Paralegal Specialist

About the Role

This position serves as a Paralegal Specialist (Appeals) for the United States Attorney's Office, District of Montana.

Responsibilities

• Organizes and prepares research material and determines information pertinent to the case.
• Drafts legal documents that identify legal or factual issues, locate precedents, and develop legally supportable conclusions.
• May assist Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) in court during hearings and trials.
• Participates in pre-trial witness conferences, noting deficiencies in case materials (e.g., missing documents, conflicting statements) and additional issues requiring investigation prior to trial.
• Determines which statutes, regulations, cases, procedures, and/or policies need research and assembly, prepping initial summaries and making recommendations on data appropriateness.
• Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as training and experience progress.

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory pre-employment adjudication, including fingerprint, credit, tax checks, and drug testing.
• Continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation.
• You must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable.
• If selected, you may be required to complete a one-year probationary period.
• You must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement.

Qualifications

GS-09 Level

To be eligible at the GS-9 level, you must meet at least ONE of the following conditions:

• Specialized Experience: One full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 level. Specialized experience includes performing paralegal or legal work demonstrating a basic knowledge of legal research and the ability to interpret legal decisions. Examples include:
  • Examining and processing 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 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 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 (such as an LL.B. or J.D.).
  • 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree.
  Education must be from an accredited college or university and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of the position.
• Combination of Education and Experience: Combinations of successfully completed graduate education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements. Graduate education must be in excess of 1 full year.

GS-11 Level

To be eligible at the GS-11 level, you must meet at least ONE of the following conditions:

• Specialized Experience: One full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 level. Specialized experience includes performing analytical paralegal or legal work demonstrating a practical knowledge of law, litigation, judicial process, and applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Examples include:
  • Independently analyzing and evaluating legal decisions and case files to identify relevant issues and potential evidence.
  • Independently conducting legal research concerning precedents and past court decisions.
  • Independently composing legal briefs, summaries of analyses, and pre-trial documents.
  • Interviewing witnesses and 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.
  • 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree.
  • An LL.M.
  Education must be from an accredited college or university and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of the position.
• Combination of Education and Experience: Combinations of successfully completed graduate education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements. Graduate education must be in excess of 2 full years.

Education

All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used if it is comparable to that received in an accredited U.S. institution. You must provide proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency.

Benefits

The Department of Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Telework options.
• Life insurance.
• Health benefits.
• Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System.

Payment of relocation expenses will not be authorized.