Paralegal Specialist (Appellate)

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. This position is also being announced to applicants eligible to apply through Merit Staffing procedures under 26-OKE-12909150-MS.

This announcement has a USAHIRE assessment test requirement. Please make sure to check your SPAM email for the assessment.

GS-11: To be eligible at the GS-11 level, you must meet at least ONE of the following conditions, as defined below: Specialized Experience: One full year of specialized experience is equivalent to the GS-9 level in the Federal service independently 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.

My qualifying experience involved performing the following types of duties: 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.

Education: One of the following types of education in a related field: 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., if related.

OR Combining Education and Experience: A combination of specialized experience and graduate education which when combined equal 100% of the 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 for this position, you will join a well-respected team that is responsible for researching, developing and writing final-form motions, legal memoranda, appellate briefs and other pleadings.

Typical work assignments will include the following: Research and analyze case facts, issues, and principles of law, to develop legal memoranda, responses, and appellate briefs.

Demonstrate proficiency with Westlaw, Lexis, and other online legal resources or publications. Research and draft appellate briefs and other complex legal documents.

Review and edit appellate briefs and other filings to ensure compliance with Tenth Circuit Rules and Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure.

Provide spontaneous analysis on trial issues regarding federal and local rules and statutes. Provide guidance and assistance to attorneys and support staff on district court and appellate matters.

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