Legal Assistant

This is an excepted service appointment under the DOJ Pathways Recent Graduates Program for the Appellate Section, Environment and Natural Resources Division. This Section is responsible for handling most Division cases in federal and state appellate courts and for preparing appeal recommendations.

After successfully completing one year under the Program, recent graduates MAY be converted to a term or permanent appointment if the following program requirements are met: 1) successful completion of at least 1 year of continuous service; 2) completion of at least 40 hours of formal interactive training; and 3) demonstration of successful job performance. A recent graduate converted to a term appointment may be subsequently converted non-competitively into a permanent competitive service position before the term expires.

You will join a well-respected team that is responsible for performing a wide range of administrative and legal support tasks. Your duties will include:

• Reviewing and analyzing case materials to become familiar with the case or matter.
• Using word processing software including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Adobe Acrobat to create, edit, and format documents and correspondence, producing work that is accurate and complete.
• Preparing correspondence and administrative forms using proper format, grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
• Conveying information to staff and other parties in a clear and convincing manner.
• Facilitating the exchange of information between legal support staff, paralegals, and attorneys.
• Conducting research using computer systems (including Westlaw, Lexis, Relativity, and Everlaw and collect and sort the information into logical and clear formats.
• Reviewing and accurately assembling large volumes of documents for use in litigation using on-line document review software and Adobe Acrobat.
• Organizing and maintaining electronic files and legal or other reference materials.
• Performing data entry in databases and tracking case deadlines.
• Arranging travel reservations, preparing and completing necessary travel authorizations and vouchers, and coordinating with appropriate offices to ensure prompt payment.
• Monitoring and updating information entered into the Division's payroll software system.