Legal Assistant

United States Courts; Tyler, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The Federal Public Defender for the Eastern District of Texas in Tyler, TX is seeking a Legal Assistant to support three or more attorneys and an investigator. Responsibilities include case preparation, file management, drafting pleadings, managing discovery, calendaring, and coordinating with clients and court personnel.

Candidates should have a high school diploma, office and legal support experience, strong computer skills (Word, Excel, Acrobat), and excellent communication.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Two years general office experience and one year of specialized legal assistant experience.
• Advanced computer skills: Word, Excel, Adobe Acrobat.
• Excellent written and oral communication, highly motivated, organized, detail oriented.

Responsibilities

• Support three or more attorneys and an investigator.
• Handle case preparation and file management.
• Draft pleadings and correspondence; manage discovery and calendaring.
• Coordinate records, screening calls, and contacting clients and court personnel.

Skills

Office communication

Legal support

Computer skills

Prioritization

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Adobe Acrobat

Job description

Overview of the Position The Federal Public Defender for the Eastern District of Texas is now accepting applications for a Legal Assistant to be stationed in Tyler, Texas. The Office of the Federal Defender operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3006A, to provide representation in federal criminal matters in the federal courts.The Legal Assistant provides support services to three or more attorneys and an investigator. Legal assistants are responsible for all aspects of case preparation and file management, drafting pleadings and correspondence, managing and organizing discovery, calendaring, collecting and organizing records, screening and referring telephone calls and visitors, and various other duties necessary to support the attorneys and investigator. The ideal candidate will have the ability to analyze and apply relevant policies and procedures to office operations, effectively communicate with attorneys and other staff, as well as clients, court agency personnel and the public. Knowledge of the criminal legal system and adherence to confidentiality is required.

Location Tyler, TX

Opening and Closing Dates 09/23/2026 - 10/23/2026

Appointment Type Permanent

Salary Not specified

Qualifications

The successful applicant must be a high school graduate or the equivalent and must have at least two years of general office experience and one year of specialized, legal assistant experience. Advanced computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Adobe Acrobat, as well as excellent written and oral communication skills are necessary. Our ideal candidate will be highly motivated, have exceptional organizational skills and be detail oriented. This position requires the ability to prioritize, organize and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

Employee Benefits

JSP 06 to JSP 08. Commensurate with qualifications and experience. This is a full-time position with federal salary and benefits. Salary payable by electronic funds transfer (direct deposit) of net pay.

Background Checks: The selected candidate will be subject to a background check as a condition of employment.

The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.