I. Introduction

This is a bargaining unit position in AFGE’s Office of General Counsel (GCO) and based at the AFGE headquarters in Washington, DC. The incumbent will serve as legal assistant/secretary to attorneys serving in GCO. AFGE represents bargaining unit employees in 70 agencies of the federal and DC governments. The position will work under the direct supervision of the Deputy General Counsel, Litigation (GCO) and under the general supervision of the General Counsel. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, administrative and secretarial support for attorneys engaged in litigation before various courts and administrative tribunals, arbitration before independent arbitrators, administrative proceedings before various agencies, assisting attorneys conducting legal research and writing of legal briefs, complaints, motions, and other legal documents, and providing general administrative support with scheduling, phone calls, travel reservations, and other day-to-day activities.

II. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Serves as legal assistant/secretary assisting GCO attorneys with litigation, research, writing, and with scheduling, and coordination with GCO management.

2. Performs secretarial and administrative support functions involving legal terminology, often under stress to meet short deadlines and timelines for multiple tasks.

3. Types, copies, prepares, mails, files, and dockets correspondence, reports, legal briefs, orders, pleadings, and motions. Performs research and preparation of tables of contents and tables of authorities for court briefing; prepares, copies, and collates exhibits and related documents; and, drafts and sends legal letters (e.g., acknowledgment, offer, and declination letters) under attorney supervision.

4. Maintains a calendar of legal proceeding appearances, filing dates, and electronic reports and databases for the attorney(s). Transmits legal workload reports to GCO management.

5. Checks grammar, proper format, general accuracy, and uniformity of material being typed. Responsible for observing federal and local court’s rules and for checking citations to source materials.

6. Independently confirms and arranges conferences, client consultations, witness interviews, hearing schedules, and meetings for attorney(s), considering the availability of other attorney(s) and parties involved and other matters pending with the attorney(s).

7. Answers telephone and email inquiries from court and administrative staff, opposing counsel, congressional staff members, and from representatives of federal agencies and executive departments.

8. Works in coordination with the administrative staff in the General Counsel’s Office, requiring secretarial skills, poise, organization, and knowledge of office and Federation’s legal policies and procedures. Likewise, works in coordination with other administrative staff in AFGE Headquarters and in the field, and assists with miscellaneous tasks when necessary.

9. Makes travel arrangements for attorney(s), prepares travel authorizations, requests, vouchers, and receipts. Coordinates approval of travel authorizations with management officials.

10. Because of the confidential nature of many matters handled by the General Counsel’s Office, exercises the utmost tact and discretion to keep confidential and safeguard the security of information, conversations, correspondence, and records and files of the General Counsel’s Office.

III. WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This job operates primarily in a professional office environment and may include some telework. The incumbent routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines. Familiarity with Microsoft Office, the Internet, and other standard office applications is required. Long hours, including occasional weekend work, are periodically required. Incumbent will often experience frequent interruptions and inflexible deadlines. Duties are performed primarily indoors. Some travel may be required.

V. CONTROLS OVER WORK:

The incumbent works under the direct supervision and direction of the assigned attorneys and under the general supervision of the Deputy General Counsel for Litigation and the General Counsel and their designees. The Deputy General Counsel explains policies and objectives, assigns work, gives general directions, and evaluates performance. The assigned attorneys supervise day-to-day work tasks. Within these constraints and conditions, the incumbent works independently keeping the attorneys informed of progress, need for help, and irreconcilable problems. Work is evaluated largely in terms of results achieved and how effectively and smoothly assignments are completed.

VI. QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Possess ability to type at a minimum of 60 words per minute (accurately) and to use word processing system. Knowledge and experience of relevant software applications to include but not limited to spreadsheets, word processing, and other Microsoft Office applications, and database management programs.

2. Possess ability to learn procedures and processes in connection with handling legal documents, correspondence and reports required of the department.

3. Possess a thorough knowledge of the correct usage of English and be a good speller capable of thorough and accurate proofreading.

4. Possess the ability to meet and deal with the public, AFGE members and leaders, government officials, and coworkers by telephone, and in person, in a helpful and courteous manner.

5. Applicant must have at least one (1) year of office experience (preferably legal experience) in a position of similar type, requiring the standards of performance listed in (1) and (2) above.

6. Applicant must be a high school graduate or equivalent and preferably has some college or secretarial school training.

7. Applicant must demonstrate ability to use web-based applications. 8. Applicant must perform other related duties, as assigned.

VII. EEO STATEMENT:

AFGE provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, personal appearance, gender identity and/or gender expression. In addition to federal law requirements, AFGE complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. The policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Microsoft Office: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person