Administrative Assistant

The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Eastern District of Virginia is accepting applications for an Administrative Assistant position in our Norfolk office. 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.

Duties

An Administrative Assistant supports the Branch Manager and local Supervisory Attorney in performing administrative duties while also providing case management support to attorneys and staff. The position's duties include but are not limited to: greeting and directing visitors and clients, answering and routing calls to the office, overseeing incoming and outgoing mail, opening and closing physical and digital case files, assisting in financial and case file management, and managing office calendars for trials and dockets.

This position will also assist the Administrative Officer in district-wide property management, which includes regular review of district property reporting, and advising on current projects and their applicability to property regulation. This position will serve as a backup for the Branch Manager and will cross train in a number of the duties required to perform that role on a limited basis.

Salary

• $62,640 - $118,092/year

Conditions of Employment

The final candidate will undergo an FBI background check and employment is conditional upon its completion.

Qualifications

The successful applicant will have a working knowledge of law office operations and is proficient in organizing and prioritizing their own work; typing, data entry, email, and report generation; using standard office equipment (telephones, copiers, fax machines, scanners, calculators, etc.); can follow detailed instructions and multitask; and can demonstrate experience in operating a multi-line telephone efficiently. The position requires proficiency in a wide range of programs, including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and other office automation products.

The ideal candidate will effectively communicate with colleagues, outside agencies, court personnel, and the public, to include our clients and client families; has a demonstrated work history of dependability, initiative, and responsibility; has high ethical standards; is a team player; and has an interest in indigent criminal defense and compassion for our work and clients. A successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to consistently exercise sound judgment, act with diplomacy, and maintain confidentiality. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

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 Administrative Assistant 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 may be necessary and a valid driver's license is preferred.

Education At a minimum, candidates must possess a high school diploma. Other Information The position is "at-will" employment in the excepted service and does not carry the tenure rights of the competitive civil service. This position is subject to the availability of funds. All responses will remain confidential. More than one position may be filled from this announcement. The Federal Public Defender is an Equal-Opportunity Employer. Required Documents

• Completed AO78 Judicial Branch Application
• Cover Letter
• Resume

See 'How to Apply' for instructions.

How to Apply

To be considered for this position, email a single PDF containing a completed AO78 Judicial Branch Application, cover letter, and resume to FPDedva_hiring@fd.org. You must include the job announcement number in the subject line.

For required documents or additional information, visit the Employment section of https://vae.fd.org.

This position will remain open until filled with preference given to those who apply by March 27, 2026.

Benefits Pay is only part of the generous total compensation package you will receive while working for the federal Judiciary. We offer employees a diverse group of benefit programs and family friendly flexibilities to meet the needs of you and your family. A generous benefits package is available to full-time permanent court employees including: Paid vacation and sick leave, paid parental leave, and 12 paid federal holidays per year. Optional participation in Federal Employees Health Benefits plans (health, dental and vision); Federal Employees Group Life Insurance; Flexible Benefits Program; Long-Term Care Insurance; Health Care Reimbursement (HCRA) and Dependent Care Reimbursement (HCRA). Public transportation subsidy, Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). Optional participation in Thrift Savings Plan (up to 5% employer matched contributions). Public Service Loan Forgiveness program pursuant to the term of the (PSLF).