Paralegal Specialist (Indian Country)

US-Executive-Office-For-U.S.-Attorneys-and-the-Office-of-the-U.S.-Attorneys-; Helena (MT); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Justice invites applications for positions at the GS-09 and GS-11 levels, focusing on paralegal and legal support work. Candidates must meet specialized experience or appropriate education requirements, with paths ranging from graduate degrees to combinations of education and experience.

ICTAP/CTAP priority is noted for eligible applicants. This federal vacancy emphasizes independent legal analysis, research support, and evidence preparation, with a structured education pathway

Qualifications

• GS-09 requires a related graduate degree or 2 years of graduate education, or equivalent education–experience.
• GS-11 requires a Ph.D. or LL.M. or 3 years of graduate education, or equivalent education.
• Combinations of graduate education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and evaluate legal decisions and case files to identify issues and evidence.
• Conduct legal research concerning precedents and past court decisions.
• Compose legal briefs, summaries of analyses and decisions, and pre-trial data.

Skills

Legal research

Interpretation of legal decisions

Data analysis

Document drafting

Case file review

Evidence preparation

Education

Master’s degree in Criminal Justice/Law/related field

2 years graduate education in related field

LL.M. or equivalent doctoral degree

Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree

Job description

For more information on the Department of Justice and the United States Attorneys' Offices, 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 27-MT-13090750-MS.

GS-09

To be eligible at the GS-9 level, you must meet at least ONE of the following conditions, as defined below: Specialized Experience, Education, OR a Combination of Education and Experience.

Specialized Experience

One full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 level. 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
• document findings and preparing recommendations
• searching and reviewing legal references, case files, and other sources for information and data required by attorneys or court personnel

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 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.

Combining Education and Experience

Combinations of successfully completed graduate education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements. In order to qualify based on a combination, graduate education must be in excess of 1 full year.

GS-11

To be eligible 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 Education and Experience.

Specialized Experience

One full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 level. 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 experiences may include the following:

• independently analyzing and evaluating legal decisions and case files to identify relevant issues and potential evidence
• independently conducting legal research concerning precedents and past court decisions
• independently composing legal briefs, summaries of analyses and decisions, and pre-trial data
• interviewing witnesses and various individuals who can provide insight into cases under review
• and preparing evidence and documents to support recommendations

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 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.

Combining Education and Experience

Combinations of successfully completed graduate education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements. In order to qualify based on a combination, graduate education must be in excess of 2 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/.