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.

• 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).

• 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.

• 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 . 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.