Paralegal Specialist

Minimum Requirements 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 of specialized experiences may include the following: independently analyzing and evaluating legal decisions and case files to identify relevant issues and potential evidence; independently conducting legal research concerning precedents and past court decisions; independently 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. 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 two 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/.

If selected for this position, you will join a well-respected team that is responsible for providing substantive legal support to Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) in a variety of specialized litigative activities related to investigations and prosecutions of Indian Country crimes that include unique and novel issues of law.

The work requires discretion and independent judgment in the application of specialized knowledge of particular laws, regulations, precedents or agency practices and directly affect the outcome of USAO cases. Typical work assignments will include: Conducting legal research using in-depth knowledge of the application of various laws, court and/or administrative decisions and interpretations related to Indian Country crimes.

Organizing and preparing research material and determines information that is pertinent to the case. Drafting legal documents that identify the legal or factual issues in the case, locate, precedents and develop legally supportable conclusions. Assisting Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSA) in court during hearings and trials.

Participating in pre-trial witness conferences, noting any deficiencies in case materials (e.g., missing documents, conflicting statements) and additional issues or other matters requiring investigation prior to trial. Determining which statutes, regulations, cases, procedures and/or policies need to be researched and assembled, prepping initial summary and making recommendations as to appropriateness of data.

Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress.