work together to uphold every person's right to be presumed innocent, to have a fair trial, to mitigation, and, if convicted, to have a fair sentence. Our defense is vigorous, both at trial and on appeal. We advocate for humane sentences through client-centered representation, which honors an individual's lived experience.
THE OPPORTUNITY
We seek an Administrative Assistant to join our St. Louis office in May 2023. This permanent position requires 40 scheduled hours per week.
The Administrative Assistant will assist the Federal Public Defender and Assistant Defenders with critical operational functions in all aspects of case preparation and file management. This position will also provide executive level assistance and general office support.
Administrative Assistant duties include but are not limited to the following:
• Entering case information into the organization's database and maintaining attorney calendars;
• Maintaining and organizing client files in an electronic form;
• Drafting and proofing of legal documents and, once finalized, assembling court filings and filing electronically to the appropriate court;
• Preparing outgoing correspondence based either on general instruction or a prescribed format;
• Arranging for mail services and ensuring outgoing mail is correctly processed;
• Supporting multiple attorneys and providing backup support to other assistants;
• Maintaining client confidence and protecting the attorney-client privilege;
• Managing staff case time entries and generating weekly/monthly reports;
• Assisting in planning meetings and conferences for the Defender and other supervisors;
• Assisting the Defender and other supervisors in a variety of administrative matters;
• Disseminating and receiving information involved in CJA panel management;
• General office duties, such as answering telephones, receiving visitors, scanning documents, copying, faxing, and daily court runs;
• Supporting office-wide initiatives and projects; and
• Performing all other duties assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
To qualify, the applicant should have the following:
• A desire and capacity to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Computer fluency in Microsoft Office programs, including Excel and Adobe Acrobat.
• Strong technical, planning, and organizational skills.
• The ability to learn case management software databases.
• The ability to work in a paper-lite environment.
• The ability to keep confidences and protect legal privileges.
• The ability to recognize and analyze problems and recommend practical solutions.
• The desire to work with and on behalf of people from diverse backgrounds.
• A strong commitment to providing holistic representational support to indigent persons in proceedings under federal criminal law.
Employment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation, including an FBI fingerprint and name check.
EXPERIENCE/ EDUCATION
The applicant must be a high school graduate with at least three years of related work experience demonstrating high-level analytical skills. Computer literacy, including advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Excel, and Adobe Acrobat is required. Adherence to federal and local practices and procedures and compliance with confidentiality standards are essential. Preferred qualifications include a bachelor's degree in a related field, experience working in a paper-lite environment, and familiarity with federal judicial procedures and case e-filing.
SALARY AND BENEFIT DETAILS
Starting salary varies based on experience, with a range under the Judicial Salary Plan from Grade 9/1 to 12/10, currently $58,392 to $110,083 per annum. The position offers federal employment benefits, including paid vacation, paid sick time, paid holidays, health insurance, life insurance, retirement plan, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (401k). Benefit premiums will be prorated. Telework may be approved per office policy if consistent with court obligations and position duties.
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
Our office values diversity and is committed to equity and inclusion. We aspire to create a culture of mutual respect, collaboration, openness, and humility that honors the people we represent. Our commitment to inclusion is integral to our commitment to a fair justice system. In recruiting members of our team, we welcome the full spectrum of humanity. We embrace the unique contributions our employees can bring to our office because of their backgrounds, social identities, and lived experiences. We know that the best legal representation occurs through a diverse, collaborative, and inclusive workforce. The FPD seeks applications from a diverse group of qualified individuals in terms of race, ethnicity, nation of origin, culture, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual identity, education, opinions, age, languages spoken, veteran status, disability, religion, and socioeconomic circumstance.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply for this position, interested applicants should email a letter of interest, a resume, and the names and contact information of three professional references in one pdf document to the attention of:
Ereka Tosh, Administrative Officer
via email to: ereka_tosh@fd.org
Subject: St. Louis AA position
DEADLINE
Applications must be received by March 10, 2023. One or more positions may be filled from this announcement, subject to need and budget approval. The position will remain open until filled
If an offer of employment is extended, the applicant must complete a background security investigation, including an FBI name search and IRS tax check. Fingerprints and photographs will be taken. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a security investigation and a favorable report.
Only submissions following the required format will be considered. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please.
The Federal Public Defender follows an Employee Dispute Resolution Plan
approved by the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to quality representation, diversity, and inclusion. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.
