Lead Paralegal Specialist
What you'd do
If you are seeking an opportunity to become familiar with the legal and economic methodologies used by attorneys at the Federal Trade Commission during the course of various investigations and litigation, and want to play an integral role in a dynamic organization, then consider joining the Federal Trade Commission's Bureau of Competition! For more information, please visit: Bureau of Competition | Federal Trade Commission (ftc.gov)
Major duties
If you are selected for the Lead Paralegal Specialist position, your responsibilities may include some or all of the following: Performing preliminary screening of substantive material, prior to review by attorneys, separating the material into categories of importance. Coordinating and leading training on deposition scheduling and exhibit preparation processes. Coordinating and lead training on the utilization of key agency applications and software's the Bureau uses, including Westlaw, LexisNexis, CaseMap, TextMap, Kiteworks, Relativity, TrialDirector, and PACER. Reviewing and analyzing numerous case-related documents, often identifying key evidence cited in memoranda and used during investigational hearings, depositions, and/or trial. Managing deposition preparation and scheduling, including oversight of logistics coordination with vendors, and preparing paper and deposition exhibits. Digesting transcripts of testimony from investigational hearings and/or depositions, summarizing testimony for attorneys. Drafting interview reports, declarations, notices, stipulations, and other routine orders on behalf of attorneys. Assisting attorneys by drafting case decisions, summarizing significant findings of fact and conclusions of law. Organizing, maintaining, and tracking evidentiary materials using platforms such as Relativity, CaseMap, TextMap, and other database systems. Supporting the progression of cases from investigation through litigation, while providing leadership to the BC Honors Paralegal team on a variety of case-related tasks. Providing direct support for trial preparation and proceedings in large, complex, federal civil and administrative trials, including organizing exhibits, coordinating logistics, and preparing materials. Assisting attorneys during court proceedings, traveling to trial site and investigational hearings when needed. Monitoring court docket entries and litigation schedules to facilitate filings, including complex filings under seal with multiple exhibits. Interpreting and applying local rules and judges' standing orders in various federal jurisdictions to ensure compliance in filings and submissions. Prepare, format, and file federal district court and administrative court documents-including motions, exhibits, briefs, and tables of contents/authorities-ensuring all materials meet electronic filing requirements. Utilizing TrialDirector software when appropriate for moots and/or trial proceedings to organize, manage, and present exhibits and demonstratives. Serve as team lead by guiding Honors Paralegals, overseeing work quality and deadlines, coaching on problem-solving, and ensuring adherence to legal and procedural standards. Maintaining, updating, and disseminating policies, procedures, and written guidance from the supervisor, responding to team questions and ensuring alignment with current directives. Monitoring and reporting the status and progress of team work to supervisors and attorneys, reviewing in-progress and completed tasks for accuracy, priority alignment, and quality. Providing ongoing paralegal training through one-on-one coaching, brown-bag sessions, and technical instructions on key software tools (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis, CaseMap, TextMap, Kiteworks, Relativity, TrialDirector, PACER) and professional development.
What you need to qualify
To qualify for the Lead Paralegal Specialist position at the GS-11 level, you must meet the following requirements: You must have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or three full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related; OR You must demonstrate in your resume at least one (1) year of qualifying experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: assisting in developing and implementing plans for paralegal support; assisting in directing a team of paralegals, evaluating resource allocations, and understanding the breadth of paralegal duties necessary to support investigations; assisting in developing and implementing plans for paralegal support on investigations and litigations. OR You have a combination of education and experience, which qualify you for this position. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Before you apply
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