Launch Your Federal Career as a Legal Assistant with the U.S. Attorney's Office

The United States Attorney's Office (USAO) for the Eastern District of California is offering a career-defining opportunity for administrative professionals. As a Legal Assistant (Office Automation), you will play a critical role in the Civil Division, bridging the gap between high-level legal strategy and efficient office operations. If you are seeking a career that challenges your intellect and supports the rule of law, this is your chance to join a premier law enforcement agency.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will support Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) by performing a variety of technical and administrative tasks. Key responsibilities include:

• Document Management: Preparing, proofreading, and formatting complex legal documents such as complaints, motions, orders, and subpoenas.
• Trial Support: Organizing exhibits, assembling trial notebooks, and conducting research on litigation-related statutes and regulations.
• Calendar Management: Tracking critical court filing deadlines, hearing dates, and attorney schedules.
• Administrative Coordination: Arranging travel itineraries, scheduling conferences, and maintaining electronic case files.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet specific federal requirements, including:

• Experience: One year of specialized experience at the previous grade level or a combination of education and experience.
• Proficiency: A typing speed of at least 40 WPM with minimal errors.
• Technical Skill: Competency in office automation software and legal research databases.
• Suitability: Successful completion of a high-risk security background investigation and drug screening.

Grade Eligibility Comparison

Grade Level	Specialized Experience Requirement
GS-5	1 year at GS-4 level or 4 years post-high school education
GS-6	1 year at GS-5 level in legal document preparation
GS-7	1 year at GS-6 level with advanced trial support skills

Salary Overview

Salaries are competitive and determined by the GS (General Schedule) pay scale, influenced by the specific duty location. Sacramento positions currently offer a range of $45,155–$72,716, while Fresno positions range from $40,941–$65,930. Your starting salary will generally be set at the base of the grade level for which you are selected.

Benefits

Employees of the Department of Justice enjoy a robust federal benefits package:

• Retirement: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
• Insurance: Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
• Time Off: Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and all federal holidays.
• Work-Life Balance: Access to professional development and potential telework options depending on position requirements.

Application Tips

1. Respect the Limit: Keep your resume to exactly two pages. The system is automated; longer resumes will result in disqualification.
2. Be Specific: Quantify your achievements. Mention specific legal software you have used and the types of documents you have prepared.
3. Prepare for Assessments: The USA Hire assessment is a mandatory, timed competency test. Ensure you are in a distraction-free environment before starting.
4. Proofread: Review your application package against the checklist provided in the announcement to ensure no documents are missing.

Serving as a Legal Assistant for the U.S. Attorney's Office is an incredible opportunity to grow your administrative career while making a tangible impact on the justice system. With competitive pay, excellent benefits, and a mission that truly matters, this position offers both stability and purpose. Review the announcement requirements carefully and begin your application today.