The Role
Provides front-desk reception, customer service, clerical, telephone, mail, visitor-access, and message-distribution support in a Federal Public Defender’s office. Processes court emails, assists with document preparation and case-file management, maintains confidentiality, and supports general administrative assignments. Requires fluent English and Spanish, strong computer skills, professionalism with diverse and distressed individuals, and availability for an in-office Monday–Friday schedule.
Summary Generated by Built In
The Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Central District of California is accepting applications for a full-time, bilingual receptionist position for our Los Angeles office. The Federal Public Defender’s office is committed to the pursuit of justice by aggressively advocating in federal court for the constitutional rights and inherent dignity of individuals who are charged with federal crimes and cannot afford their own lawyer. The receptionist plays an important role in supporting this mission and is often the first point of contract for clients, visitors, attorneys, court personnel, and members of the public.
Job Duties: The Receptionist provides a variety of front-desk, customer service, and clerical support services. General areas of responsibility include receiving, screening, and directing telephone calls and visitors; answering general inquiries and providing information using available reference materials; monitoring interior office access and following established security procedures; receiving, recording, and distributing telephone and in-person messages to personnel who are unavailable; determining the urgency of messages and seeking appropriate assistance or action when necessary; screening collect telephone calls from incarcerated defendants responding appropriately to requests for assistance from the general public; processing ECF emails received from the Court and distributing them to appropriate staff; processing incoming and outgoing mail, as needed; assisting with word processing, document preparation, and other clerical assignments; maintaining confidentiality and exercising appropriate care when handling information protected by attorney-client privilege and other confidentiality requirements; assisting the Case Management team with opening and closing case files; and performing other related duties and administrative assignments as needed.
Requirements: All applicants must have a high school diploma, at least. Candidates must demonstrate strong computer literacy, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat. Must be fluent in both English and Spanish, including the ability to speak, read, and write effectively in both languages. The ideal candidate will also have comprehensive knowledge of office clerical principles, practices, methods, and techniques. Prior experience working in a legal, court, government, or other professional office environment is preferred. Understands and exercises care regarding attorney/client privilege and confidentiality. All applicants must be available to work Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. This is an in-office position. Telework is not available.
Selection Criteria: Successful applicants demonstrate an interest in social justice, civil rights, or indigent defense; excellent customer service skills and the ability to interact professionally, respectfully, and courteously with clients, visitors, staff, attorneys, and members of the public; ability to work with diverse communities and clients from different backgrounds; must have excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills; have strong organizational, analytical, and technical skills; an ability to remain professional, calm, and courteous when interacting with individuals who may be distressed, upset, or experiencing difficult circumstances. an ability to organize work and set priorities to meet critical deadlines; capable of learning new technological tools, when needed; be able to work independently and take initiative; and work well in teams.
A background investigation is required as a condition of employment. In line with current appropriations law, applicants must be United States citizens or permanent residents seeking citizenship as described here: https://www.uscourts.gov/careers/search-judiciary-jobs/citizenship-requirements-employment-judiciary.
Salary/Benefits: This is a full-time, at-will position. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience and is subject to direct deposit. Benefits include health and life insurance, retirement, and a Thrift Savings Plan. For more information on benefits, see http://www.uscourts.gov/careers/benefits.
How to Apply: Apply by submitting a letter of interest, résumé, and three references. We will accept applications until October 16, 2026, or until the position is filled. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the open position may be filled before that date. Priority will be given to early applicants. The Federal Public Defender’s Office may fill current and future positions from this vacancy announcement. Please, no phone calls.
The Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Central District of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or age, are encouraged to apply.
Job Duties: The Receptionist provides a variety of front-desk, customer service, and clerical support services. General areas of responsibility include receiving, screening, and directing telephone calls and visitors; answering general inquiries and providing information using available reference materials; monitoring interior office access and following established security procedures; receiving, recording, and distributing telephone and in-person messages to personnel who are unavailable; determining the urgency of messages and seeking appropriate assistance or action when necessary; screening collect telephone calls from incarcerated defendants responding appropriately to requests for assistance from the general public; processing ECF emails received from the Court and distributing them to appropriate staff; processing incoming and outgoing mail, as needed; assisting with word processing, document preparation, and other clerical assignments; maintaining confidentiality and exercising appropriate care when handling information protected by attorney-client privilege and other confidentiality requirements; assisting the Case Management team with opening and closing case files; and performing other related duties and administrative assignments as needed.
Requirements: All applicants must have a high school diploma, at least. Candidates must demonstrate strong computer literacy, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat. Must be fluent in both English and Spanish, including the ability to speak, read, and write effectively in both languages. The ideal candidate will also have comprehensive knowledge of office clerical principles, practices, methods, and techniques. Prior experience working in a legal, court, government, or other professional office environment is preferred. Understands and exercises care regarding attorney/client privilege and confidentiality. All applicants must be available to work Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. This is an in-office position. Telework is not available.
Selection Criteria: Successful applicants demonstrate an interest in social justice, civil rights, or indigent defense; excellent customer service skills and the ability to interact professionally, respectfully, and courteously with clients, visitors, staff, attorneys, and members of the public; ability to work with diverse communities and clients from different backgrounds; must have excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills; have strong organizational, analytical, and technical skills; an ability to remain professional, calm, and courteous when interacting with individuals who may be distressed, upset, or experiencing difficult circumstances. an ability to organize work and set priorities to meet critical deadlines; capable of learning new technological tools, when needed; be able to work independently and take initiative; and work well in teams.
A background investigation is required as a condition of employment. In line with current appropriations law, applicants must be United States citizens or permanent residents seeking citizenship as described here: https://www.uscourts.gov/careers/search-judiciary-jobs/citizenship-requirements-employment-judiciary.
Salary/Benefits: This is a full-time, at-will position. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience and is subject to direct deposit. Benefits include health and life insurance, retirement, and a Thrift Savings Plan. For more information on benefits, see http://www.uscourts.gov/careers/benefits.
How to Apply: Apply by submitting a letter of interest, résumé, and three references. We will accept applications until October 16, 2026, or until the position is filled. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the open position may be filled before that date. Priority will be given to early applicants. The Federal Public Defender’s Office may fill current and future positions from this vacancy announcement. Please, no phone calls.
The Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Central District of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or age, are encouraged to apply.
Skills Required
- High school diploma or higher
- Strong computer literacy
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office
- Proficiency with Adobe Acrobat
- Fluency in English and Spanish, including speaking, reading, and writing
- Ability to work Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Availability to work in-office; telework is not available
- Successful background investigation
- United States citizenship or permanent resident status while seeking citizenship as specified by judiciary requirements
- Prior experience in a legal, court, government, or professional office environment
- Knowledge of office clerical principles, practices, methods, and techniques
- Ability to handle attorney-client privileged and confidential information appropriately
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The Company
What We Do
Federal public defender organizations provide legal representation to individuals facing federal criminal charges who cannot afford an attorney. They are part of the United States Courts System and are dedicated to upholding the right to counsel.
