ROLEWe are seeking an experienced Legal Assistant to support the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO), Western District of Michigan (WDMI). Your responsibilities will include assisting with witness management, arranging travel, coordinating with various agencies, preparing documentation, and ensuring adherence to Department of Justice (DOJ) guidelines.
This is a full-time opportunity in which we’ll provide competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and job stability and security.
Apply today!
RESPONSIBILITIES
Assist with witness management before, during, and after court appearances
Work directly with fact witnesses to ensure their participation in court, pre-trial conferences, trials, and grand jury
Receive/welcome visitors and ensuring they are directed appropriately
Field phone calls/inquiries from fact witnesses about court schedules, appearances, and reimbursements
Obtain and document necessary information to arrange witness travel and process reimbursements
Initiate contact with fact witnesses to notify them of travel arrangements, appearance dates, and times
Determine any special needs or circumstances of fact witnesses during initial contact
Use sound judgment to notify AUSA of any special circumstances or needs of fact witnesses
Confer with AUSAs regarding fact witness appearances and special circumstances (e.g., special authorizations, etc.)
Complete and submit necessary documentation for special authorizations
Obtain prior approval before proceeding with travel arrangements
Ensure all travel documents and appearance schedules are provided to fact witnesses before their court appearances
Make travel and lodging arrangements for fact witnesses in accordance with DOJ and USAO policies and procedures
Meet and greet fact witnesses upon arrival at designated hearings or pre-trial conferences
Offer and conduct courtroom orientation, accompany witnesses to court, and ensure a safe waiting area is available
Collect necessary documentation and signatures for fact witness reimbursement
Prepare and submit witness reimbursement documentation, including vouchers and other required forms
Furnish requested information regarding pending and completed fact witness vouchers
Gather required documentation and reconcile Government Travel Accounts
Obtain information, confer, and coordinate with the Court, Probation, Pretrial, U.S. Marshals Service, etc.
Complete recurring documents, ensuring they conform to the rules governing style and format
Compose letters requiring knowledge of legal procedures and fact witness laws and regulations
Perform general office procedures related to fact witness management (e.g., establish/maintain files, documents, etc.)
Assemble documents and information for fact witness files according to procedures and DOJ regulations
Establish and maintain calendars or databases of active and pending fact witness appearances if requested
Track hearings, trial dates, grand jury, and scheduling conferences
Perform other administrative and logistical duties related to fact witness management as required or assigned
Perform duties independently by using excellent judgment and problem-solving skills related to witness appearances
Handle uncooperative witnesses who might refuse to comply with subpoenas (e.g., co-defendants, etc.)
Report to the Supervisor of the LECC/VW section within the USAO-WDMI
KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS
Knowledge of legal procedures and terminology
Knowledge of word processing software (e.g., Microsoft Word, etc.)
Strong communication, decision-making, and multitasking skills
Excellent judgement skills in high-pressure courtroom situations
BACKGROUND
Exp. working within a legal setting preferred
Exp. in witness management preferred
Exp. providing trial support preferred
Exp. in administrative work preferred
EDUCATION
High school diploma or equivalent required
Undergraduate degree preferred
LOCATION
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
TELEWORK
Telework is available
CLEARANCE
U.S. citizenship required as it supports the U.S. federal government
CLIENT
Department of Justice (DOJ)
TRAVEL
Travel may be required
WORK HOURS
40 hours a week
8 hours per day
EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION
Employment Classification Eligibility — Nonexempt
RELOCATION
Not eligible for relocation benefits
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KMRG, LLC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, age, marital or civil partnership status, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, pregnancy, maternity status, political affiliation, military or veteran status, genetic information, traits historically associated with race, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, and/or local law.
Other Considerations. Applicants will be subject to a background investigation. 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 100% 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 100% of the time.