Paralegal Specialist (Criminal)

This position is located in Plano or Sherman, 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 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 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 Offers can be rescinded if requirements are not met.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.
• Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements within 30 days after the closing of this announcement.

Qualifications

To qualify for the position of Paralegal Specialist (Criminal) at GS-0950-9/11, you must meet the following qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement (09/02/2026).

GS-9 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 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 leading to such a degree in a related field (e.g., Criminal Justice, Law).
• Combination of Education and Experience: Combinations 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:

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, 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, 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: Combinations of specialized experience and graduate-level education may be used if they equal 100% of the requirements. Only graduate education in excess of the first two years may be used in this calculation.

Your resume must support your responses to the application questionnaire and qualification requirements. Failure to do so may result in an ineligible rating.

Education

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 for equivalency to U.S. education programs. You must provide proof of such evaluation when applying. Transcripts must be uploaded with your application to verify education, and all documentation must be in English or include an English translation.

Benefits

The Department of Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, telework options, life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System.