Paralegal

Court Name/Organization Arkansas Eastern Federal Public Defender

Overview of the Position The Federal Public Defender for the Eastern District of Arkansas is accepting applications for a full-time Paralegal position with an emphasis in litigation support in its Capital Habeas Unit. This unit represents death sentenced individuals in all stages of federal habeas proceedings. Our office mission requires that each employee embrace our core values of compassion, courage, competency, creativity, and collaboration.

Location Little Rock, AR

Opening and Closing Dates 02/03/2026 - Open Until Filled

Appointment Type Permanent

Classification Level/Grade 11 - 14

Salary $74,678 - $163,514

Announcement Number 2026-01

The Paralegal team member’s duties include, but are not limited to: providing litigation support on complex cases; gathering, organizing and analyzing records relating to the offense and the client’s life history; synthesizing information about each case and developing research; maintaining electronic discovery; administering and producing reports; assisting attorneys in all aspects of case preparation; maintaining software platforms in various programs; notarizing documents;

submitting document requests to varied agencies and preparing appellate briefs to the appropriate courts.

Candidates should possess strong analytical abilities and solid oral and written communication skills and be comfortable talking directly with clients over the phone. Prior capital and/or federal habeas experience or paralegal experience in complex areas of the law strongly preferred. Education above the high school level from an accredited institution may be substituted for a portion of the applicant’s general or specialized experience.

Candidates who are proficient in litigation support and case management software, such as Case Map, and who possess a high degree of computer literacy in Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, and experience with computer-assisted research is a plus. You must have the ability to work weekends and holidays as needed.

This is a full-time, at-will position. Salary range is $74,678 to $163,514 commensurate with experience and qualifications. Benefits include health and life insurance, retirement, and the Thrift Savings Plan. Direct deposit required.

The Paralegal team member’s duties include, but are not limited to: providing litigation support on complex cases; gathering, organizing and analyzing records relating to the offense and the client’s life history; synthesizing information about each case and developing research; maintaining electronic discovery; administering and producing reports; assisting attorneys in all aspects of case preparation; maintaining software platforms in various programs; notarizing documents;

submitting document requests to varied agencies and preparing appellate briefs to the appropriate courts.

To be considered, please send the following in PDF form to  : (1) A letter of interest; (2) a resume, (3) a writing sample; and (4) three references. A final offer of employment is subject to a background check and the availability of funding. More than one vacancy may be filled. Open until filled. No phone calls or follow-up emails.

The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.