Legal Assistant (OA)

U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Elizabeth (NJ); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is seeking a Legal Assistant (OA) to join their Immigration and Customs Enforcement team. In this role, you will provide essential support by managing case files, researching legal information, and preparing legal documentation for court cases. This full-time position requires proficiency in typing, legal research, and use of office software, alongside relevant education or experience at specified government grade levels.

Benefits

Health and dental benefits

Paid leave

Retirement benefits

Flexible hours

Qualifications

• Experience in reviewing documents for accuracy.
• Ability to research and communicate project statuses.
• Experience in managing court dockets and preparing legal documentation.

Responsibilities

• Researching and compiling documentation for court proceedings.
• Managing case databases and updating records.
• Preparing attorneys for court by organizing relevant legal materials.

Skills

Typing Proficiency

Legal Research

Document Preparation

Office Software

Education

Four years of education above high school

Specialized experience at GS-04 level or higher

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Organizational Location:

This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Office of the Principal Legal Advisor, in multiple locations.

Duties

As a Legal Assistant (OA), at the GS-7 full performance level, you will perform the following duties:

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
• You must successfully pass a background investigation.
• You must successfully pass a drug screen.
• Males born after 12/31/59 must certify registration with Selective Service.
• Requirements by Closing Date: All requirements must be met by the announcement's closing date unless otherwise noted.
• Probationary Period: This is a full-time permanent position (Career/Career-Conditional appointment). You may be required to serve a one-year probationary period upon appointment.

Qualifications

Please limit your resume to 5 pages. Only the first 5 pages will be reviewed for eligibility and qualifications. Be clear and specific when describing your experience; assumptions will not be made.

Do not copy and paste duties or specialized experience from this announcement into your resume, as it will not demonstrate your qualifications.

GS-05 grade level qualifications:

• One year of specialized experience at the GS-04 level or equivalent, performing duties such as:
• Using common computer software (e.g., Microsoft Office) for basic office activities.
• Assisting in reviewing documents, forms, and records for accuracy.
• Researching and communicating information on project statuses, schedule changes, and deadlines.

OR

Substitution of Education for Experience: Four years of education above high school in any field, obtained in an accredited institution, can substitute for experience.

OR

Combination of Education and Experience: A mix of post-high school education and experience can meet the requirements, calculated using your resume and transcripts.

GS-06 grade level qualifications:

• One year of specialized experience at the GS-05 level or equivalent, performing duties such as:
• Using software applications to prepare complex documents with tables and graphs.
• Maintaining docket calendars and scheduling systems.
• Preparing attorneys for court by organizing records and drafting correspondence.
• Performing legal research and compiling relevant information.

GS-07 grade level qualifications:

• One year of specialized experience at the GS-06 level or equivalent, performing duties such as:
• Researching and compiling documentation for court proceedings.
• Updating case databases.
• Managing court dockets and preparing motions or appeals.
• Drafting non-legal memorandums and correspondence.

Typing Proficiency: Ability to type at least 40 words per minute with minimal errors, self-certified in the Occupational Questionnaire.

Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date, and claims are subject to verification.

Volunteer and National Service Experience: Volunteer work, including unpaid experiences through programs like Peace Corps or AmeriCorps, counts toward experience and skill-building.

Current or Former Political Appointees: Employment offers to current or recent political appointees require prior approval from OPM.

The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities, Veterans, Peace Corps, VISTA volunteers, and other qualifying groups to apply. Eligibility for non-competitive appointment and documentation requirements are available through linked resources or the HR office.