Paralegal Specialist

This position is located in the Office of the General Counsel, Office of General Law (OGL). OGL is a client-focused legal office responsible for representing and advising management on a broad range of issues involving administration of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). OGL attorneys represent the USPTO in litigation proceedings and provide advice and legal opinions on matters including cybersecurity and information technology law, administrative law, employment and labor law, information law, and procurement law.

The physical worksite for this position is the USPTO's Alexandria, Virginia headquarters. Presence at the Alexandria, VA campus is required for this role, as it includes on-site functions that must be performed in person. The position may be eligible for situational telework in accordance with agency policy/business unit discretion, with the agency currently allowing for 52 hours of telework per calendar year.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive litigation support in administrative matters and federal court cases, including:
  • Tracking deadlines
  • Maintaining case files
  • Coordinating document collection and production
  • Conducting document review
  • Assisting with discovery requests and responses
  • Preparing and filing pleadings
  • Preparation of cases for hearing and trial
• Conduct legal research using computer databases and other online sources to obtain information and materials on a broad range of issues.
• Prepare initial drafts of motions, briefs, discovery requests and responses, and other litigation and investigation-related documents.
• Track and report on ongoing litigation and investigation matters.

Requirements

• Specialized experience providing case management and support for attorneys in handling multiple concurrent administrative (e.g., EEOC, MSPB, FLRA) or judicial litigation matters, including:
  • Maintaining electronic files
  • Monitoring deadlines
  • Communicating with witnesses and court personnel
  • Drafting legal pleadings
  • Interpreting court rules and procedures
  • Proofreading, cite-checking, and/or filing legal documents
• Experience with document review platforms, electronic discovery, and preparing document productions and exhibits.
• Education may not be substituted for specialized experience at this grade level.
• Applications will only be accepted from United States Citizens and Nationals.

Benefits

Learn more about the USPTO's comprehensive work-life balance package and benefits.