Paralegal Specialist

US-Executive-Office-For-U.S.-Attorneys-and-the-Office-of-the-U.S.-Attorneys-; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Michigan is seeking qualified candidates for a paralegal-legal support role in Grand Rapids, MI.

The position requires specialized experience, or graduate education in law or related fields, or a combination, to perform legal research and interpret decisions. GS-09 or GS-11 level eligibility applies, with ICTAP/CTAP priority considerations for eligible displaced federal employees.

Qualifications

• One 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, which demonstrates a basic knowledge of legal research and the ability to interpret legal decisions.
• Education: One of the following types of education in a related field (e.g., Criminal Justice; Law): a Master's or equivalent graduate degree (such as an LL.B. or J.D.); OR two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree.
• Combination of Specialized Experience and Education: graduate education in excess of one full year may be used to meet total qualification requirements.
• One full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least work at the GS-09 level in Federal service, with competencies in law, litigation, and applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; OR three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education; OR LL.M. with related requirements.
• Combination of Specialized Experience and Education: graduate education in excess of two full years may be used to meet total qualification requirements.

Skills

Paralegal work

Legal research

Interpret legal decisions

Education

Graduate degree in related field (e.g., Criminal Justice; Law)

Job description

This vacancy is in our headquarters office in the City of Grand Rapids, MI, West Michigan's most vibrant city, and its artistic and cultural hub, located just a short drive from the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. For more information, 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-MIW-13055438-MS.

GS-09:

In order to qualify for 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, which demonstrates a basic knowledge of legal research and the ability to interpret legal decisions.

Examples of specialized experience may include the following: examining and processing a variety of legal documents; conducting research, analysis, and evaluation of data in response to complex or sensitive requests; drafting briefs, pleadings, litigation recommendations, or other legal documents and correspondence; using a variety of electronic or manual filing systems to acquire and store information; documenting findings and preparing recommendations; searching and reviewing legal references, case files, and other sources for information and data required by attorneys or court personnel.

OR

Education

One of the following types of education in a related field (e.g., Criminal Justice; Law): a Master's or equivalent graduate degree (such as an LL.B. or J.D.); OR two (2) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree. Education at the graduate level must be in an accredited college or university and must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of the position.

OR

Combination of Specialized Experience and Education

A combination of specialized experience and successfully completed graduate education as described above may be used to meet total qualification requirements. In order to qualify based on a combination, graduate education must be in excess of one full year.

GS-11

In order to qualify at the GS-11 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-09 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 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. Examples of specialized experience may include the following: 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-and post- judgement documents; interviewing witnesses, debtors, and various individuals who can provide insight into cases under review; and preparing evidence and documents to support recommendations.

OR

Education

One of the following types of education in a related field (e.g., Criminal Justice, Law): a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; OR three (3) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree; or LL.M. Education at the graduate level must be in an accredited college or university and must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of the position.

OR

Combination of Specialized Experience and Education

A combination of specialized experience and successfully completed graduate education as described above may be used to meet total qualification requirements. In order to qualify based on a combination, graduate education must be in excess of two 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/.