Assistant Paralegal - Tucson

The Federal Public Defender for the District of Arizona is accepting applications for the position of full-time assistant paralegal to be stationed in Tucson. More than one position may be filled from this announcement. The Federal Public Defender operates under authority of Title 18, United States Code, Section 3006A(g)(2)(A), to provide federal criminal defense services by court appointment to individuals unable to afford counsel.

The organization has staffed offices in Phoenix, Tucson, Yuma, and Flagstaff.

• High school graduate or equivalent
• At least three years of general experience and two years of specialized experience (some higher education may substitute for specialized experience)
• Bachelor's degree or paralegal certificate preferred
• Personal computer and advanced word‑processing skills required
• Law office experience, computer literacy, and proficiency with Word, Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Excel, and Westlaw preferred
• Spanish language proficiency preferred; ability to speak, read, and write Spanish for translation of letters and documents required
• U.S. citizen
• Employment subject to satisfactory background investigation

• Provide support services to staff attorneys, staff paralegals, and investigators
• Assist with case file management; gather, organize, summarize, and index electronic and paper documents and other discovery materials
• Assist with client contact
• Prepare case‑related forms
• Assist staff paralegals and investigators with out‑of‑district requests and gathering records
• Assist with litigation support services using advanced software programs
• Calendar court hearings and jail visits
• Type letters/motions; file motions/pleadings
• Contact court personnel and detention facilities
• Perform all other duties as assigned
• Handle multiple tasks concurrently

The starting salary for the assistant paralegal is fixed at Grade 9, Step 1 yielding $62,893 per annum. This position is in the excepted service and does not carry the tenure rights of the competitive Civil Service. The position includes regular government employee benefits including health and life insurance, retirement, telework opportunities, and the Thrift Savings Plan. Salary is payable only by Electronic Funds Transfer (direct deposit).

All positions are at‑will and are subject to the availability of funds.

• Letter of interest along with resume
• References required from candidates selected for an interview

The Federal Public Defender is an equal‑opportunity employer. All applicants, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or age, are encouraged to apply.