PARALEGAL SPECIALIST

Full Job Description

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The Primary Purpose of This Position is: Independently determines degree and need of research on complex cases.

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Administrative and Management Positions SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-09, or equivalent in other pay systems.

Examples of specialized experience includes substantial and specific in-depth knowledge and experience in contract law, the contract appeals process, the USAF procurement program and legal practice before the ABSCA and Court of Appeals.

OR EDUCATION: Successfully completed 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.

related to the position being filled. NOTE: A copy of transcripts must be submitted at time of application.

OR COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%.

NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts.

FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible.

One year at the GS-09 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-11 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks.

NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Thorough knowledge of government Contract Law procedures, in-depth experience in administrative processes within the contract appeals process, the USAF procurement program, and thorough knowledge of legal practice and procedures before the ASBCA and Court of Claims.

Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and in written form.

Knowledge and skill in use of legal reference sources, agency manuals, reference systems, directives, precedent decisions, court decisions, and other legal publications sufficient to perform extensive and thorough legal research applicable to assigned cases.

Skill in interviewing techniques sufficient to effectively conduct interviews of potential witnesses and other sources of information to support the government's case.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work.

You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that 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:

Independently prepares pleadings, such as motions, answers, interrogations and briefs. Independently conducts case background investigation to include meetings with witnesses and screening documents.

Independently determines need for, directs preparation and organization of pretrial exhibits and evidence. Independently administers legal calendar and trial docket of trial attorney to whom assigned.

Independently maintains, determines disposal and retrieves legal case files on, assigned cases.