Legal Assistant

Cognito LLC; Atlanta (GA); Hybride; USD 48 000 - 85 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Paid vacation

Paid sick time

Paid holidays

Health insurance

Life insurance

401k plan

Résumé du poste

The Federal Defender Program, Inc. (FDP) is a private, nonprofit law firm dedicated to delivering client-centered federal criminal defense.

We provide multidisciplinary, team-based representation across investigations, trials, sentencing, appeals, and post-conviction proceedings in the Northern District of Georgia, centered in Atlanta. Legal Assistants provide comprehensive administrative and litigation support to attorneys and staff in a fast-paced federal criminal defense practice, with

Qualifications

• High school diploma and at least one year of secretarial or administrative experience.
• Strong computer and typing skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office; aptitude for learning new applications.

Responsabilités

• Preparing, formatting, proofreading, and electronically filing motions, briefs, and other court documents;
• Maintaining and organizing case files;
• Calendaring court dates and deadlines;
• Monitoring case status to ensure timely action;
• Coordinating with courts, clients, and outside agencies;
• Managing records and correspondence;
• Answering office phones;
• Communicating with clients and their family members;
• Supporting training activities and office events;
• Assisting attorneys in the day-to-day management of active cases.

Connaissances

Typing

Microsoft Office

Learning new software

Administrative experience

Formation

High school diploma

Description du poste

The Federal Defender Program, Inc. (FDP) is a private, nonprofit law firm devoted to uplifting our clients and their causes through excellence in federal criminal defense. Guided by compassion and dedication, we provide exceptional, client-centered representation through a multidisciplinary, team-based approach. Our teams—attorneys, investigators, mitigation specialists, paralegals, social workers, and administrative professionals—work collaboratively to pursue the best possible outcomes for every client.

Our clients are indigent persons charged with federal criminal offenses in the Northern District of Georgia. FDP represents approximately 85% of these individuals, with the remaining clients served by members of the Criminal Justice Act (CJA) Panel. The Northern District of Georgia encompasses the Atlanta, Gainesville, Newnan, and Rome Divisions with separate courthouses serving each. By far, the majority of Northern District of Georgia prosecutions take place in the Atlanta Division where our office is also located.

The most common cases we handle involve drug offenses, firearms offenses, fraud and financial crimes, and immigration offenses, though our work spans the full range of federal criminal litigation—from investigation through trial, sentencing, appeal, and post-conviction proceedings. Our representation also includes some capital defense work in the Trial Unit and post-conviction capital work in the Capital Habeas Unit.

FDP is a nonprofit Georgia corporation fully funded by the Administrative Office of the United States Courts. We are not a government agency, and our employees are not government employees.

Our Commitment to an Inclusive Workplace

We believe that valuing and respecting all people—and honoring each other’s lived experiences—strengthens our ability to represent clients from every background. We know that excellent legal representation is supported by a diverse, collaborative, and inclusive workforce. FDP is committed to fostering a culture of acceptance and belonging that encourages creativity, productivity, and mutual respect. We value hard work, diversity, teamwork, creativity, flexibility, and fairness.

About the Role

Legal Assistants provide comprehensive administrative and litigation support to attorneys and legal staff in a fast-paced federal criminal defense practice.

Responsibilities include:

• Preparing, formatting, proofreading, and electronically filing motions, briefs, and other court documents;
• Maintaining and organizing case files;
• Calendaring court dates and deadlines;
• Monitoring case status to ensure timely action;
• Coordinating with courts, clients, and outside agencies;
• Managing records and correspondence;
• Answering office phones;
• Communicating with clients and their family members;
• Supporting training activities and office events; and
• Assisting attorneys in the day-to-day management of active cases.

Legal Assistants play a key role in ensuring the smooth operation of case workflows and the timely handling of sensitive legal materials. The position requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, discretion, and the ability to manage competing priorities under deadline pressure.

This is an in-person position. After three months of employment, team members may be permitted to work remotely one day per week with supervisory approval.

This position occasionally requires lifting or moving materials weighing up to 25 pounds. Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

The minimum qualifications for this position include a high school diploma and at least one year of secretarial or administrative experience. Applicants must possess strong computer and typing skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office, and demonstrate an aptitude for learning and using new computer applications as needed.

We are interested in applicants’ talent, intelligence, dedication, and commitment to ensuring that all people are treated fairly and respectfully, regardless of the allegation or circumstance.

Salary and Benefit Details

The salary for this position is set under the Judicial Salary Plan (JSP) and may fall within a range from Grade JSP-6 ($48,019) to Grade JSP-9 ($84,857), depending on qualifications and experience.

• paid vacation
• paid sick time
• paid holidays
• health insurance
• life insurance
• participation in our 401k plan

Important Notices

Equal Opportunity Employer: FDP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We hire without regard to race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, height, weight, veteran status, military obligations, marital or parental status, or any other protected characteristic.

Non Tolerance for Discrimination and Harassment: FDP does not tolerate discrimination or harassment in any personnel decisions or workplace interactions.

Nonprofit Employees: Employees of the Federal Defender Program are not federal employees. The Federal Defender Program, Inc. is a nonprofit corporation funded by the Judiciary.

Drug Free Workplace: FDP is a drug-free workplace.

Funding Contingency: This position is contingent upon the availability of federal funding.

Current and future vacancies may be filled from this announcement.