Legal Assistant

Position: Legal Assistant                                                                     

Location: San Diego, CA

Posted: March 19, 2026

Application Deadline: April 3, 2026   

Salary Range: 6/1 $51,871 to 8/10 $82,983                                                   

Office Website: www.fdsdi.com                          

Federal Defenders of San Diego, Inc. (FDSDI) is seeking a full-time Legal Assistant to join our defense team in the San Diego office. FDSDI is the Community Defender Organization for the Southern District of California, serving San Diego and Imperial Counties, and operates under the authority of 18 U.S.C. § 3006A(g)(2)(B) to provide federal criminal defense services by court appointment to individuals who are unable to afford counsel.

The Legal Assistant plays an important support role within the office, providing front-desk coverage and administrative assistance while also supporting attorneys and staff with clerical and case-related tasks. This position is well-suited for someone who is organized, dependable, and comfortable balancing reception duties with behind-the-scenes support in a fast-paced legal environment. Professionalism, discretion, and a client-centered approach are essential.

This full-time position is scheduled Monday through Friday; work hours may vary between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM based on operational needs, with a one-hour lunch break.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Under the supervision of the Administrative Officer, the Legal Assistant will:

·        Serve as a point of contact for clients, family members, and visitors by managing incoming calls on a busy multi-line phone system and greeting visitors as needed.

·        Respond to general inquiries, assess urgency, and route communications appropriately.

·        Screen collect calls from incarcerated individuals and handle public inquiries with professionalism and courtesy.

·        Monitor, manage, and route correspondence from the FDSDI general inbox to the appropriate units or attorneys.

·        Update and maintain the FDSDI court calendar to ensure accuracy and timely communication of court dates and deadlines.

·        Maintain strict confidentiality and exercise discretion, including adherence to attorney-client privilege.

·        Provide friendly, reliable administrative and clerical support to the office, including word processing, scanning, mail distribution, outgoing correspondence, and general assistance to support daily operations.

·        Assist with organizing and maintaining case files as assigned.

·        Operate standard office equipment, including phones, printers, scanners, and fax machines.

·        Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

·        Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish is required.

·        High school diploma or equivalent.

·        At least two years of experience in a front-desk, administrative, or customer-facing role.

·        Strong communication skills and the ability to professionally manage a high volume of calls.

·        Proficiency in Microsoft Office and standard office equipment.

·        Strong organizational, multitasking, and time-management skills.

·        Ability to interact with clients and the public in a respectful, professional, and client-centered approach.

Preferred Qualifications:

·        At least one year of experience in a legal or professional office environment.

Salary and Benefits:

Salary will be commensurate with experience. The starting salary range is: JSP 6/1 ($51,871) to JSP 8/10 ($82,983). The position does include employee benefits including health and life insurance as well as a 401k plan. Salary is payable only by Electronic Funds Transfer (direct deposit). This position is at will and is subject to the availability of funds. Employment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation. This position offers one day of telework per month. Full-time telework is not available.

Accessibility:

We are committed to an inclusive and accessible application process. If you need an accommodation due to a disability during any stage of the application or interview process, please contact our Personnel Administrator at Kym_Bryant@fd.org. If hired, we are dedicated to providing reasonable accommodations to support your success and ensure equal access to opportunities in the workplace.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion:

Our office values diversity, is committed to equity and inclusion, and aspires to create a culture of mutual respect, collaboration, openness, and humility that honors the people we represent. We believe representation is better when members of the defense team have diverse backgrounds and experiences. In our hiring, we seek individuals who share this belief and commitment. We embrace the unique contributions our employees can bring to the office because of their backgrounds, social identities, and lived experiences.

How to Apply:

Interested applicants are invited to apply by submitting a single pdf document that includes a cover letter, resume, and three references via email to the attention of:

Margarita Gonzales, Administrative Officer

hiring@fdsdi.com

Subject: Legal Assistant Position – San Diego

Hiring Timeline:

We value transparency in our hiring process and want applicants to know what to expect. Below are the key dates:

·        Application Deadline: April 3, 2026

·        Interviews: Conducted on a rolling basis

·        Anticipated Start Date: No later than May 18, 2026