PARALEGAL SPECIALIST

Major duties

• You will research relevant state and federal regulations, codes, DON Directives, DON Instructions, DON Manuals, Department of Defense (DoD) Directives, DoD Instructions, DoD Manuals, regulations, case law, and other legal precedents, and, as needed.
• You will prepare legal pleadings, case summaries, legal memoranda, and written correspondence in compliance with the DON Correspondence Manual (or other requested format).
• You will conduct client intake and check-in.
• You will maintain a centralized appointment calendar for attorneys and independently schedule appointments to ensure deadlines are met.
• You will use electronic databases such as, but not limited to, LEXIS, WESTLAW, VTA, to perform legal research.
• You will create and maintain database spreadsheets using tools such as Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Access for internal statistical purposes.
• You will coordinate and process all incoming and outgoing mail for the supported attorneys.
• You will ensure timely processing of all purchase requests, equipment maintenance and service requests and timely coordinate travel and logistics arrangements of clients, attorneys, and witnesses.
• You will respond to telephonic inquires, correspondence, and electronic mail and messages.

Qualifications

GS-09 Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-07 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate performing duties such as the following: 1) Using electronic databases such as LEXIS, WESTLAW, and VTA to perform legal research; 2) Interpreting and applying technical material, rules, regulations, and instructions to a given situation; 3) Performing substantive legal analysis, communicating the issue(s), and applying the legal research in clear and concise oral and written form; 4) Interviewing clients and witnesses and preparing summary interview reports for attorney's review; and 5) Applying knowledge of administrative or legal adjudicative processes and timelines to provide assistance. GS-07 Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-05 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate performing duties such as the following: 1) Using a case management system (CMS), database, or other software to schedule and maintain calendars, manage cases, organize files, and track clients and deadlines; 2) Conducting client intake to ascertain client needs and collect relevant case documents; 3) Reviewing legal case materials to identify key issues and become familiar with questions under consideration; and 4) Preparing and organizing case documentation. Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management web site: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=List-by-Occupational-Series Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (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.

Education

Education Substitution for Experience at the GS-09 Level: In lieu of specialized experience, you may qualify with the following education or combination of both education and experience: Successful completion of a master's or equivalent graduate degree OR Successful completion of two full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree OR Possession of an LL.B. or J.D. that is related to this position being filled. https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/students/federal-occupations-by-college-major/ OR A combination of experience and graduate education as described above that equates to one year of experience A transcript must be submitted with your application if qualifying using education. See Required Documents for additional information. Education Substitution for Experience at the GS-07 Level: Education Substitution for Experience at the GS-07 Level: In lieu of specialized experience, you may qualify with the following education or combination of both education and experience: Successful completion of a bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement OR Successful completion of one full year of graduate level education leading to a master's degree; OR A combination of education and experience as described above that equates to one year of experience A transcript must be submitted with your application if qualifying using education. See Required Documents for additional information.