Part-Time Appellate Paralegal Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

SGI Global is seeking a part-time Appellate Paralegal Specialist to support the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Michigan (USAO-WDMI) in Grand Rapids. This role involves providing high-level legal research, writing, and case support for post-conviction and appellate litigation primarily under 18 U.S.C. §§ 2255 and 3582. The Paralegal Specialist will work closely with Assistant U.S. Attorneys and the Appellate Chief to ensure accurate, consistent, and timely submission of court filings in criminal matters before the U.S. District Court and the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.

*Position is contingent upon award*

Job Duties:

• Conduct in-depth legal research and analysis of federal criminal case law, statutes, and Department of Justice policies.

• Draft pleadings, legal memoranda, appellate briefs, and responses for attorney review and filing in court.

• Review case files and summarize key legal and factual issues for AUSAs handling post-conviction motions.

• Track developments in relevant appellate and sentencing law and assist the Appellate Chief in disseminating guidance.

• Support the review of AUSAs' filings to ensure consistency, legal accuracy, and adherence to policy.

• Prepare and submit monthly reports summarizing work completed and hours worked.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience as a paralegal or attorney in a criminal litigation or appellate setting.

• Bachelor's degree required; Juris Doctor (JD) preferred.

• Strong legal writing and research background, including experience drafting briefs or legal memoranda independently.

• Working knowledge of federal criminal law and procedure is required.

• U.S. Citizenship and ability to pass a minimum seven-year background investigation.

• Prior experience with appellate litigation or post-conviction relief matters is strongly preferred.

SGI Global provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.