Job Description
Ardelle Associates is seeking a Legal Assistant to support the Criminal Division of the U.S. Attorney's Office (USAO), located in Macon, GA.
The Legal Assistant I position serves as a legal assistant in the criminal division providing support in both file creation and preservation. The work requires a specialized knowledge of the processes, procedures, and practices of the legal assistance activities in conjunction with a knowledge of clerical and administrative skills and an ability to apply these skills to increase the effectiveness of the assigned work.
DUTIES
- Upon verification and confirmation that all actions are closed, searches for and gathers all paper files to include any related civil matters, i.e., 2255 motions. Once it has been determined that all files have been located, reviews the paper documents and compares to established district checklists, with regards to which type of documents must be retained within the paper file and which documents can and should be destroyed.
- Arranges remaining documents to be retained in a case file folder to include required GCO-1/3 forms. Ensures documents that contain sensitive or confidential information are placed in appropriate envelopes to ensure the safeguarding of such documents.
- Locates and reviews all portions of the electronic case and compares to the established district checklists with regards to which type of documents must be retained and which can and should be deleted. Each assigned AUSA and support staff will need to confirm if any such electronic file exists.
- Once the paper and electronic files are purged and organized, determines retention period of the paper file(s) by applying existing records retention schedules. Completes a Notice to Close Legal File for the signature of the assigned AUSA. Once AUSA signature has been added, adds an entry in CaseView indicating file(s) have been filed in the records room with other closed files. For case files where the AUSA is no longer employed in the office, seeks assistance as needed and obtains signatures of Division Chief/Deputy Chief on closeout documents.
- Maintains lists, as needed to track status to allow for location and easy retrieval, if needed. Assists the division records custodians with filing, and general clean-up, when needed. Also assists in the inventorying and packing of records for transfer to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) on an annual basis.
- Serves as backup to reception on as needed basis. Duties to include greeting visitors, answers phones, directing calls to appropriate division.
- Other related duties as assigned and within scope
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
High school diploma/GED or higher. College preferred
Three (3) years of related legal experience preferred but not required
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Proficient in Microsoft Office software programs (i.e., Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, etc.)
Works and interacts professionally and effectively with all levels of staff
Meeting and dealing with people in a courteous and tactful manner
Organizational skills
Valid U.S. driver’s license
U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain adjudication for the requisite background investigation