Judicial Assistant

The United States District Court for the Southern District of Iowa is accepting applications for a Judicial Assistant to the Honorable Stephen B. Jackson, Jr. There are three offices within the Southern District of Iowa: Council Bluffs, Davenport, and Des Moines. The duty station for this position is in the Davenport office. 

The Judicial Assistant reports directly to the judge and performs a variety of administrative and other tasks. The ideal candidate will display initiative, good judgment, professionalism, the ability to multi-task and readily adapt to fast-changing priorities, excellent organization skills, and a strong work ethic. The position requires confidentiality and discretion.

Perform various administrative tasks including answering chamber telephone inquiries and receiving chamber visitors; corresponding via email; scheduling meetings, conferences and hearings; using computer applications to prepare documents and correspondence; and maintaining electronic and paper files.

Maintain the judge’s calendar on the Chambers Electronic Organizer system in coordination with attorneys, other Court personnel, and other federal agency personnel.

Utilize the Court’s Case Management/Electronic Case Filing system by docketing orders and other entries, reviewing notices of electronic case filings, and preparing reports.   

Assist with drafting, proofreading and editing orders and other Court documents, and conducting legal research as needed.

Prepare statistical data reports required for the judge.

Become familiar with Court resources and guidelines such as J-Net, Guide to Judiciary Policy, Code of Conduct for United States Judges, Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees, Ethics Opinions, Local Rules and Electronic Case Filing Procedures Manual.

Other duties as assigned.

High school diploma or equivalent required. Law degree or college degree preferred.

Two years of general administrative or clerical experience, and at least four years of experience in law-related or court-related matters, required. Experience should include tasks such as typing, calendaring, photocopying, scanning, filing, record keeping, emailing and telephone communication. A college degree may be substituted for two years of general experience.

Proficient computer skills, including with Word, Microsoft Office Suite and IBM Notes, are required. Must also be able to readily adapt to changing technology and learn new systems including the Court’s Chambers Electronic Organizer and Case Management/Electronic Case Filing systems.

Strong verbal communication skills, including ability to interact with Court personnel, legal professionals, and the public in general.

Excellent organization skills and ability to perform duties with effective prioritization and timely execution under pressure.

Ability to draft, proofread and edit correspondence and documents, including Court orders, with proper content, format, grammar, spelling, punctuation, quotations and legal citations. 

Ability to utilize electronic legal search systems such as Westlaw, Lexis and Pacer.

Sufficient mathematical aptitude to prepare statistical reports.

Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of all office and judicial matters, utilize sound judgment, handle sensitive information, and exercise appropriate discretion.

Personal and professional integrity and ability to work well with professional legal staff and Court personnel.

Benefits include ten paid holidays, paid vacation and sick leave, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. Optional participation in Federal Employees’ Health Benefits Program, Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance Program, Flexible Benefits Program, Federal Judiciary Long Term Care Insurance Program, and private long term disability insurance is also available.

Employees must be United States citizens or eligible to work in the United States.

Employees are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees which is available for review upon request. A background investigation with law enforcement agencies, including fingerprint and criminal record checks, will be conducted as a condition of employment. Any applicant selected for a position will be hired provisionally pending successful completion of the investigation. Unsatisfactory results may result in termination of employment. Employees of the United States District Court are at will and can be terminated with or without cause at any time.

The Federal Financial Management Reform Act requires direct deposit of federal wages.

The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation, please notify human resources. The decision on granting reasonable accommodations will be made on a case-by-case basis.

The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement, to withdraw the announcement, or to fill the position sooner than the closing date, any of which may occur without prior written or other notice.

The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa does not reimburse for expenses associated with interviews or relocation.

Candidates must submit: (1) a resume and (2) a cover letter which addresses qualifications, skills, and experience necessary to perform the duties. Applications submitted without both items will not be considered. Only applicants selected for an interview will be notified.

Application materials should be marked “confidential” and mailed or e-mailed to:

           Mindi Decker, Human Resources/Training Manager

           U.S. District Court, Southern District of Iowa

           P.O. Box 9344

           Des Moines, IA 50306-9344

           E-mail: mindi_decker@iasd.uscourts.gov