Launch Your Career as a Legal Assistant with the U.S. Department of Justice

Are you looking to transition into a career where your organizational expertise directly supports the rule of law? The U.S. Attorneys' Office for the District of Montana is currently accepting applications for a Legal Assistant (Grand Jury Coordinator). This role is a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of administrative precision and federal legal advocacy.

Job Responsibilities

As a Grand Jury Coordinator, your day-to-day work will be fast-paced and highly impactful. Your core responsibilities include:

Grand Jury Management: You will create and maintain the monthly calendar for grand jury sessions, including all related criminal hearings.
Evidence Handling: You will be responsible for coding, indexing, and managing complex discovery materials using specialized case management software.
Legal Documentation: You will prepare and process voluminous legal documents, including motions, briefs, and pleadings, ensuring all formatting meets federal court standards.
Research and Analysis: You will assist attorneys by conducting factual research on individuals or corporate entities and summarizing court precedents.

Requirements

To qualify for this GS-08 position, candidates must meet specific criteria:

Experience: At least one year of specialized experience at the GS-7 level involving complex legal document preparation and research.
Typing Speed: Proficiency of at least 40 words per minute.
Assessment: Completion of the required USA Hire Competency Based Assessment.
Security: Ability to pass a high-risk security clearance and drug screening.

Salary Overview

The position offers a competitive federal salary commensurate with the GS-08 grade level.

Pay Period	Salary Range
Annual	$55,882 - $72,644

Benefits of Federal Employment

Working for the federal government comes with an extensive suite of benefits designed to support your long-term success and well-being:

Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access to top-tier health, dental, and vision plans.
Retirement: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Work-Life Balance: Generous annual leave (vacation), sick leave, and all federal holidays.
Insurance: Competitive life insurance policies.
Flexibility: Telework options are available depending on organizational needs.

Application Tips for Success

Strict Adherence to Format: The two-page resume limit is absolute. If you exceed this, your application will be rejected.
Detail Your Experience: Clearly list start/end dates and duty hours per week for every job on your resume.
Prepare for Assessments: Set aside three hours to complete the USA Hire assessments. Take them seriously, as they are a significant factor in your overall ranking.

The role of a Legal Assistant in the U.S. Attorneys' Office is foundational to the pursuit of justice in Montana. If you are highly organized, technically proficient, and eager to support a team of federal prosecutors, this is an ideal career move. Ensure your application is submitted by November 13, 2026, to be considered for this high-impact position.

Why This Legal Assistant (Grand Jury Coordinator) Job Matters

Launch your legal career with the Department of Justice in the heart of Montana. Join the U.S. Attorneys' Office as a Grand Jury Coordinator and play a pivotal role in the federal justice system.

Legal Assistant (Grand Jury Coordinator) Job Overview

The U.S. Attorneys' Office for the District of Montana is seeking a dedicated Legal Assistant to serve as a Grand Jury Coordinator. This position is essential to the efficient operation of federal legal proceedings, involving the meticulous management of grand jury calendars, evidence indexing, and the preparation of complex legal documentation. You will work in a high-stakes environment supporting federal prosecutors to ensure the integrity of our legal processes. If you possess sharp attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and a commitment to justice, we invite you to apply for this vital role.

Requirements for Legal Assistant (Grand Jury Coordinator)

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must pass a drug screening test.
Must undergo a high-risk security clearance/suitability background investigation.
Males born after Dec 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service.
Minimum one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level.
Must be able to type at least 40 words per minute (5-minute sample, max 3 errors).
Must complete the required USA Hire online competency-based assessment.

Preferred Qualifications for Legal Assistant (Grand Jury Coordinator)

Proven experience preparing voluminous and complex legal documents such as briefs, pleadings, and motions.
Expertise in using legal case management software for coding and indexing discovery materials.
Demonstrated ability to perform factual and legal research using electronic databases.
Experience managing trial notebooks, jury instructions, and witness exhibit lists.
Strong interpersonal skills to interact effectively with law enforcement and legal professionals.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation.
✓Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Life insurance options.
✓Telework eligibility based on agency policy.
✓Professional training and development opportunities.

💡 How to Apply Legal Assistant (Grand Jury Coordinator) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Legal Assistant (Grand Jury Coordinator) Job

Review the full USAJobs announcement to understand specific eligibility requirements.
Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages, detailing your specific duties and accomplishment dates.
Complete the online application and questionnaire through the USAJobs portal before the deadline.
Submit all required documentation, including DD-214 or SF-15 if claiming veterans' preference.
Complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessment when prompted via email.
Monitor your application status through your USAJobs account dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume includes clear start and end dates (month/day/year) for all positions.
Keep your resume strictly under the two-page limit to avoid immediate disqualification.
Complete the online assessment as soon as possible, as you only have 48 hours after the deadline.
Double-check that all federal service history includes your grade and series information.
If you require a testing accommodation, submit your request early to avoid processing delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work remotely for this position?

This position is not remote; however, it is telework-eligible, allowing for a hybrid work schedule based on department guidelines.

What happens if my resume is longer than two pages?

Per the job announcement, resumes exceeding two pages will lead to your application being deemed ineligible for consideration.

Is a security clearance required?

Yes, this position is designated as Special-Sensitive (High Risk), and a successful background investigation is required for employment.

What is the highest grade I can reach in this role?

*A: This position is currently at the GS-08 level with no identified promotion potential indicated in the announcement.*

Is relocation assistance offered?

*A: Relocation expenses are not authorized for this position.*

Do I need to be a veteran to apply?

*A: No, this is an open competitive vacancy, though veterans' preference is applied to those who are eligible.*

Job from Executive Office For U.S. Attorneys And The Office Of The U.S. Attorneys

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is the nation’s lead legal institution. Within the District of Montana, the U.S. Attorneys' Office represents the federal government in both criminal and civil litigations. Employees in this office are part of a mission-driven team dedicated to protecting citizens' constitutional rights, property, and safety. Joining this team offers more than just a job; it is a commitment to public service in one of the most respected law enforcement branches in the world.