Legal Clerk

ROLE

• Assist with witness management before, during, and after court appearances
• Work directly with fact witnesses to ensure their participation in court, pre-trial conferences, trials, and grand jury
• Receive/welcome visitors and ensuring they are directed appropriately
• Field phone calls/inquiries from fact witnesses about court schedules, appearances, and reimbursements
• Obtain and document necessary information to arrange witness travel and process reimbursements
• Initiate contact with fact witnesses to notify them of travel arrangements, appearance dates, and times
• Determine any special needs or circumstances of fact witnesses during initial contact
• Use sound judgment to notify AUSA of any special circumstances or needs of fact witnesses
• Confer with AUSAs regarding fact witness appearances and special circumstances (e.g., special authorizations, etc.)
• Complete and submit necessary documentation for special authorizations
• Obtain prior approval before proceeding with travel arrangements
• Ensure all travel documents and appearance schedules are provided to fact witnesses before their court appearances
• Make travel and lodging arrangements for fact witnesses in accordance with DOJ and USAO policies and procedures
• Meet and greet fact witnesses upon arrival at designated hearings or pre-trial conferences
• Offer and conduct courtroom orientation, accompany witnesses to court, and ensure a safe waiting area is available
• Collect necessary documentation and signatures for fact witness reimbursement
• Prepare and submit witness reimbursement documentation, including vouchers and other required forms
• Furnish requested information regarding pending and completed fact witness vouchers
• Gather required documentation and reconcile Government Travel Accounts
• Obtain information, confer, and coordinate with the Court, Probation, Pretrial, U.S. Marshals Service, etc.
• Complete recurring documents, ensuring they conform to the rules governing style and format
• Compose letters requiring knowledge of legal procedures and fact witness laws and regulations
• Perform general office procedures related to fact witness management (e.g., establish/maintain files, documents, etc.)
• Assemble documents and information for fact witness files according to procedures and DOJ regulations
• Establish and maintain calendars or databases of active and pending fact witness appearances if requested
• Track hearings, trial dates, grand jury, and scheduling conferences
• Perform other administrative and logistical duties related to fact witness management as required or assigned
• Perform duties independently by using excellent judgment and problem-solving skills related to witness appearances
• Handle uncooperative witnesses who might refuse to comply with subpoenas (e.g., co-defendants, etc.)
• Report to the Supervisor of the LECC/VW section within the USAO-WDMI

• Knowledge of legal procedures and terminology
• Knowledge of word processing software (e.g., Microsoft Word, etc.)
• Strong communication, decision-making, and multitasking skills
• Excellent judgement skills in high-pressure courtroom situations

• Exp. working within a legal setting preferred
• Exp. in witness management preferred
• Exp. providing trial support preferred
• Exp. in administrative work preferred

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Undergraduate degree preferred

• Grand Rapids, MI 49503

• Telework is available

• U.S. citizenship required as it supports the U.S. federal government

• Department of Justice (DOJ)

• Travel may be required

• 40 hours a week
• 8 hours per day

• Employment Classification Eligibility — Nonexempt

• Not eligible for relocation benefits

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