Legal Administrative Specialist

These positions are located in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA), in various locations. The salary range indicated in this announcement will be adjusted to include locality payment for the selected duty location.

Duties

• Provide expert legal support in the drafting, review, and processing of legal documents, including motions and briefs.
• Manage case files and docket management.
• Gather and analyze data in support of a variety of legal cases and operational needs.
• Perform an extensive variety of legal administrative support for OPLA attorneys involved in litigation and other law-related activities.
• Manage workload that is time-sensitive and critical to the support of the work performed by the attorneys.

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
• You must successfully pass a background investigation, including a credit check, review of financial issues, certain criminal offenses, and illegal use or possession of drugs.
• Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see http://www.sss.gov/).
• One-year probationary period may be required.
• A pre-employment drug test will be required.
• Complete the initial online assessments and USA Hire Assessment, if required.
• Federal salary payments must be made by direct deposit.
• Bargaining Unit Position: No.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualification requirements as noted below.

For GS-07

Specialized Experience: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level in the Federal service that included performing at least 2 of the following:

• Performing a variety of legal administrative support activities for attorneys involved in litigation or other law-related activities.
• Assisting with tracking court dockets, cases, hearings, depositions, and/or other legal administrative matters.
• Assisting with the preparation and maintenance of case files.

OR Education: One full year of graduate-level education in a relevant field.

OR Superior Academic Achievement: Successful completion of all requirements for a bachelor's degree with Superior Academic Achievement, based on:

• Class Standing: Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class.
• Grade-Point Average (G.P.A.): Applicants must have a G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher out of 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on the official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education or courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or 3.5 or higher out of 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on required courses in the major field.
• Honor Society Membership: Membership in one of the approved national scholastic honor societies listed by the Association of College Honor Societies (https://www.achsnatl.org/).

OR Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify, with the computed percentage of the requirements being at least 100%.

For GS-09

Specialized Experience: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level in the Federal service that included performing at least 3 of the following:

• Providing legal support in drafting, reviewing, and processing of legal documents.
• Gathering, organizing, or analyzing data to support litigation or legal advice.
• Performing a variety of legal administrative support activities for attorneys involved in litigation or other law-related activities.

OR Education: Master's or equivalent graduate degree, or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or LL.B. or J.D. in a relevant field.

OR Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify, with the computed percentage of the requirements being at least 100%.

All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Qualification claims will be subject to verification.

Note: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations.

Benefits

DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including:

• Health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance.
• Retirement plan and Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401(k)).
• Flexible Spending Account and Employee Assistance Program.
• Personal leave days and paid federal holidays.
• Flexible work schedules and telework options.
• Tuition reimbursement and transportation subsidies.
• Uniform allowance, health and wellness programs, and fitness centers.
• Disabled veteran leave for veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.
• Student loan repayment incentive may be available, with a service agreement required.

For more information, visit the DHS Careers website and select "Benefits."