Paralegal Specialist (Civil Immigration)

This position is located in Beaumont, Plano, Sherman, or Tyler, TX. This announcement is open to current or former federal employees and specific hiring authorities. Additional positions may be filled using this announcement as needed.

About the Role

This is a term position not-to-exceed September 30, 2029, subject to availability of funds. The position may be extended or made permanent without further advertising.

Responsibilities

• Review and organize complex factual material and other documentation data for investigations and trials.
• Prepare a variety of substantive legal documents, including initial legal and administrative briefs, motions, oppositions to defense motions, grand jury and trial subpoenas, discovery requests, technical correspondence, and other documentation relevant to the prosecution of cases.
• Analyze reports, testimonies, interviews, and files.
• Cite-check legal briefs to ensure validity of cited authority and accuracy of legal citations.
• Prepare and organize voluminous documentation and evidence for production of discovery and for use in trial.
• Develop and enter various case material into a computer database.
• Perform specialized legal research in support of immigration cases.
• Prepare charts, graphs, timelines, audio and video recordings, and tables to be presented in court.
• Prepare exhibits involving a wide range of visual materials.
• Provide litigation case management and organize cases for court presentations.
• Develop and prepare jury instructions and related pleadings in preparation for trial.

Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress.

Requirements

• You must be a United States Citizen or National.
• You will be required to complete a pre-employment security investigation and background check, which includes a drug screening.
• You may be required to complete a probationary or trial period.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born on or after December 31, 1959. Those not registered should have an approved exemption on file.
• You must meet all eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement and continue to meet these requirements throughout the hiring process. Offers can be rescinded if requirements are not met.
• A USA Hire assessment is required. An email will be sent with additional information after you submit your application. You will have 48 hours from the closing date of this announcement to complete the assessment.
• Time-in-Grade: Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements within 30 days after the closing date of this announcement.

Qualifications

To qualify for the position of Paralegal Specialist (Civil Immigration) at GS-0950-9/11, you must meet the following requirements:

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 in Federal service. Specialized experience includes performing paralegal work demonstrating a basic knowledge of legal research and the ability to interpret legal decisions. Examples include:
  • 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 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 at the graduate level must be in 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. The sum of the percentages of qualifying experience and graduate education must equal at least 100%.

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 in Federal service. Specialized experience includes independently performing a variety of analytical paralegal or legal work demonstrating a practical knowledge of law, the litigation and judicial process, and applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Examples include:
  • 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.
  • 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. degree.

  Education at the graduate level must be in an accredited college or university and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of Paralegal Specialist.

• Combination of Education and Experience: Combinations of successfully completed graduate education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements. The sum of the percentages of qualifying experience and graduate education must equal at least 100%.

You must meet all qualification requirements, including time-in-grade, by the closing date of this announcement (09/02/2026). Your resume must support your responses to the application questionnaire and qualification requirements.

Additional Information:

• If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements, your education must be reviewed and certified by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Foreign education must be evaluated by a credentialing agency to determine equivalency to U.S. education standards. Transcripts must be uploaded with your application and include an English translation if not originally in English.
• Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) allows eligible veterans to apply and compete for positions announced under merit promotion procedures. To be eligible, veterans must be honorably separated and either a preference eligible or have substantially completed three or more years of continuous active military service. Submit the Member 4 copy of your DD-214 if applying under VEOA.
• Special employment consideration may be given to people with disabilities, veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more, certain other veterans, spouses of certain members of the armed forces, and returning Peace Corps volunteers.

Benefits

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

• 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.