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.

GS-9: To be qualified at the GS-9 grade level in federal service, 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-7 grade level in federal service.

Specialized experience is defined as experience performing paralegal or legal work in the area of financial litigation which demonstrates a basic knowledge of legal research and the ability to interpret legal decisions.

Examples of specialized experience may include the following: examining and processing a variety of legal documents to include financial information on debtors; 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 necessary to initiate collection of debts; using a variety of electronic or manual filing systems to acquire and store information; documenting findings and preparing recommendations; searching and reviewing legal references, case files, and other sources for information and data 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 in federal service, 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 grade level in federal service.

Specialized Experience is defined as experience 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 may include the following: analyzing and evaluating legal decisions and case files to identify relevant issues and potential evidence; conducting legal research concerning precedents and past court decisions related to financial litigation; 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; obtains and analyzes financial information on debtors to determine present and future potential ability to pay; prepares payment plans which involve reviewing financial asset information submitted by debtor; 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.

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. Major Duties:

This position is in Financial Litigation Unit (FLU), within the Civil Division.

The incumbent provides routine legal support to the Financial Litigation Program Section Chief in a variety of recurring litigative activities related to financial litigation.

The work involves independently performing legal research, legal writing and conducting and carrying to completion investigations to develop factual material necessary to commence litigation by the United States to collect large claims, to impose penalties or to vindicate other public rights.

If selected for this position, you will join a well-respected team that is responsible for the collection of debts owed to the United States and victims of federal crimes.

Typical work assignments will include: Legal research - using basic knowledge of the application of various laws, court and/or administrative decisions and interpretations related to financial litigation.

Utilize online legal systems, research references such as agency manuals, directives, issuances, court reports, appellate records, or commercial legal publications to locate appropriate data which bear on financial litigation issues.

Legal writing - Draft initial legal and administrative briefs, motions, oppositions to defense motions and correspondence for Assistant United States Attorneys.

Analysis of debtors' financial assets - Obtain and analyze financial information on debtors to determine their present and future potential ability to pay.

Amounts imposed may include criminal fines, assessments, interest, penalties, restitution, appearance bond forfeitures, criminal forfeitures and court costs.

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