Paralegal

Overview of the Position 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. The successful candidate will be professional, organized, proficient in writing and editing, have a pleasant and positive attitude and the ability to act as the institutional memory of a small office with a staff of law clerks and will possess the initiative to ensure smooth-running operations in the judge’s chambers.

Responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Provide legal, clerical, and administrative support related to a high-volume criminal caseload, as well as docket management and coordination of criminal and civil proceedings. Draft various scheduling and other necessary orders following review of daily informals.
• Review legal documents as assigned by the Judge for completeness and accuracy. Conduct legal research using source material or the internet. Compose and prepare correspondence, procedural orders, and documents that may require substantial research or analysis. Identify unique matters and undertake special handling requirements.
• Perform administrative duties, including using computer applications to prepare documents and correspondence, review legal documents submitted to the court for completeness and accuracy, and other related duties. Receive, screen, and refer questions in person or via telephone. Respond to basic questions related to the status and scheduling of cases.
• Arrange and manage the judge’s calendar and travel logistics, continuously updating and coordinating with the judge, legal parties, attorneys, the clerk’s office, and other judicial officers and court unit executives; help the judge manage involvement with various judicial committees and events; coordinate the Judge’s personal travel schedule, and maintain the office’s functionality, from ordering supplies to coordinating technical assistance. Travel arrangements include preparing vouchers for travel advances and payments.
  
  Arrange meetings and conference agendas. Additional support services include receiving and assisting visitors, answering and screening phone calls.
• Performing case checks for potential conflicts of interest, organizing calendar materials, acquiring, and returning court records, reminding clerks of critical deadlines, maintaining a database, preparing expense reports, filing, and collecting and submitting information for various required annual disclosures.
• Screen cases for potential conflicts. Maintain recusal list. Track and monitor calendars, filings, hearings, etc. Review daily reports (electronic and paper) to identify new filings. Assist with selection of law clerks and interns as requested by the judge.
• Assist in the maintenance of law library updates within the established budget.
• Maintain chambers information storage and filing systems (electronic and paper) for case filings, correspondence, publications, data, forms, and other documents.
• 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.
• Coordinate the assignments of chambers staff. Distribute information and assignments to law clerks or other personnel. Provide orientation and training to law clerks and other personnel regarding judge’s style and preferences, and court administrative protocols. Provide assistance with automated systems and software for chambers staff.
• Monitor deadlines, prioritize tasks, and determine need for action by the judge. Monitor caseload, organize filings and correspondence related to cases, log motions and other actions, and update the case list. Compile and arrange information and data and prepare required periodic reports regarding court and non-court activities.
• Oversee the day-to-day operational management of chambers. Coordinate all general activities and serve as a liaison for the physical needs of the chambers, such as heating/cooling, lighting, and cleaning. Maintain office supplies and arrange for service and…