Paralegal Specialist
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.
Major duties
If selected for this position, you will be responsible for providing substantive legal support to Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) in a variety of specialized litigative activities related to special prosecutions. The incumbent provides support in the investigation and prosecution of specialized cases such as violent and organized crime, national security and fraud and public corruption. Typical work assignments will include: Using an in-depth knowledge of the application of various laws, court and/or administrative decisions and interpretations related to prosecutorial litigation to provide a variety of technical assistance to attorneys. Performing extensive and thorough legal research into legislative history, precedent cases, decision, and opinions that may be applicable to particular legal matters. Using multiple online legal systems to research state and federal statutes, legal and factual issues, and any other information pertinent to the resolution of an issue. Drafting initial legal and administrative briefs, USAO motions, oppositions to defense motions and correspondence for AUSA review. Preparing and organizing voluminous documentation and evidence for production as discovery and for use in trial. Participating in pre-trial witness conferences, noting any deficiencies in case materials (e.g., missing documents, conflicting statements) and additional issues or matters requiring investigation prior to trial. Providing automated litigation assistance to attorneys in trial preparation and courtroom presentations utilizing various software applications and graphics hardware such as scanners and plotters. Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress.
What you need to qualify
GS-11: To be qualified at the GS-11 grade level, you must meet at least ONE of the following conditions, as defined below: Specialized Experience, Education, OR a Combination of Education and Experience. Specialized Experience: At least one year of full-time specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level in the Federal service 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. OR 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. OR Combining Education and Experience: Combinations of successfully completed graduate education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements. In order to qualify based on a combination, graduate education must be in excess of 2 full years. 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
Federal applications are different: your resume should be 3–5 pages and mirror the language of this announcement. Read our federal resume guide first — it's the #1 reason qualified people get screened out.
Don't miss the next one.
Get an email the moment a similar federal job opens — postings can close in as little as 5 days.