PARALEGAL SPECIALIST (APPELLATE)
What you'd do
For more information on the Department of Justice and the United States Attorneys' Offices, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/. As needed, additional positions may be filled using this announcement. This position is also being announced to applicants eligible to apply through Merit Staffing procedures under 26-ARE-13008541-MS.
Major duties
The Paralegal Specialist position is located at the U.S. Attorney's Office (USAO) within the Eastern District of Arkansas, Appellate Division. The incumbent will provide paralegal support to attorneys in litigative activities, including performing legal research, legal writing, preparation and management of evidence and discovery. The work of this position involves independently preparing draft briefs and certiorari petitions for the Solicitor General for filing in the U.S. Supreme Court. Typical work assignments will include: Researching and analyzing case facts and applicable points of law and producing appellate briefs. Composing appellate briefs, motions and memoranda of law. Performing detailed and complex legal research in connection with cases involving criminal jurisdiction. Researching legal precedents in opinions, existing legal files, textbooks, legal periodicals, statutes, and court rulings. Preparing documents that summarizes and explains case files, depositions, or interrogatories. Writing appellate briefs and submitting briefs to Court of Appeals. Using computerized research, i.e., Westlaw and explaining relevant findings and conclusions orally and in writing. Monitoring opinions issued by U.S. Supreme Court and Court of Appeals and providing summaries; and Participating in staff meetings by updating attorneys and legal staff on changes in law and/or procedures affecting the Court of Appeals.
What you need to qualify
GS-11: To be eligible at the GS-11 level, you must have at least ONE full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level as defined below. Specialized Experience is defined as experience performing a variety of analytical paralegal or legal work which demonstrates a practical knowledge of the law, the litigation and judicial process, and applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Examples of specialized experience may include analyzing and evaluating legal decisions and case files to identify relevant issues and potential evidence; conducting legal research concerning precedents and past court decisions; composing legal briefs, summaries of analyses and decisions, and pre-trial documents; interviewing witnesses and various individuals who can provide insight into cases under review; and preparing evidence and documents to support recommendations. Education: One of the following types of education in a related field (e.g. Criminal Justice, Law): a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; OR 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree OR LL.M., if related. Education at the graduate level must be in an accredited college or university and must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of the position. Combining Education and Experience: Combinations of successfully completed graduate education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements. To qualify based on a combination, graduate education must be in excess of 2 full years. Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): The ICTAP provides eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your ICTAP eligibility; 2) you apply under the instructions in the announcement; and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well-qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and receive a score of 85 or better on established ranking criteria. You must provide proof of eligibility to receive selection priority. Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of ICTAP eligibility or a copy of your separation personnel action form. Additional information about ICTAP eligibility is at: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/. Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP): The CTAP provides eligible surplus and displaced competitive service employees in the Department of Justice with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your Department of Justice component has notified you in writing that you are a surplus or displaced employee eligible for CTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your CTAP eligibility, 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement, and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and receive a score of 85 or better on established ranking criteria. You must provide a copy of your written notification of CTAP eligibility with your application. Additional information about CTAP eligibility is at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.
Before you apply
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