Paralegal Specialist

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Office of General Counsel (OGL), seeks a Paralegal Specialist to support attorneys handling administrative and judicial matters, maintain electronic files, and ensure deadlines are met.

Candidates must meet OPM qualification standards; the role emphasizes familiarity with document review platforms, electronic discovery, and preparing exhibits, with volunteer and paid experience credited.

Qualifications

• Specialized experience includes case management and support for attorneys in concurrent administrative or judicial matters.
• Duties include maintaining electronic files, monitoring deadlines, drafting pleadings, and cite-checking.
• Experience with document review platforms, electronic discovery, and producing documents.

Skills

Case management

Electronic discovery

Legal document drafting

Tools

Document review platforms

Electronic discovery tools

Job description

This position is located in the Office of the General Counsel, Office of General Law (OGL). OGL is a client focused legal office responsible for representing and advising management on a broad range of issues involving administration of the USPTO. OGL attorneys represent the USPTO in litigation proceedings and provide advice and legal opinions on matters including cybersecurity and information technology law, administrative law, employment and labor law, information law, and procurement law.

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 OPM Qualifications Standards are available at: Qualification Standard for Paralegal Specialist.

Specialized Experienceis 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 one year at the next lower grade level in the federal service. For this position, the next lower grade level is a GS-11.

Specialized experience for this position includes:

• Experience providing case management and support for attorneys in handling multiple concurrent administrative (e.g., EEOC, MSPB, FLRA) or judicial litigation matters, including: maintaining electronic files, monitoring deadlines, communicating with witnesses and court personnel, drafting legal pleadings, interpreting court rules and procedures, proofreading, cite-checking, and/or filing legal documents.
• Experience with document review platforms, electronic discovery, and preparing document productions and exhibits.

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.