Paralegal​/Administrator

Overview

The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Eastern District of Virginia is accepting applications for a Paralegal – Administrator position in our Richmond location. Pursuant to the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3006A, the office provides legal representation to indigent defendants in federal criminal cases and related matters.

• The paralegal provides support services to staff attorneys.
• Provides vital administrative assistance to the Richmond location and serves as a backup for the Branch Manager.
• May require work on holidays, evenings, and weekends as the nature of assigned cases requires.
• General legal duties including research, drafting legal pleadings, assisting with case preparation and file management, managing discovery, assisting attorneys at hearings and trials, assisting with client contact, assisting investigators with interviewing witnesses as needed, maintaining research banks, and intensive technological litigation support.
• Additional duties may include analyzing legal decisions, opinions, rulings and compiling and summarizing substantive information on statutes, treaties and specific legal subjects.
• Administrative duties include greeting and directing visitors, answering and routing calls to the office, overseeing incoming and outgoing mail, overseeing and organizing office supplies, opening and closing physical and digital case files, assisting in financial and case file management, and managing office calendars for trials and dockets. Administrative duties during the regular course of business may account for a significant portion of daily duties.

The physical demands of the position are those required to successfully perform the duties described above. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. The paralegal will spend most of their time in an office environment consistent with our telework policy. The individual must occasionally lift and/or move 25-50 pounds. Travel within the state may be necessary and a valid driver’s license preferred.

The position offers federal employment benefits that include, in part, paid vacation, paid sick time, paid holidays, health insurance, life insurance, retirement plan and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (401k). Salary is payable only by Electronic Funds Transfer (direct deposit). Telework and flex scheduling consistent with court obligations and position duties are available to all employees.

To be considered for this position, email a single PDF containing a completed AO78 Judicial Branch Application, cover letter, and resume to . This position will remain open until filled with preference given to those who apply by March 27, 2026. You must include the job announcement number in the subject line. For required documents or additional information, visit the Employment section of (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).

Only those selected for an interview will be contacted; please do not contact the office.

The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.