Paralegal Specialist

About the role

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut is seeking applications for a Paralegal Specialist to serve in the Bridgeport, Connecticut office. Typical work assignments will include:

Responsibilities

• Reviewing and organizing complex factual material and other documentary data for investigations and trials.
• Providing advice on the most efficient method for preparing legal documents.
• Using tables and citation checking with efficiency.
• Preparing a variety of substantive legal documents to include extradition requests, grand jury and trial subpoenas, interrogatory requests, and documentation relevant to acquiring evidence or testimony.
• Developing and entering various case material into a computer database.
• Preparing charts, graphs, and tables to illustrate results.
• Preparing, developing, compiling, and/or maintaining jury instructions in preparation for trial.
• Preparing exhibits for trial which typically involve a wide range of visual materials.
• Providing litigation case management and organizing cases for court presentation.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: To be considered minimally qualified for this position, you must demonstrate that you have the required specialized experience and/or education for the respective grade level in which you are applying:

• To qualify at the GS-09 level, you must possess:
• Specialized Experience: At least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as experience performing paralegal or legal work which demonstrates a basic knowledge of legal research and the ability to interpret legal decisions. Examples of specialized experience may include the following: 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; document findings and preparing recommendations; searching and reviewing legal references, case files, and other sources for information and data required by attorneys or court personnel.
• Or
• Education: One of the following types of education in a related field (e.g., Law, Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Business Administration): a Master's or equivalent graduate degree (such as an LLB. 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.
• Or
• 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 qualify at the GS-11 level, you must possess:
• Specialized Experience: At least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized Experience is defined as experience performing a variety of analytical paralegal or legal work which demonstrates a practical knowledge of law, the litigation and judicial process, and applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Examples of specialized experiences may include the following: 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 briefs, summaries of analyses and decisions, and pre-trial documents; interviewing witnesses and various individuals who can provide insight into cases under review; and preparing evidence and documents to support recommendations.
• Or
• Education: One of the following types of education in a related field (e.g., Law, Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Business Administration): 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.
• Or
• 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.