Federal Defender Services of Idaho (FDSI) is accepting applications for the full-time position of Legal Assistant in our Boise trial unit. FDSI operates under the authority of the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3006A, to provide defense services to indigent persons in federal criminal cases and related matters in the federal courts.
We have trial units in Boise and Pocatello and a capital habeas unit in Boise. FDSI is not an agency of the federal government, and our staff members are not federal employees. We are a not-for-profit Community Defender Organization. See 18 U.S.C. § 3006A(g)(2)(B).
Job Description
The legal assistant works directly with paralegals and trial attorneys to provide essential litigation and case support, assisting with document management, maintaining the office-wide calendar, new case intake and coordination of court-related activities.
DUTIES
- Receive, screen, and refer telephone and in‐person callers. Assist attorneys with client contact and answer.
- General inquiries according to office policy.
- Retrieve and deliver documents to the court.
- Perform legal assistant functions for multiple trial attorneys.
- Utilize advanced knowledge of legal terminology, word‐ and information‐processing software.
- Understand federal rules and protocols for CMF/ECF e-filing in federal criminal cases.
- Edit and proofread initial drafts, perform cite checking, and prepare correspondence to clients.
- Review incoming mail and distribute appropriately.
- Assemble attachments and prepare documents for e-filing.
- Order transcripts as instructed by trial attorneys.
- Accurately and timely maintain Outlook calendar for assigned trial attorneys by posting/updating court deadlines and hearings.
- Perform a variety of other office, case, and attorney support duties as they arise.
Required Qualifications
- A demonstrated commitment to and comfort working with diverse communities and with clients from a range of backgrounds.
- Excellent computer and communication skills are required; familiarity with Microsoft Office (MS Word, Excel and Outlook).
- Demonstrated, excellent organization and technology skills with a willingness and ability to learn new skills or software applications.
- The ability to set priorities, meet critical deadlines and multi‐task.
- Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
- High‐school graduate or equivalent.
- At least 3 years of full‐time work experience, or the equivalent.
- At least one year of which must be specialized experience relevant to this position.
- Completion of a Bachelor’s degree, subject to certain requirements, may be substituted for one year of specialized experience.
- The Legal Assistant must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
Preferred Qualifications
- College graduate; ideal for recent graduates from an accredited paralegal or criminal justice program.
- Bilingual (English‐Spanish) language skills.
- A demonstrated interest in and/or commitment to indigent criminal defense.
- Familiarity and skill with other relevant applications such as CaseMap, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat Professional, Lexis/Nexis, Westlaw, etc.
- Legal secretarial experience preferred, ideally in the federal court system.
Conditions of Employment
- Selected candidate must pass a background check
- Employees are “at-will” and are not covered by the Civil Service Reform Act
- Employment is provisional pending satisfactory completion of a year probationary period
- Employees may not engage in other full-time employment without written consent from the Executive Director
- Work hours for this position will be Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm.
Salary and Benefits
Salary will be commensurate with experience. Salary range: Judicial Pay Scale (JSP) 6-8, $45,409-$72,644, health coverage, and retirement plan.
Application Deadline
Position open until filled, but priority will be given to applications received by August 31, 2026.
