Legal Assistant II

Legal Assistant II RoleWe need an experienced Legal Assistant at the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Missouri (USAO-WDMO), based in Kansas City, MO. The USAO-WDMO prosecutes federal criminal cases, handles civil litigation involving the United States, and collects debts owed to the federal government. In this role, you will examine, prepare, and process complex and time-sensitive legal documents including complaints, motions, pleadings, warrants, and subpoenas; assist with trial preparation by compiling trial notebooks and assembling exhibit and witness lists; manage case dockets and AUSA calendars to track filing deadlines and court appearances; and draft correspondence requiring knowledge of legal procedures and terminology. This is a full-time opportunity. We can offer a competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefits package.ResponsibilitiesExamines, prepares, and processes a variety of technical legal documents that are voluminous, complex, and time sensitiveReviews incoming materials and independently determines the appropriate assembly and preparation of legal documents, including complaints, motions, pleadings, orders, answers, subpoenas, warrants, and other litigation-related filingsObtains information from case files, law enforcement agencies, courts, and other authorized sources to prepare complete legal documents for AUSA review or direct submission to the courtAnalyzes the nature and status of assigned cases to ensure legal documents are prepared accurately and in accordance with procedural requirementsPrepares recurring legal documents with minimal supervision, including indictments, complaints, motions, search warrants, seizure warrants, judgments, garnishments, applications, notices, affidavits, summonses, subpoenas, orders to show cause, satisfactions of judgment, and proofs of claimAssists with trial preparation by compiling trial notebooks, organizing case materials, preparing jury instructions, and assembling witness and exhibit listsAssembles exhibits, affidavits, evidentiary materials, and supporting documentation for hearings, trials, and other legal proceedingsUtilizes legal research tools and online legal databases to verify citations, statutory references, and case authoritiesPrepares tables of contents, indices, and citation tables for legal briefs and other court filingsDrafts original correspondence requiring knowledge of legal procedures and terminology, including transmittal letters, extension requests, case status notifications, and notices to defense attorneysResponds to inquiries from visitors, attorneys, court personnel, law enforcement, and the public regarding pending and closed mattersPerforms case docketing functions by opening, updating, monitoring, and closing cases using automated case management systemsMaintains accurate case records and conducts database searches to retrieve case informationTracks filing deadlines, hearings, trials, scheduling conferences, depositions, and other litigation milestonesDevelops and maintains a calendaring and suspense system to monitor deadlines and inform AUSAs of upcoming court appearancesManages AUSA calendars by scheduling appointments, meetings, interviews, and conferencesRequired ExperienceMinimum of two (2) years of experience in a professional legal environmentDemonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat ProfessionalAbility to integrate content from multiple software applications, including tables, charts, and graphs from databases and spreadsheets, into word processing or desktop publishing documentsProficiency in word processing, document management and review, file management systems, and data entryProficiency in standard office equipment and technology, including computers, multifunction printers/copiers, and scannersStrong organizational, time management, and multitasking skills, with the ability to prioritize assignments and meet deadlinesEducationHigh School Diploma – required; Undergraduate degree – preferredLocationU.S. Attorney's Office, Kansas City, MO 64106ClearanceMust be able to pass a Department of Justice background investigationMust be a US CitizenClientU.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of MissouriHours40 hours per week8 hours per dayEmployment ClassificationEmployment Classification Eligibility – W2RelocationNot eligible for relocation benefitsCompensationBase Hourly Wage: $29.41 per hourHealth & Welfare (Benefits rate): $5.09 per hourTotal Hourly Compensation: $34.50 per hourBenefits: Health & Welfare benefits contribution as required under the Service Contract Act (SCA); Benefits package includes options for health, dental and vision insurance coverageWest 4th Strategy is an Equal Opportunity (EEO) 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: This position is W-2 only; no Corp-to-Corp or 1099 candidates. Relocation will not be offered. This position requires access to Department of Justice facilities and systems. As a condition of employment, selected candidates must complete and receive favorable adjudication from a federal government background investigation as required by the U.S. Department of Justice. Individual's primary workstation is located 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.