Paralegal Specialist

Full Job Description

The U.S. Attorney's Office (USAO) for the District of Maryland serves as the chief representative of the United States in federal court in Maryland.

The Civil Division is charged with pursuing justice and protecting the interests of the United States.

We are seeking Paralegal Specialist(s) to assist/support Assistant United States Attorneys in efforts to discharge our mission. Vacancies are located in the USAO's Baltimore office.

GS-9: To be qualified at the GS-9 grade 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 year of full-time specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level in Federal service drafting briefs, pleadings, litigation recommendations, or other legal documents and correspondence; documenting findings and preparing recommendations; conducting research, analysis, evaluation and review of legal references, case files, data, and other sources for information required by attorneys or court personnel.

OR Education: One of the following types of education in a related field (e.g., Criminal Justice, Law): 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.

Education at the graduate level must be in an accredited college or university and must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of the position.

OR Combining Education and Experience: Combinations of successfully completed graduate education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements.

In order to qualify based on a combination, graduate education must be in excess of 1 full year.

GS-11: To be qualified at the GS-11 grade 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 year of full-time specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level in the Federal service 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 (e.g., Criminal Justice, Law): 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.

Education at the graduate level must be in an accredited college or university and must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of the position.

OR Combining Education and Experience: Combinations of successfully completed graduate education and experience may be used to meet total qualification 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:

If selected, you will serve as a Paralegal Specialist in the United States Attorney's Office (USAO) for the District of Maryland.

At the full performance level, typical work assignments will include but are not limited to: Independently performing extensive and thorough legal research into legislative history and legal precedent that may be applicable to particular legal matters.

Independently preparing legal and administrative pleadings as well as correspondence for review. Reconciling conflicting facts and identifying and gathering missing information.

Managing voluminous and complex documentation and evidence in electronic and hard copy formats, and making recommendations following applicable laws, policies, or regulations as to its preparation for use in each stage of litigation and presenting the exhibits using trial presentation software in court.

Participating in case meetings, court hearings, and individually conferring with case agents and attorneys through the investigation and pre-trial proceeding, noting any deficiencies in case materials (e.g., missing documents, conflicting statements) and 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.