Paralegal Specialist

U.S. Department of Commerce; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Commerce, through the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) within the USPTO, is seeking qualified candidates for a paralegal specialist. The role supports attorneys, reviews and processes IP-related documents, and handles case management for oppositions, cancellations, and appeals.

Applicants must meet OPM qualification standards and the GS-09 or GS-11 criteria. Education can substitute for experience; relevant training and volunteer work are considered.

Qualifications

• Specialized experience must be equivalent to GS-07 or above or education substituted per OPM standards.
• Experience analyzing and applying laws, rules, and policies while reviewing legal documents.
• Experience providing end-to-end case management support for IP law matters.

Responsibilities

• Assist attorneys and legal staff by drafting and reviewing IP-related documents and communications.
• Provide case management support for oppositions, cancellations, and appeals within TTAB.
• Communicate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure completeness and accuracy of case records.

Skills

Legal research & analysis

Case management

Oral & written communication

IP law knowledge

Education

Master's degree or higher in related field

LL.B./J.D. in related field

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 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 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 can be substituted at the GS-09 level if the below is met:

Education: Master's or equivalent graduate degree

or

2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree

or

LL.B. or J.D., if related

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 can be substituted at the GS-11 level if the below is met:

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.)

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.