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 will be adjusted to include locality payment for the selected duty location.

Responsibilities

• 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, which may include 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 Selective Service).
• One-year probationary period may be required.
• A pre-employment drug test will be required.
• If you receive a conditional offer of employment, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment.
• DHS uses e-Verify to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States.
• All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit.
• This is not a bargaining unit position.

Qualifications

GS-07 Level

Applicants must meet one of the following:

• 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.
• Education: One full year of graduate-level education in a relevant field.
• Superior Academic Achievement: Successful completion of a bachelor's degree with Superior Academic Achievement, based on:
  • Class standing (upper third of graduating class).
  • Grade-Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher out of 4.0 (overall or in the final 2 years), or 3.5 or higher in the major field.
  • Membership in an approved national scholastic honor society (Association of College Honor Societies).
• Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used if the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%.

GS-09 Level

Applicants must meet one of the following:

• 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.
• 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.
• Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used if the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%.

All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Experience includes paid and unpaid experience, such as volunteer work. Education from foreign colleges or universities must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency.

Skills

You will be assessed on the following competencies:

• Attention to Detail
• Customer Service
• Decision Making
• Flexibility
• Integrity/Honesty
• Interpersonal Skills
• Learning
• Reading Comprehension
• Reasoning
• Self-Management
• Stress Tolerance
• Teamwork

Benefits

• 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.
  • Employee Assistance Program.
  • Personal leave days and paid federal holidays.
• Other benefits may include:
  • Flexible work schedules and telework options.
  • Tuition reimbursement and transportation subsidies.
  • Uniform allowance.
  • Health and wellness programs, and fitness centers.
• Disabled veteran leave available for veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more.
• Student loan repayment incentive may be available (service agreement required).

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