Paralegal Specialist

For more information on the Department of Justice and the United States Attorneys’ Offices, visit  As needed, additional positions may be filled using this announcement. This position is also being announced to All U.S. Citizens and Nationals under 26-HIDE.

GS-9

• Specialized

Experience:

One full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 level. Specialized experience is defined as experience performing paralegal or legal work which demonstrates a basic knowledge of legal research and the ability to interpret legal decisions. Examples include examining and processing a variety of legal documents; conducting research, analysis and evaluation of data in response to complex or sensitive requests;

drafting briefs, pleadings, litigation recommendations, or other legal documents and correspondence; using a variety of electronic or manual filing systems to acquire and store information; documenting findings and preparing recommendations; searching and reviewing legal references, case files, and other sources for information and data required by attorneys or court personnel.

•

Education:

One of the following types of education in a related field (e.g., Criminal Justice, Law): a Master’s or equivalent graduate degree (such as an LLB or JD); OR 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree. 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 1 full year.

GS-11

• Specialized

Experience:

One full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 level. Specialized Experience is defined as experience performing a variety of analytical paralegal or legal work which demonstrates a practical knowledge of law, the litigation and judicial process, and applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Examples 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. 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…