Paralegal Specialist

Full Job Description

For more information on the Department of Justice and the United States Attorneys' Offices, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/.

As needed, additional positions may be filled using this announcement. This position is also being announced to applicants eligible to apply through Merit Staffing procedures under 26-VT-12864037-MS.

To be eligible at the GS-11 level, you must meet at least ONE of the following conditions, as defined below. Specialized Experience, Education, or a combination of Education and Experience.

Specialized Experience: At least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 level in Federal service independently 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 experience include: performing paralegal or legal work 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: 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., if related.

OR Combining Education and Experience: A combination of specialized experience and graduate education which when combined equal 100% of the requirements.

In order to qualify based on a combination, graduate education must be in excess of 2 full years.

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP)- The ICTAP provides eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies.

If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your ICTAP eligibility; 2) you apply under the instructions in the announcement; and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy.

To be well-qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and receive a score of 85 or better on established ranking criteria.

You must provide proof of eligibility to receive selection priority. Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of ICTAP eligibility or a copy of your separation personnel action form.

Additional information about ICTAP eligibility is at: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.

Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)-The CTAP provides eligible surplus and displaced competitive service employees in the Department of Justice with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies.

If your Department of Justice component has notified you in writing that you are a surplus or displaced employee eligible for CTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your CTAP eligibility, 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement, and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy.

To be well qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and receive a score of 85 or better on established ranking criteria.

You must provide a copy of your written notification of CTAP eligibility with your application.

Additional information about CTAP eligibility is at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/. Major Duties:

This Paralegal Specialist provides substantive legal support to Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) in a variety of specialized litigative activities related to complex grand jury actions, immigration investigations, and civil habeas petitions.

If selected for this position, you will join a well-respected team that is responsible for providing Paralegal Specialist support in the U.S.

Attorney's Office, District of Vermont, located in Burlington, Vermont.

Work will focus in the areas of legal research, legal writing, evidence and discovery, immigration case support, and administrative duties.

Typical work assignments will include: Using in-depth knowledge of the application of various laws, court and/or administrative decisions and interpretations related to grand jury proceedings.

Drafting initial legal and administrative briefs, USAO motions, oppositions to defense motions, and correspondence for AUSA review.

Preparing and organizing documentation and evidence for production as discovery and for use in trial.

Participating in pre-trial witness conferences, noting any deficiencies in case materials (e.g., missing documents, conflicting statements) and handling additional issues or other matters requiring investigation prior to trial.

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