Paralegal Specialist

Full Job Description

This position is located in the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB). The TTAB is an administrative tribunal within the U.S.

Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) that hears and decides trial level adversary proceedings involving two or more parties. These include oppositions, cancellations, and concurrent use proceedings.

The TTAB also hears and decides appeals from final refusals issued by USPTO Trademark Examining Attorneys following review of applications to register marks.

You must meet the United States Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) qualification requirements (including specialized experience and/or educational requirements) for the advertised position.

You must meet all eligibility and qualifications requirements by the closing date of the job announcement.

OPM Qualifications Standards are available at Paralegal Specialist Series 0950 Specialized Experience is experience that has equipped applicants with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled.

To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the federal service.

Specialized experience for this position includes: GS-09: For this position, the next lower grade level is a GS-07 Experience analyzing and applying laws, rules, and policies and procedures while reviewing incoming legal documents and communications.

Experience providing case management support for attorneys and other legal staff on routine matters involving intellectual property law, including verifying the completeness and accuracy of case records and identifying deficiencies.

OR Education: Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position.

(Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.) OR Combination of Education and Experience: 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%.

To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12.

Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the second year (total graduate semester hours minus 36) by 18. Add the two percentages.

GS-11: For this position, the next lower grade level is a GS-09 Experience independently drafting litigation documents involving intellectual property law, including analyzing and applying laws, rules, and policies and procedures, and making determinations on incoming legal documents and communications.

Experience independently providing end-to-end case management support for attorneys and other legal staff on routine and non-routine matters involving intellectual property law, including verifying the completeness and accuracy of case records and taking action to correct deficiencies.

Experience demonstrating strong oral and written communication skills while drafting legal documents and responding to internal and external stakeholders.

OR Education: Ph.D or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M.

with a major study in electrical or electronic engineering, mathematics, physics, public utilities, statistics, computer science, telecommunications management, information systems management, business administration, industrial management, or other fields related to the position to be filled.

(Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.) OR Combination of Education and Experience: 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%.

To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12.

Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the second year (total graduate semester hours minus 36) by 18. Add the two percentages.

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:

The physical worksite for this position is located in Alexandria, Virginia.

Presence at the Alexandria, VA campus is required for this role, as it includes on site functions that must be performed in person.

Position may be eligible for situational telework in accordance with agency policy/business unit discretion. The agency currently allows for 52 hours of telework per calendar year.

The individual selected for this position will...

Research cited authorities in party filings; use standard citators to validate and analyze case law and secondary sources; assess validity, applicability, and precedential value; draft concise summaries and recommended actions; and escalate novel or anomalous issues consistent with agency guidance.

Review and edit legal documents for conformance with applicable laws, rules, and agency procedures; verify citation accuracy; ensure overall document quality; and apply updates resulting from changes in statutes, regulations, and procedural rules.

Receive and take interlocutory action on stipulated and uncontested motions; grant routine extensions of time within delegated authority; and draft orders on non-dispositive matters, preparing recommendations on suspensions or consolidations for attorney review where warranted.

Manage case files and dockets by receiving, reviewing, and docketing evidence and testimony; ensuring the completeness and accuracy of records; correcting identified deficiencies; and preparing records for the summary judgment, oral hearing, and decision stages.

Examine and process ex parte appeals by verifying ripeness and formalities; instituting appeals within delegated authority; and taking interlocutory actions during the appeal (e.g., suspension, disposal, or remand) in accordance with agency guidance.

Communicate clearly with internal and external stakeholders to explain routine procedural requirements; prepare periodic status updates and reports on actions, case types, and case status; and contribute to team cross training and process improvement activities within established guidelines.