Paralegal Specialist
What you'd do
This position is located in the Office of the General Counsel, Office of General Law (OGL). OGL is a client focused legal office responsible for representing and advising management on a broad range of issues involving administration of the USPTO. OGL attorneys represent the USPTO in litigation proceedings and provide advice and legal opinions on matters including cybersecurity and information technology law, administrative law, employment and labor law, information law, and procurement law.
Major duties
The physical worksite for this position is located in Alexandria, Virginia. Presence at the Alexandria, VA campus is required for this role, as it includes on site functions that must be performed in person. Position may be eligible for situational telework in accordance with agency policy/business unit discretion. The agency currently allows for 52 hours of telework per calendar year. This role is the ideal next career step for you: If you enjoy providing comprehensive litigation support in administrative matters and federal court cases including tracking deadlines, maintaining case files, coordinating document collection and production, conducting document review, assisting with discovery requests and responses, preparing and filing pleadings, tracking deadlines, and preparation of cases for hearing and trial. If you have a passion for conducting legal research on computer databases and other online sources to obtain information and materials on a broad range of issues. If you are excited about preparing initial drafts of motions, briefs, discovery requests and responses, and other litigation and investigation-related documents. If you look forward to tracking and reporting on ongoing litigation and investigation matters.
What you need to qualify
You must meet the United States Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) qualification requirements (including specialized experience and/or educational requirements) for the advertised position. You must meet all eligibility and qualifications requirements by the closing date of the job announcement. OPM Qualifications Standards are available at OPM Qualifications Standards are available at: Qualification Standard for Paralegal Specialist. Specialized Experience is experience that has equipped applicants with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least one year at the next lower grade level in the federal service. For this position, the next lower grade level is a GS-11. Specialized experience for this position includes: Experience providing case management and support for attorneys in handling multiple concurrent administrative (e.g., EEOC, MSPB, FLRA) or judicial litigation matters, including: maintaining electronic files, monitoring deadlines, communicating with witnesses and court personnel, drafting legal pleadings, interpreting court rules and procedures, proofreading, cite-checking, and/or filing legal documents. Experience with document review platforms, electronic discovery, and preparing document productions and exhibits. 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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