Paralegal Specialist (Criminal)

This is a term position not-to-exceed September 30, 2029, subject to availability of funds. This position may be extended, or made permanent, without further competition. The position is located in Plano or Sherman, TX, and is open to current or former federal employees and specific hiring authorities.

Responsibilities

• Review and organize complex factual material and other documentary data for investigations and trials.
• Independently perform legal research and legal writing.
• Prepare and organize trial exhibits, documents, memoranda, reports, and correspondence relating to cases.
• Provide automated litigation assistance to attorneys in trial preparation and courtroom presentation.
• Manage discovery and evidence in electronic and hard copy formats.
• Select and interpret pertinent guidelines and policies that govern work assignments.
• Participate in pre-trial witness conferences, noting any deficiencies in case materials (e.g., missing documents, conflicting statements) and additional issues requiring investigation prior to trial.
• Prepare a variety of substantive legal documents, including extradition requests, grand jury and trial subpoenas, interrogatory requests, and documentation relevant to acquiring evidence or testimony.
• Develop and enter various case material into a computer database.
• Prepare charts, graphs, and tables to illustrate results.
• Prepare, develop, compile, or maintain jury instructions in preparing for trial.

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 one-year probationary 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 Offers can be rescinded if requirements are not met.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.

Qualifications

To qualify for the position of Paralegal Specialist (Criminal) at the GS-0950-9/11 level, 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. 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 such as complaints, motions, orders, and subpoenas for completeness.
  • 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.
• Education: A Master’s or equivalent graduate degree (such as an LL.B. or J.D.) or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education in a related field (e.g., Criminal Justice, Law).
• Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of successfully completed graduate education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements. Graduate education must exceed 1 full year to be considered.

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, and judicial processes. 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, decisions, advisory opinions, and pre-trial documents.
  • Evaluating fact-finding and problem-solving methods to resolve conflicting statements.
  • Interviewing witnesses and individuals who can provide insight into cases under review.
  • Preparing evidence and documents to support recommendations.
• Education: A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or an L.L.M in a related field (e.g., Criminal Justice, Law).
• Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of specialized experience and graduate-level education that equals 100% of the requirements. Only graduate education in excess of the first two years may be used in this calculation.

All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university accredited by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign education may be used if it has been evaluated as equivalent to a U.S. education program. Proof of creditability must be provided.

Benefits

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

Payment of relocation expenses will not be authorized.