Paralegal Specialist

This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations, Chicago Field Office, Area Port Cleveland, located in Middleburg Heights, Ohio. Additional selections may be made for other organizational divisions and/or units within the listed duty location(s).

About the role

Joining the Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations will allow you to use your expertise to provide legal support for those executing law enforcement duties at the port level. This role involves performing paralegal activities such as reviewing and finalizing claims, preparing cases, and coordinating the work of a paralegal team to strengthen homeland security.

Duties

• Reviewing and adjudicating seizures, penalties, prior disclosures, immigration carrier fines, and claims for liquidated damages within the Fines, Penalties, and Forfeitures (FPF) Officer's authority through to resolution.
• Evaluating the facts of the case in consultation with the Seized Asset Management Enforcement Procedures Handbook (SAMEPH).
• Monitoring the applicable statute of limitations for all assigned cases and soliciting waivers, when necessary, to ensure Customs and Border Protection (CBP) retains enforcement authority.
• Formulating a concise written response to petitions, including a summary of the arguments, analysis, and the conclusions of law supporting the decision.
• Ensuring a uniform and consistent approach to accomplishing CBP's mission as it relates to the adjudication of civil liabilities stemming from enforcement actions.

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service.
• Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years (additional details below).
• All pre-employment processes will be conducted in English.
• You may be required to pass a background investigation.
• CBP follows the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan for drug testing procedures.
• Your conduct will be subject to government ethics standards, including obtaining approval for outside employment or business activity.
• DHS uses E-Verify to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States.

This is a bargaining unit covered position, represented under the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU).

Qualifications

Experience: You qualify for the GS-07 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:

• Assisting in ensuring all due process considerations are met and that the elements necessary to establish a violation are present and supported by appropriate documentation.
• Reviewing all evidence, facts, and circumstances related to cases and making recommendations within the requirements of mitigation guidelines, laws, and regulations.
• Receiving and examining petitions filed by individuals, corporations, or attorneys seeking relief from seizures, penalties, fines, or liquidated damages.

Experience: You qualify for the GS-09 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:

• Providing assistance in reviewing and processing cases within the Officer's authority through to resolution.
• Ensuring all due process considerations are met and that the elements necessary to establish a violation are present and supported by appropriate documentation.
• Receiving and examining petitions filed by individuals, corporations, or attorneys seeking relief from seizures, penalties, fines, or liquidated damages.

Education Substitution for GS-07:

• Successful completion of one year of full-time graduate education from an accredited college or university may substitute for the experience required at this level, provided it demonstrates the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• A bachelor's degree with Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) may also substitute for the experience required, based on class standing, grade-point average (GPA 3.0 or higher), or honor society membership.

Education Substitution for GS-09:

• Successful completion of a Master's or equivalent graduate degree, or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or an L.L.B. or J.D. from an accredited college or university may substitute for experience required at this level.

Combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements for the grade levels specified.

You must meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable, and time-in-grade requirements (current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent grade band in the federal service) by 08/17/2026.

Pay

This position starts at a salary of $52,688.00 (GS-07, Step 1) to $83,787.00 (GS-09, Step 10) with promotion potential to $121,502.00 (GS-12 Step 10). Visit the locality pay tables by geographic area for GS salary details. Some positions may fall under a special pay rate depending on the series, grade level, and location.

Background Investigation

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requires all applicants to undergo a thorough background investigation to promote the agency's core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity. During this process, you will be asked about any felony criminal convictions, use of illegal drugs, and use of non-prescribed controlled substances.

Residency

There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by CBP. Individuals must have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates for at least three of the last five years. Exceptions may be requested if you meet specific conditions, such as working for the U.S. Government, participating in a study abroad program, or supporting the U.S. government in another capacity.

Probationary Period

All employees new to the federal government must serve a one-year probationary period during the first year of their initial permanent federal appointment to determine fitness for continued employment. Current and former federal employees may also be required to serve or complete a probationary period.