Paralegal Specialist

U.S. Department of Justice; City of Albany (NY); On-site; USD 58,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

Join the U.S. Department of Justice as a legal support specialist in Albany or Syracuse, NY. This position involves providing essential legal assistance to federal attorneys, conducting research, and managing case documentation. Ideal candidates will have a strong legal background and the ability to work independently on complex cases. The role offers a competitive salary and the opportunity to contribute to significant legal matters.

Qualifications

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-07 level.
• Education in a related field or a combination of experience and education.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal support to Assistant U.S. Attorneys.
• Perform legal research, writing, and case support duties.

Skills

Legal Research

Legal Writing

Analytical Skills

Education

Master's Degree in Criminal Justice

J.D.

Job description

For more information on the Department of Justice and the United States Attorneys' Offices, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/.

Under this announcement, there is one position to be filled in either Albany or Syracuse, NY. Salary range:

• ALB: $58,564-$92,110 Per Yr
• SYR: $57,118-$89,835 Per Yr

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 23-NYN-11997114-MS.

Duties

If selected for this position, you will join a well-respected team responsible for providing legal support to Assistant U.S. Attorneys (AUSAs) for the United States Attorney's Office (USAO) for the Northern District of New York (NDNY) involved in a variety of recurring civil litigative activities to specialized litigative activities related to defensive litigation. Cases involve defending the United States and its agencies in a variety of civil actions, including matters such as tort litigation, allegations of discrimination, suits seeking the release of records, and the defense of government officials. At the full performance level, typical work assignments will include independently performing legal research, legal writing, preparation and management of voluminous evidence and discovery, and a variety of case support duties requiring discretion and judgement in the application of specialized defensive litigation knowledge, such as:

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory pre-employment adjudication, including fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing. Continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation.
• You must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable.
• If selected, you may be required to complete a one-year probationary period.
• You must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement.

Qualifications

To be qualified at the GS-09 level, you must meet at least ONE of the following conditions, as defined below: Specialized Experience; Education; OR a Combination of Specialized Experience and Education.

Specialized Experience: One (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least work at the GS-07 level in Federal service, which has equipped you with the competencies to successfully perform the duties of the position. Specialized experience is defined as experience performing paralegal or legal work, demonstrating a basic knowledge of legal research and the ability to interpret legal decisions. Examples include examining and processing legal documents; conducting research, analysis, and evaluation of data; drafting briefs, pleadings, litigation recommendations, or other legal documents; using filing systems; documenting findings; searching legal references and case files.

OR

Education: One of the following in a related field (e.g., Criminal Justice, Law): a Master's or equivalent graduate degree (LL.B. or J.D.); OR two (2) years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree. Education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities relevant to the duties.

OR

Combination of Experience and Education: A combination of specialized experience and graduate education exceeding one full year can be used to meet qualifications.

To be qualified at the GS-11 level, you must meet at least ONE of the following: Specialized Experience; Education; OR a Combination of Both.

Specialized Experience: One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-09 level, involving analytical paralegal or legal work, knowledge of law, litigation, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Examples include analyzing legal decisions, conducting legal research, drafting legal documents, interviewing witnesses, and preparing evidence.

OR

Education: One of the following: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; OR three (3) years of higher-level graduate education; or LL.M. in an accredited institution demonstrating necessary skills and knowledge.

OR

Combination of Experience and Education: Graduate education exceeding two full years can be combined with experience to meet requirements.

Additional Considerations: ICTAP and CTAP eligibility details are included, providing priority considerations for eligible displaced or surplus employees, with links for further information.

About the company

The United States Department of Justice, or Justice Department, is a federal executive department responsible for law enforcement and justice administration in the U.S. Established in 1870, it oversees agencies like the FBI, U.S. Marshals, ATF, and DEA. It investigates financial fraud, represents the government legally, and manages the federal prison system. It also reviews local law enforcement conduct as directed by law.