Paralegal Specialist; Criminal

Overview

For more information on the Department of Justice and the United States Attorneys' Offices, visit justice.gov/usao/. As needed, additional positions may be filled using this announcement.

To be eligible at the GS-9 level, you must meet at least ONE of the following conditions, as defined below:
Specialized Experience, Education, OR a Combination of Education and Experience.

• Specialized Experience
  :
  One full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 level. Specialized experience includes basic knowledge of legal research and the ability to interpret legal decisions. Examples:
  • 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 (e.g., LL.B. or J.D.); 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. In order to qualify based on a combination, graduate education must be in excess of 1 full year.

To be eligible at the GS-11 level, you must meet at least ONE of the following conditions, as defined below:
Specialized Experience, Education, OR a combination of Education and Experience.

• Specialized Experience
  :
  One full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 level. Specialized experience includes knowledge of legal research and the ability to interpret legal decisions. Examples:
  • 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 motions and briefs, summaries of analyses and decisions, and pre-trial documents
  • Interviewing witnesses and other individuals who can provide insight into cases under review
  • 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. In order 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…