Title: Legal Assistant Senior - Director's Office - CF236
State Role Title: General Administration Coordinator I
Hiring Range: $44,192 - $77,000
Pay Band: 4
Agency: Department of Forensic Science
Location: Dept of Forensic Science
Agency Website: www.dfs.virginia.gov
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
The Virginia Department of Forensic Science has experienced record growth and is currently in construction of a new state-of-the-art facility in Hanover County. Once completed, this Facility will house staff from the Central Laboratory, Director’s Office, Administrative Offices, and the Office of the Medical Examiner, currently located in Richmond. The transition is anticipated for First Quarter 2026.
The Department of Forensic Science (DFS) seeks a highly skilled, detail oriented Senior Legal Assistant to work in the Agency Director’s Office. This position provides critical legal support to the Department Counsel by performing a variety of analytical, coordinative, research, and administrative duties. Primarily, the Senior Legal Assistant will provide assistance with reviewing, maintaining, and tracking records related to case reviews conducted by the Department. Additional duties will include managing the responses to subpoenas duces tecum, Freedom of Information Act requests, and inmate inquiries; assisting Department Counsel in monitoring the Department’s compliance with court orders for evidence testing and transmission of blood samples; and overseeing Departmental compliance with expungement orders and record retention policies.
In support of the Department Counsel, the Senior Legal Assistant communicates regularly with forensic scientists at the Department’s four regional laboratories, as well as members of the legal and law enforcement communities. Occasional overnight travel is required, and the employee will provide their own transportation as required. This position may be eligible for telework opportunities one day a week after completing agency training and orientation.
Minimum Qualifications
• Knowledge of and familiarity with the Virginia criminal court system, including terminology, orders, procedures, and case management systems
• Demonstrated experience analyzing and organizing complex legal and technical issues, prioritizing and handling multiple assignments, and dealing with representatives of the public, law enforcement and the legal community
• Demonstrated experience evaluating and understanding criminal justice system records to draw conclusions and inform decision making
• Proficiency in recording data and maintaining records, following written protocols and oral instructions, establishing work priorities, and independently performing routine duties with strong attention to detail
• Advanced level of experience and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Access, PowerPoint, Teams and SharePoint, with particular emphasis on Excel and mail merge functions) and Adobe Pro
• High level of proficiency in records searches using Lexis Public Records, Virginia’s online case information system, legal search engines, and/or other online public and commercial resources
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work well under pressure within a tight deadline and adapt to changing conditions
• Valid driver’s license and/or other means of reliable transportation
Additional Considerations
• Paralegal and/or legal assistant certificate or training
• Considerable experience working in an administrative capacity in a lawyer’s office, preferably a prosecutor’s office, defense attorney’s office, clerk’s office or other agency handling criminal or public safety matters
• Knowledge of and experience with the Library of Virginia’s records management and/or schedule management system, Infolinx
Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
The Department of Forensic Science is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is V3 Virginia Values Veterans certified. The Department strictly prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce. Veterans, AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.
Applications for this position must be submitted electronically, through this website, no later than the position’s closing date stated in the announcement. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and resumes will not be accepted. Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the application and/or resume and required transcripts (if applicable).
Applicants needing accommodations during the application and/or interview process may contact the Human Resource office at 804-786-0150 or dfshumanresource@dfs.virginia.gov for additional information. Auxiliary Aids and Services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
DFS does not provide sponsorship; therefore, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.
Background Investigation: Selected candidate(s) must successfully pass a background investigation to include a fingerprint-based criminal history check. Selected candidate(s) must provide a DNA sample via a buccal swab (saliva sample) and successfully pass a drug test. Reference checks will be conducted to include contact with current/previous supervisors.
Employment Eligibility Verification: DFS will record information from each new employee’s Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) into the Federal E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.
Contact Information
Name: Tracey Kazelskis
Phone: 804-588-4000
Email: Tracey.Kazelskis@dfs.virginia.gov
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.
Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.