Paralegal
United States Courts, Cape Girardeau, MO, United States
Overview
The position of Paralegal to U.S. Magistrate Judge Abbie Crites Leoni will begin June 1, 2026, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. This is a full‑time, in‑office position. The Paralegal is a staff member in the Judge’s Chambers and will be professional, organized, proficient in writing and editing, maintain a pleasant and positive attitude, and serve as the institutional memory of a small office that routinely interacts with various agencies, ensuring smooth operations in the judge’s chambers.
Responsibilities
Provide legal, clerical, and administrative support related to a high‑volume criminal caseload, including docket management and coordination of criminal and civil proceedings; draft scheduling orders and other necessary documents following review of daily informals.
Arrange and manage the judge’s calendar and travel logistics, including daily monitoring of the docket, case filings, deadlines, and related tasks.
Compile and arrange information and data and prepare required periodic reports regarding court and non‑court activities.
Oversee day‑to‑day operational management of Chambers, coordinate all general activities, and serve as liaison for physical needs of the Chambers, including supplies, law library, heating/cooling, lighting, and cleaning.
Perform a wide variety of special projects at the judge’s request, such as event planning or related tasks; occasional travel to the St. Louis courthouse for training and other activities.
Exhibit the highest standards of excellence and integrity.
All other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or a paralegal certificate from an accredited paralegal program.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or eligible to work in the United States.
The ideal candidate will possess strong administrative and paralegal background; strong organizational skills; knowledge of legal documents and terminology; effective oral and written communication with judges, affiliate agencies, and the public; ability to maintain confidentiality and loyalty; proficiency in personal computers and common applications; knowledge of electronic case management/filing systems (CM/ECF); skill in using standard office equipment; ability to manage logistics for meetings and travel; ability to follow detailed instructions and multitask; and ability to conduct detailed legal, technical, and analytical research.
JSP 7: completion of the requirements for a bachelor’s degree or a paralegal certificate.
JSP 8: in addition to meeting the qualifications for JSP 7, requires six months of progressively responsible experience related to the work of the position (minimum 2 years of general work).
JSP 9: in addition to meeting the qualifications for JSP 7, requires one year of progressively responsible experience related to the work of the position.
JSP 10: in addition to meeting the qualifications for JSP 7, requires two years of progressively responsible experience related to the work of the position.
JSP 11: in addition to meeting the qualifications for JSP 7, requires three years of progressively responsible experience related to the work of the position or a juris doctor (JD) from a recognized law school.
Benefits
11 paid holidays
Health Insurance Benefits (variety of plans)
13 sick days per year accrued
Life Insurance
13 paid vacation days for less than 3 years of service
20 paid vacation days for 3 to 15 years of service
Federal Employee Retirement Plan
26 paid vacation days for 15 or more years of service
Thrift Savings Plan with Investment Options
Family Medical Leave Act provisions
Mandatory Electronic Funds Transfer participation for net pay.
The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Employees are required to adhere to a Code of Ethics and Conduct.
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The position of Paralegal to U.S. Magistrate Judge Abbie Crites Leoni will begin June 1, 2026, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. This is a full‑time, in‑office position. The Paralegal is a staff member in the Judge’s Chambers and will be professional, organized, proficient in writing and editing, maintain a pleasant and positive attitude, and serve as the institutional memory of a small office that routinely interacts with various agencies, ensuring smooth operations in the judge’s chambers.
Responsibilities
Provide legal, clerical, and administrative support related to a high‑volume criminal caseload, including docket management and coordination of criminal and civil proceedings; draft scheduling orders and other necessary documents following review of daily informals.
Arrange and manage the judge’s calendar and travel logistics, including daily monitoring of the docket, case filings, deadlines, and related tasks.
Compile and arrange information and data and prepare required periodic reports regarding court and non‑court activities.
Oversee day‑to‑day operational management of Chambers, coordinate all general activities, and serve as liaison for physical needs of the Chambers, including supplies, law library, heating/cooling, lighting, and cleaning.
Perform a wide variety of special projects at the judge’s request, such as event planning or related tasks; occasional travel to the St. Louis courthouse for training and other activities.
Exhibit the highest standards of excellence and integrity.
All other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or a paralegal certificate from an accredited paralegal program.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or eligible to work in the United States.
The ideal candidate will possess strong administrative and paralegal background; strong organizational skills; knowledge of legal documents and terminology; effective oral and written communication with judges, affiliate agencies, and the public; ability to maintain confidentiality and loyalty; proficiency in personal computers and common applications; knowledge of electronic case management/filing systems (CM/ECF); skill in using standard office equipment; ability to manage logistics for meetings and travel; ability to follow detailed instructions and multitask; and ability to conduct detailed legal, technical, and analytical research.
JSP 7: completion of the requirements for a bachelor’s degree or a paralegal certificate.
JSP 8: in addition to meeting the qualifications for JSP 7, requires six months of progressively responsible experience related to the work of the position (minimum 2 years of general work).
JSP 9: in addition to meeting the qualifications for JSP 7, requires one year of progressively responsible experience related to the work of the position.
JSP 10: in addition to meeting the qualifications for JSP 7, requires two years of progressively responsible experience related to the work of the position.
JSP 11: in addition to meeting the qualifications for JSP 7, requires three years of progressively responsible experience related to the work of the position or a juris doctor (JD) from a recognized law school.
Benefits
11 paid holidays
Health Insurance Benefits (variety of plans)
13 sick days per year accrued
Life Insurance
13 paid vacation days for less than 3 years of service
20 paid vacation days for 3 to 15 years of service
Federal Employee Retirement Plan
26 paid vacation days for 15 or more years of service
Thrift Savings Plan with Investment Options
Family Medical Leave Act provisions
Mandatory Electronic Funds Transfer participation for net pay.
The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Employees are required to adhere to a Code of Ethics and Conduct.
#J-18808-Ljbffr