Judicial Assistant - Chambers Paralegal or Secretary

Summary

The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Alabama, Western Division, is accepting applications for a judicial assistant (chambers paralegal or secretary to a federal judge). The holder of the position will perform administrative and legal duties (using legal terminology, procedures, and documents) and assist the judge in the daily activities of the office (performing administrative management, legal, and other related duties).

Duties

A judicial assistant performs the following duties and responsibilities: perform administrative duties, including using computer applications to prepare documents and correspondence, preparing hearing notebooks, printing, scanning, copying, taking meeting minutes, etc.; arrange and manage the judge's schedule, continuously updating and coordinating with the judge, chambers staff, legal parties, attorneys, the clerk's office, court unit executives, and other judicial officers; maintain information storage and filing systems (electronic and paper) for case notes, filings, correspondence, publications, data, forms, and other documents; identify unique matters and undertake special handling requirements; receive, screen, and refer questions in person and via telephone; respond to basic questions related to the status and scheduling of cases; review legal documents assigned by the judge for completeness and accuracy; conduct legal research using source material or the internet; compose correspondence, procedural orders, and other documents that may require substantial research or analysis; proof documents for spelling, grammar, punctuation, uniformity of style and format, and proper citation and review for conformity with court rules and procedures (including functions relating to the court's Case Management/Electronic Case Filing (CM/ECF) system); screen cases for potential conflicts and maintain a recusal list; track and monitor calendars, filings, hearings, etc.; maintain and update law libraries within the established budget; maintain financial disclosure information; file orders, notices, and opinions in the court's electronic filing system; create and update templates and standard documents for orders, motions, and other related documents. make travel arrangements and prepare vouchers for travel advances and payments for chambers staff; arrange meetings and conference agendas; maintain office supplies and inventory of property assigned to chambers; place calls for repair of office equipment; assist with automated systems and software for chambers staff; monitor deadlines, prioritize tasks, and determine need for action by the judge; monitor caseload and organize information related to cases; compile and arrange information and data and prepare required periodic reports regarding court and non-court activities; and other related duties as assigned by the judge.

Requirements

An applicant must either be a United States citizen; a person who owes allegiance to the United States (i.e., nationals of American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Northern Mariana Islands, and nationals who meet other requirements described in 8 U.S.C. § 1408); a person admitted as a refugee or granted asylum who has filed a declaration of intention to become a lawful permanent resident and then a citizen when eligible (see 8 U.S.C. § 1157 and § 1158 for additional information); or a lawful permanent resident who is seeking citizenship as outlined in 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3)(B). Employment by the court is subject to the receipt of a satisfactory background check of the applicant. An applicant may be hired provisionally, pending successful completion of the necessary background check and subsequent favorable suitability determination as a condition of employment.

Qualifications and evaluation

Candidates will be evaluated on their qualifications and ability to perform the duties of the position satisfactorily.

Education

High school graduation equivalency may be met by either a Graduate Education Development (GED), or other recognized equivalency certificate, or a like number of years of clerical experience (for example, one year of clerical experience equals one year of high school).

Benefits

Permanent, full-time appointments are eligible for federal employment benefits, including paid federal holidays, paid leave, health insurance, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, flexible spending benefits, and retirement benefits.

How to apply

To be considered, qualified applicants must submit, and the court must receive, the following required documents: a cover letter (note any bankruptcy/commercial law classes or experience); a current resume; a completed AO 78, Federal Judicial Branch Application for Employment (available at https://www.uscourts.gov/forms-rules/forms/application-judicial-branch-federal-employment); a school transcript, if applicable (an unofficial transcript or grade sheet is acceptable); and contact information for three professional references. E-mail applications to tusclcresume@alnb.uscourts.gov and reference vacancy announcement 2026-02 on the subject line.

Required documents

a cover letter (note any bankruptcy/commercial law classes or experience); a current resume; a completed AO 78, Federal Judicial Branch Application for Employment (available at https://www.uscourts.gov/forms-rules/forms/application-judicial-branch-federal-employment); a school transcript, if applicable (an unofficial transcript or grade sheet is acceptable); and contact information for three professional references. See 'How to Apply' for instructions.

Additional information

Anticipated start date is on or after July 27, 2026. An employee is "at will" serving at the discretion and instruction of the judge. Accordingly, employment may be terminated "at will" by either the judge or the employee. Employees are required to use electronic funds transfer for payroll direct deposit. The court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement, to withdraw the announcement, to fill the position sooner than the closing date indicated, and to accept applications after the stated closing date, without any prior notice. The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Alabama is an Equal Opportunity Employer.