The Office of the Federal Defender for the Eastern District of California is now accepting applications for a full-time Assistant Paralegal position for its Sacramento Office. The Office of the Federal Defender operates under the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3006A, representing indigent persons in federal criminal cases and related court matters.

Our Assistant Paralegals are integral to our clients’ legal representation and to our entire office’s function. Duties include, but are not limited to: general case preparation; client case file maintenance and organization; participating in case management functions including tracking time spent; coordinating and providing information to client, client’s families, experts, and witnesses; calendaring hearings and pleading deadlines; interacting with other court agencies; assisting in court trial and appellate pleading preparation, filing, and court hearings; and ordering documents and other records. Our Assistant Paralegals also backup telephone and reception duties and are responsible for other legal assistant and administrative tasks as needed.

Our ideal candidate can multi-task in a fast-paced environment; prioritize assignments; effectively communicate with co-workers, outside agencies, court personnel, and the public (including clients and client families); has a demonstrated work history of dependability, initiative, and responsibility; is a team player; is familiar with electronic court filing systems; and is interested in indigent criminal defense and compassion for our work and clients. Applicants must possess strong technology skills and be eager to learn and master new software. This position requires Microsoft Word proficiency, with Microsoft Excel and Adobe Acrobat Professional experience preferred. Let us know if you have any non-English speaking and/or writing skills.

Pay and Benefits This is a full-time position with pay based on qualifications and years of general and relevant specific experience. Starting salary currently yields from a JS-7/1 $55,934 to a JS-9/1 $66,300. Benefits include health, and life insurance, as well as 12 paid federal holidays, 13 days of paid sick leave, and 13 days of paid vacation leave annually if none or less than 3 years federal employment. (The rate of paid vacation leave increases with years of service.) The position is eligible for the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), which matches up to 5% of employee contributions. Pay is biweekly and only by direct deposit. Partial telework is available for this position. Federal government benefits apply, including health, life, and long-term care insurances, retirement benefits, thrift savings program, and flexible spending accounts. Direct deposit of pay required.