The Judicial Assistant provides administrative, case-related, and management support to a federal circuit judge and is responsible for all day-to-day operations of the judge's chambers. The Judicial Assistant exemplifies and fosters an atmosphere of professionalism, teamwork, mutual respect, and dedication to public service. The Judicial Assistant's primary duties are to handle all interactions with court personnel, other judges' chambers, and the public.
High school graduate or equivalent. Minimum two years of general office experience plus a minimum two years of specialized experience. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to work with professionals on deadlines. The ability to work independently, anticipate needs and problems, and take initiative, including learning, adapting, or developing systems as needed. The ability to simultaneously manage multiple projects and exercise independent judgment. Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail. Strong computer skills (software including, but not limited to, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Internet research). The ability to maintain the strictest confidence and to build a relationship of trust with the judge and other members of the chambers staff. General office experience consists of clerical or secretarial experience that provided familiarity with best office practices, such as filing, typing, and professional telephone usage. Specialized experience consists of progressively responsible secretarial experience that involved responsibility as the principal office assistant to a supervisor/executive who was dealing with law-related matters (as might be found in a law, insurance, or real estate office). To qualify for higher pay grades, in addition to two years of general experience, incumbent must possess: three years of specialized experience to qualify for Grade 8; four years of specialized experience to qualify for Grade 9; five years of specialized experience to qualify for Grade 10; and six years of specialized experience to qualify for Grade 11.
The ideal candidate for this position is detail-oriented, enjoys working in a challenging and collaborative environment on a wide variety of tasks, is a creative thinker and problem-solver, maintains a calm demeanor under pressure, maintains high ethical standards, upholds the highest level of confidentiality, and possesses strong organizational, administrative, and management skills. The start date for this position will be in September 2025. The Judicial Assistant's duties include, but are not limited to: Handling general secretarial matters for chambers, including email and paper correspondence, answering phones, receiving guests, and processing incoming/outgoing mail and faxes. Maintaining electronic and paper case management and administrative filing systems. Creating, managing, and coordinating the judge's calendar to ensure accurate information is provided for oral argument preparation, teaching and speaking engagements, meetings, chambers events, and law-related extra-curricular activities. Arranging the judge's travel, processing travel reimbursement requests, and liaising with the U.S. Marshals Service regarding the judge's security. Preparing and submitting periodic reports in compliance with congressional and Judiciary rules. Preparing announcements for and assisting in hiring law clerks each term. Conducting staff orientation, as well as acting as the liaison for law school externship programs. Participating with the judge in recurring logistics-planning meetings and carrying out assignments in a timely manner. Serving as the judge's forward-facing representative while working with personnel throughout the courthouse. Maintaining chambers supplies and equipment and coordinating routine and emergency office maintenance and custodial issues. Performing special projects as assigned by the judge.