Legal Assistant

Legal Assistant
ROLE
We need an experienced Legal Assistant I at the U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Georgia (USAO-MDGA), Macon Office. The USAO serves as the nation's principal litigators under the Attorney General, handling federal criminal prosecutions, civil litigation involving the United States, and debt collection for the Federal Government. In this role, you will review case files to determine status using databases such as LIONS/CaseView, PACER, and CourtLinks, confirm all case actions are resolved and closed, gather and organize paper and electronic files according to district retention checklists, complete closeout documentation including Notice to Close Legal File forms, maintain file tracking lists, assist with records transfers to NARA, and serve as backup receptionist as needed. This is a full-time opportunity. We can offer a competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefits package.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Reviews case files across LIONS/CaseView, PACER, and CourtLinks to determine whether charges, sentencing, appeals, motions to reduce sentence, and asset forfeiture actions are resolved and closed
• Searches for and gathers all paper files once closure is confirmed, including related civil matters such as 2255 motions
• Reviews paper documents against district checklists to determine what must be retained and what should be destroyed
• Arranges retained documents into case file folders, including required GCO-1/3 forms, and safeguards sensitive or confidential documents in appropriate envelopes
• Reviews electronic case files against district checklists to determine what must be retained or deleted, confirming with assigned AUSA and support staff
• Applies records retention schedules to determine retention periods for closed files
• Completes Notice to Close Legal File forms for AUSA signature and enters closeout status in CaseView
• Obtains Division Chief or Deputy Chief signatures on closeout documents when the assigned AUSA is no longer employed in the office
• Maintains lists to track file status and facilitate retrieval
• Assists division records custodians with filing and general clean-up
• Assists in inventorying and packing records for annual transfer to NARA
• Serves as backup receptionist, greeting visitors, answering phones, and directing calls
• Performs other legal assistant support activities reasonably related to assigned cases, files, and tasks

REQUIRED SKILLS / EXPERIENCE

• Three years of related legal experience - preferred but not required
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook)
• Ability to work and interact professionally with all levels of staff in a courteous and tactful manner
• Exceptional organizational skills

REQUIRED EDUCATION / CERTIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED required, college undergraduate degree preferred

LOCATION

• 300 Mulberry Street, Macon, GA 31202

CLEARANCE

• U.S. Citizenship and ability to pass Dept of Justice background investigation

CLIENT

• Department of Justice (DOJ), United States Attorney’s Office, Middle District of Georgia (USAO - MDGA)

TRAVEL

• Travel may be required.

WORK HOURS

• Full-time = 40 hours a week, 8 hours a day, 30 minute unpaid lunch break

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION

• Employment Classification Eligibility – W2

RELOCATION

• Not eligible for relocation benefits

COMPENSATION

• Base Hourly Wage: $22.23 per hour
• Health & Welfare (Benefits rate): $5.09 per hour
• Total Hourly Compensation: $27.32 per hour
• Benefits: Health & Welfare benefits contribution as required under the Service Contract Act (SCA); Benefits package includes options for health, dental and vision insurance coverage

West 4 th Strategy is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, age, marital status, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, pregnancy, political affiliation, military or veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by federal or state law.

Other Considerations: applicants will be subject to a background investigation. Individual’s primary workstation is in an office area. The noise level in this environment is low to moderate. Regularly required to sit for extended periods up to 80% of the time; frequently required to move about to access file cabinets and use office equipment such as PC, copier, fax, telephone, cell phone, etc. Occasionally required to reach overhead, bend, and lift objects of up to 10 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include the use of computer monitor screens up to 80% of the time.