Legal Assistant at kmrgllc in Grand Rapids, MI

Job description

• We 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

Requirements

• 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
• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Undergraduate degree preferred
• U.S. citizenship required as it supports the U.S. federal government
• Exp. working within a legal setting preferred
• Exp. in witness management preferred
• Exp. providing trial support preferred
• Exp. in administrative work preferred

Skills

Required

• Strong communication
• Decision-making
• Multitasking
• Excellent judgement