Paralegal Specialist

Full Job Description

This position serves as a Paralegal Specialist in the Office of the General Counsel, providing comprehensive legal support across a range of administrative and regulatory matters.

Responsibilities include conducting legal research, supporting ethics compliance, assisting with litigation preparation and case management, and coordinating responses to requests under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

Qualifications for the GS-11 Level: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 level in the Federal service.

Specialized experience includes: Providing paralegal support in legal or regulatory matters such as ethics, standards of conduct, FOIA, Privacy Act, or litigation support; Conducting legal research and analyzing statutes, regulations, case law, or administrative guidance; Reviewing and processing legal documents or records and preparing draft memoranda or recommended actions for attorney review; and Coordinating with internal or external stakeholders to collect information and meet established deadlines.

OR Successful completion of a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, in a related field.

Related fields of study may include Legal Studies, Law, Paralegal Studies, Public Administration, Political Science, Criminal Justice, Library and Information Science (with a legal research focus), or Ethics and Compliance.

Qualifications for the GS-12 Grade Level: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the Federal service (or equivalent) performing all of the following: Providing paralegal support on complex legal matters involving ethics and standards of conduct, financial disclosure reporting, FOIA or Privacy Act requests, administrative tort claims, garnishments, or litigation support Independently conducting legal research and analysis of statutes, regulations, case law, and administrative guidance; reviewing and evaluating records for legal sufficiency and responsiveness, including applying exemptions or exclusions.

Preparing draft legal memoranda, determinations, or recommended actions for attorney review; and Coordinating with program offices or external entities to obtain information and ensure compliance with statutory or regulatory deadlines.

Merit promotion applicants must meet the time-in-grade requirement as defined in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F.

One year at the GS-09 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-11 level. One year at the GS-11 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-12 level.

You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Major Duties:

Provide paralegal support for OPM's ethics and standards of conduct and financial disclosure reporting programs, including review of filings and coordination with filers.

Conduct legal research and analysis related to ethics, standards of conduct, FOIA, Privacy Act, tort claims, garnishments, and related matters.

Review, analyze, and process FOIA and Privacy Act requests and appeals, including applying exemptions and preparing draft responses.

Analyze administrative tort claims and garnishment actions and prepare recommended documentation for review.

Assist attorneys with litigation support, including discovery, document review, preparation of administrative records, and use of e-discovery tools.

Coordinate with program offices and external stakeholders to gather information, ensure compliance with statutory deadlines, and support case development.