Paralegal Specialist

Applicants must have had progressively responsible experience and training sufficient in scope and quality to furnish them with an acceptable level of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position without more than normal supervision.

Ability to perform legal research and analysis for civil procedures involving copyright law. Ability to communicate effectively in writing. Knowledge of civil procedure related to legal proceedings.** Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships and interact collaboratively with others. Ability to plan, organize and execute work. Ability to utilize technology to support legal professionals. Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.

Copyright protects original works of authorship, including literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and certain other creative works. The U.S. Copyright Office, a component of the Library of Congress, administers the Copyright Act (17 U.S.C. 101 et seq.), and provides copyright registration and other services to those with an interest in the U.S. copyright system.

The Copyright Alternative in Small-Claims Enforcement Act of 2020 (CASE Act) created chapter 15 of title 17 of the United States Code and “establish[ed] an alternative dispute resolution program for copyright small claims.” This program is overseen and operated by the Copyright Claims Board, comprised of three Copyright Claims Officers who manage proceedings before the Board and render determinations on eligible claims filed with the Board.

The Copyright Claims Board is supported by Copyright Claims Attorneys and other staff. This position performs legal research and analysis; collects, analyzes, and prepares documents Copyright Claims Board proceedings or in response to litigation challenging the Board's decisions; drafts documents and materials; administers and monitors dockets and filings; plans and assists in the running of certain public events; and maintains legal files.

The position also serves as a public contact to answer inquiries and provide information regarding access to Copyright Claims Board program files and provides administrative services to the Copyright Claims Board.

As a Paralegal Specialist, you will: Use a working knowledge of copyright law, civil procedure, and the procedures and practices of the Copyright Claims Board and the Copyright Office more generally, performs legal research and analysis of legal decisions, opinions, rulings, and memoranda and regulations, selecting from these materials pertinent principles of law before preparing memoranda or digests of the points of law at issue.

Work with attorneys to assist in drafting, review, and finalization of proposed Copyright Claims Board decisions and Copyright Claims Board policies and procedures, including cite-checking, blue-booking, proofing, and formatting materials.

As directed by the Copyright Claims Officers or Attorneys, administer the Copyright Claims Board docket, including administration of the online docket management system and scheduling public hearings and other events, coordinating logistics, working with other departments on procuring resources, and other related administrative duties Prepare Copyright Claims Board rulings and other public records in coordination with the Copyright Claims Officers and Attorneys, administrative assistants, and others in the U.S.

Copyright Office, including the Offices of the Register and Office of General Counsel. Perform other duties as assigned. The position description number for this position is 413589. The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area. The incumbent of this position will work a flexitime work schedule. This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position. Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement.