About the position
The Legal Administrative Specialist position at the U.S. Attorney's Office in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is a vital role that provides comprehensive legal and technical support services. This position is designed for individuals who are eager to contribute to the legal process and support the mission of the Department of Justice. As a member of a well-respected team, you will be responsible for a variety of tasks that are essential to the functioning of the office. The role requires proficiency in using technology and automated software to draft routine correspondence and prepare a wide range of legal documents, including complaints, briefs, motions, orders, answers, pleadings, and subpoenas. You will assist attorneys in trial and grand jury preparation, which includes assembling exhibits, affidavits, and discovery materials, as well as organizing files for federal records retention. In addition to document preparation, you will maintain a calendar of assigned active cases, tracking hearing and trial dates, and scheduling necessary conferences and interviews. Your responsibilities will also include preparing travel authorizations and securing transportation and hotel reservations for attorneys. The position demands a high level of attention to detail, as you will be proofreading, formatting, and cite-checking legal documents to ensure accuracy and compliance with legal standards. Furthermore, you will manage incoming and outgoing discovery, ensuring compliance with the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. The role requires the operation of various computer software and equipment to create special exhibits for hearings or trials, including charts, spreadsheets, diagrams, and models. This position offers the opportunity for formal and on-the-job training, making it suitable for candidates who are looking to develop their skills in a legal environment. The ideal candidate will be organized, detail-oriented, and capable of working under pressure while maintaining a high standard of professionalism.
Responsibilities
- Draft routine correspondence using technology and automated software.
- Examine, prepare, and process a variety of technical legal documents, including complaints, briefs, motions, orders, answers, pleadings, and subpoenas.
- Assist attorneys in trial and grand jury preparation by assembling exhibits, affidavits, and discovery materials.
- Organize files and documents for federal records retention.
- Maintain a calendar of assigned active cases, including case tracking, hearing, and trial dates, and schedule conferences and interviews.
- Prepare travel authorizations, itineraries, and secure transportation and hotel reservations.
- Produce a variety of written documents and materials using office software applications and electronically file legal pleadings.
- Proofread, format, and cite-check legal briefs, memoranda, and other legal documents for grammatical and spelling errors, as well as content and citation checks.
- Manage, organize, review, and summarize incoming and outgoing discovery in compliance with the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.
- Operate a variety of computer software and equipment to create special exhibits for hearings or trials.
Requirements
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
- Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory pre-employment adjudication, including fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing.
- Must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable.
- May be required to complete a one-year probationary period.
- Must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement.
- For GS-07: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-5 level, or education, or a combination of education and experience.
- For GS-09: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 level, or education, or a combination of education and experience.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience with legal research and case management software.
- Familiarity with federal court rules and procedures.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Benefits
- Paid vacation
- Sick leave
- Holidays
- Telework options
- Life insurance
- Health benefits
- Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System
