$62,415-$98,176* SAN JOSE, CA

POSITION OVERVIEW

This is a temporary position expected to start in early October, 2019 and to last through late February, 2020.  This position is NOT ELIGIBLE for benefits such as health insurance, retirement coverage, etc., though the position is eligible for paid holidays and some vacation and sick time, as explained below.

Judge Friedland's chambers are located in the Robert F. Peckham federal courthouse in downtown San Jose.  The successful candidate will have a pleasant and positive attitude, excellent organizational skills, and the initiative to ensure smooth-running operations when the Judge is out of the office.

The Paralegal performs administrative and legal duties using legal terminology, procedures, and documents.  The Paralegal assists the Judge in the daily activities of the office, performing administrative management, legal, and related paralegal duties as assigned by the Judge.  These include cite checking, tracking case developments such as newly filed motions, and maintaining electronic case files and databases. Additionally, the Paralegal will receive and assist visitors; answer phones and screen calls; prepare correspondence and reports; help the Judge manage her involvement with various judicial committees and events; and maintain office functionality, from ordering supplies to coordinating technical assistance.

The Paralegal is also responsible for the administrative aspects of preparing the Judge for court hearings. These include checking for potential conflicts of interest, organizing calendar materials, acquiring and returning court records, reminding law clerks of critical deadlines, maintaining a database, preparing expense reports, making travel arrangements, and filing orders.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, or a paralegal certificate from an accredited paralegal program.  See further qualification levels below.
• A strong legal, administrative, or paralegal background.
• Excellent organization, communication, and administrative skills.
• Computer proficiency with word processing, email, legal research, and database maintenance.
• Proficiency with making travel arrangements and submitting expense reports.
• Excellent command of English grammar and spelling.
• Ability to work collegially in a small working environment.
• Integrity, character, and good judgment.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality about Court and chambers activities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior federal court litigation experience.
• Cite checking experience, ideally for conformance with the Bluebook.
• Experience with Court procedure or an interest in learning.

*SALARY: DEPENDING ON QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

GRADE JS 9:   1 year of specialized work experience. *

GRADE JS 10:    2 years of specialized work experience. *

GRADE JS 11:    3 years of specialized work experience*, or a juris doctor (JD) from a law school of recognized standing.

* Specialized work experience is defined as experience that is in or closely related to the work of the position that has provided the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.

TOTAL COMPENSATION

• Salary: depending on qualifications and experience, prorated portion of $62,415-$98,176 annual salary (JSP Grade 9 - 11).    
• Time off: Paid federal holidays.  Vacation days accrue at a rate of four hours per pay period and sick days accrue at a rate of four hours per pay period.
• Mass Transit Subsidy.

HOW TO APPLY AND REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Please submit an application packet through the Court's Career Portal that includes: (1) cover letter; (2) resume; (3) two references.  Applicants missing required documents will not be considered.

NEXT STEPS

INITIAL APPLICATION REVIEW DEADLINE: AUGUST 19

IF SELECTED FOR AN INTERVIEW, TENTATIVE INTERVIEW DATES INCLUDE THE WEEK OF AUGUST 26.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• U.S. citizen or a permanent resident in the process of applying for citizenship;
• Direct deposit of pay required;
• Provisionally hired pending results of background investigation and fingerprinting;
• Positions with the U.S. Courts are at-will, excepted service appointments, and may be terminated with or without cause by the Court.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.