Legal Assistant

Federal Public Defender, Western District of Texas; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement benefits under the Federal Employees Retirement System

Optional health insurance

Optional dental and vision insurance

Group life insurance

Supportive work environment

Job summary

The Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Texas is seeking a Legal Assistant to join their Austin office. The position involves providing legal secretarial support, managing attorney calendars, and maintaining accurate case files. Ideal candidates should have 2+ years of general experience, strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, and be fluent in Spanish.

Benefits include retirement plans, optional health benefits, and a supportive work environment. Submit your cover letter, resume, and references to apply.

Qualifications

• 2+ years general experience and 1 year specialized experience required.
• Prior law office experience preferred.
• Employment contingent on satisfactory background check.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Perform conflict checks as required.
• Provide office support including heavy word processing and filing.
• Deliver documents to the courthouse as needed.

Skills

Spanish fluency

Proficient in Microsoft Office

Proficient in Adobe Acrobat

Excellent communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Proactive

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

The Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Texas is accepting applications for the position of Legal Assistant, to be stationed in the Austin office.

Position Duties

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, and mail routing.
• Deliver documents to the courthouse as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 2+ years general experience and 1 year specialized (relevant coursework may substitute).
• Spanish fluency.
• 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.
• Preferred: Prior law office experience.
• Employment contingent on a satisfactory background check (FBI name & fingerprints).

Benefits

• 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.

How to Apply

• 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 personnel administrator Christopher Schmidt at [phone].

The Federal Public Defender is an equal-opportunity employer.