Legal Assistant (USAO - Collateral Litigation Specialist)

Legal Assistant (USAO - Habeaus Unit)
Location: Miami, FL
Status: Full-Time

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Position Description:

This position is responsible for performing legal assistant duties for the Collateral Litigation Unit of the United States Attorney's Office (USAO).

Required Qualifications:

• High School diploma.
• 3 to 5 years of experience in administrative, professional, investigative, technical, or other responsible work related to the field of criminal law.
• Ability to communicate written/orally with Court personnel, personnel of other USAOs, and other local and federal agencies.
• Ability to communicate effectively with employees, attorneys, and professional support staff regarding all matters related to the assignment and timely filings of legal documents.
• A qualified typist is required to type 40 words per minute.
• Skill in operating a personal computer; using online legal research sites such as LexisNexis and Westlaw; and using spreadsheets to compile, sort and evaluate data, and prepare reports.
• Familiarity with office machines sufficient to perform recurring operations as well as user-selected custom features, e.g., scanning, copy enlargement and reduction.
• Ability to review and analyze data and information from multiple sources.
• Possess or be able to obtain/maintain a Government Department of Justice (DOJ) Security Clearance.
• This position requires U.S. Citizenship.

Essential Functions:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Monitors EM/ECF email inbox and manages all emails concerning 3582, 2255, 2241, and other miscellaneous post-conviction motions. Monitors bounce back emails and determines appropriate assignment.
• Researches each new individual motion using case management system; determines Section or AUSA assignment for each motion.
• Within established timeframe sends to the assigned AUSA or Section Chief the 3582 motion and/or CM/ECF email with the link to the motion via email.
• Within established timeframe sends to the assigned AUSA or Section Chief the 2255 or 2241and the related criminal and civil docket sheets via email.
• Promptly corresponds with other USAO Districts when a 2241 is forwarded to the SDFL in accordance with Department of Justice (DOJ) protocol; timely manages the assignment of out of district 2241s by determining appropriate AUSA or Section; communicates and provides AUSA or Section Chief the out of district 2241, including pertinent docket sheets and instructions with appropriate deadlines; maintains appropriate communication with out of district personnel and assigned AUSA concerning case status and submission of the draft 2241 response.
• Ensures that copies of all 2255 and 2241 motions are filed in Q: drive folders, creating applicable folders as necessary. Inputs all relevant information in the 2255/2241 databases on a timely basis.
• Monitors 3582, 2255 and 2241 mailboxes and evaluates and distributes all e mails from and to the Court, District AUSAs, DOJ, other Districts, or other personnel. All relative documentation is properly forwarded to assigned party within a reasonable time which allows sufficient time for responding party to complete response, updates District's pertinent databases.
• Maintains open communication with District's AUSAs and professional staff and responds to any inquiries pertaining to 3582s, 2255s and 2241s.
• Develops and conducts thorough, timely and complete research relating to the litigative needs of the District regarding 32582, 2255 and 2241 motions and handles the assignments with authoritative independence.
• Develops methodology for collection of relevant data, selects sampling techniques, issuing reports and analyzes data, and evaluates findings concerning problems encountered.
• Assists in determining whether measuring techniques will be a true means of assessing goals and objectives and makes appropriate modifications in consultation with his or her supervisor.
• Identifies gaps or duplications, legislative conflicts, inadequate communications, current situations, problems and needs.
• Assembles, organizes, and prepares reports that are complete, accurate and fully detail the applicable statistical data.
• Works under the supervision and in conjunction with the Collateral Litigation Coordinator to perform such other duties as are necessary regarding 3582, 2255, 2241, and other miscellaneous post-conviction motions.

Work Conditions:

• Work is primarily performed in an office environment.

This document is not intended to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all job-related activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Due to the nature of the industry, job tasks may be changed as necessary to meet the needs of the customer.