Judicial Assistant or Paralegal to the Chief Judge

About the role

The Judicial Assistant to the Chief Judge/Paralegal to the Chief Judge will provide comprehensive legal and administrative support to an Article III Federal Chief Judge, ensuring the efficient operation of chambers and facilitating the judge's duties.

This role requires an organized, proactive individual capable of handling confidential matters, coordinating high-level events, managing special projects, and supporting legal and administrative functions within a demanding environment.

What you will do

• Compose, prepare, and edit legal documents, correspondence, memoranda, and agendas for meetings and conferences.
• Prepare, proofread, and edit various reports and materials, ensuring completeness and accuracy.
• Take minutes during meetings and follow up on action items.
• Oversee court committees and advisory council by tracking term end dates, preparing letters, and managing related correspondence.
• Schedule and Event Coordination: Efficiently manage the judge's schedule in coordination with the Executive Assistant.
• Organize and prepare materials for the judges' administrative conferences and coordinate meetings, including setup and arrangements for refreshments.
• Organize weekly judges' lunch meetings, including invitations, set up and clean up, and monthly special occasion recognition.
• Assist with special court events, including court ceremonies, judicial conferences, and various events.
• Correspondence and Communication: Receive, screen, and direct inquiries in person, email, or via telephone; respond to basic questions regarding case status and scheduling.
• Handle special correspondence with professionalism, including sensitive legal matters and high-profile communications.
• Reporting and Case Management: Develop, organize, and maintain detailed records for all reports required of the Chief Judge, ensuring accuracy and timely completion.
• Oversee the monthly paneling of judges, including the visiting judges, ensuring accurate tracking and documentation of judge sittings.
• Track and manage all en banc cases, ensuring compliance with procedural requirements and adherence to established timelines.
• Operational Support: Monitor chambers' day-to-day operations, coordinating resources and ensuring the efficient functioning of the Chief Judge's chambers.
• Process judge intercircuit assignments, vet law clerk applicants, and provide guidance on internal rules and procedures.
• Support the chambers by helping manage internal maintenance of the chambers and organization of chambers' materials.
• Provide backup assistance to the chambers' Executive Assistant as needed or required.
• Additional Duties: Perform a wide variety of special projects at the request of the judge.
• Support and participate in the court's periodic away sittings.
• Assist the court's Learning Center with class trips and occasional projects.

Requirements

• Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted and must travel at their own expense.
• Reimbursement for relocation is not available.
• The court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this announcement, commence interviews immediately, withdraw the announcement, or fill the position at any time, any of which actions may occur without notice.
• The position will report to downtown Washington, DC; however, telework may be available on an ad hoc basis and/or according to agency policy.
• Employees of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit are excepted service appointments.
• Federal government civil service classifications or regulations do not apply.
• All offers of employment are provisional pending successful completion of a background check or investigation and a favorable employment suitability determination.
• This position is subject to Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for payroll deposit.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible to work in the United States.
• Non-citizens may be interviewed and considered for employment, but employment offers will only be made to individuals who qualify under one of the exceptions in 8 U.S.C.§ 1324b(a)(3)(B).
• Under 8 U.S.C.§1324b(a)(3)(B), a lawful permanent resident seeking citizenship may not apply for citizenship until he or she has been a permanent resident for at least five years (three years if seeking naturalization as a spouse of a citizen), at which point he or she must apply for citizenship within six months of becoming eligible, and must complete the process within two years of applying (unless there is a delay caused by the processors of the application).
• Non-citizens who have not been permanent residents for five years will be required to execute an affidavit that they intend to apply for citizenship when they become eligible to do so.

Education

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or a paralegal certificate from an accredited paralegal program.

How you will be evaluated

Applicants will be evaluated based upon review of their qualifications and the application package.

Documents you must provide

• Cover letter, résumé, professional references, and AO-78, Federal Judicial Branch Application for Employment.

Benefits

The candidate selected for this position will be eligible for a generous federal employee benefits package which includes: Paid vacation and sick leave, paid parental leave, and 11 paid federal holidays per year.

Optional participation in Federal Employees Health Benefits plans (health, dental and vision); Federal Employees Group Life Insurance; Flexible Benefits Program; Long-Term Care Insurance. Public transportation subsidy, on-site fitness center, Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).

Optional participation in Thrift Savings Plan (up to 5% employer matched contributions). Public Service Loan Forgiveness program pursuant to the term of the (PSLF) program.

What to expect next

Applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

Additional information

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