Paralegal Specialist

This position is located in the Civil Rights Division. As a Paralegal Specialist, you will perform legal and factual research and other closely related duties in support of attorneys engaged in civil rights cases and matters.

As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the multitude of experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service. The incumbent will serve as a Paralegal Specialist. Duties include, but are not limited to: Update and supplement tracking system ensuring that the established file system remains logically organized with files and documents that are easily accessible and able to be quickly retrieved. Prepare correspondence, memoranda, justification, and other written documentation involved in providing information about the researched aspects of the cases or issues. Prepare interview notes, memoranda, and reports for review by attorneys summarizing the allegations, facts, results of investigations and recommended disposition of cases. Prepare legal documents including declarations, memoranda, interview summaries, factual summaries, subpoenas, discovery documents and responses and legal correspondence. Proofread, cite-check, finalize, and file legal documents such as briefs and other papers of substance with the relevant court consistent with governing practices and style conventions, court-specific rules, and Department practice. Conduct preliminary analysis of the legal sufficiency of information contained in declarations, complaints, FOIA/Privacy Act requests, and similar documents. Review and analyze investigative reports and evidence to determine if a particular case is supported by sufficient evidence to provide a basis for enforcement. Independently conduct or assist attorneys in conducting interviews with investigative sources and prospective witnesses to gather information. Efficiently use document management tools to assist with document review and production, as well as court presentation. Effectively handle all arrangements for depositions, including securing court reporting services and office space, and drafting subpoenas and obtaining process servers.

Must be a U.S. Citizen Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/Home/Registration). DOJ uses E-Verify, an internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, by visiting www.e-verify.gov/. You may be required to complete a pre-employment security screening to initiate your background investigation, which includes a drug screening. Continued employment is contingent upon successful completion and adjudication of your investigation. You may be required to successfully complete a one-year probationary period. You must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement. Resume cannot exceed two (2) pages. A probationary or trial period may be required as a condition of employment for this position. If required, you will be expected to serve either a 1-year probationary period or a 2-year trial period. During this time, we will evaluate your fitness for continued employment and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining whether your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period or trial period, your employment may be terminated unless you receive written certification that your continued employment advances the public interest.

This position does not have an education qualification requirement but can qualify using education. If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements, please see the statements below. You will need to submit an official transcript, unofficial transcript, or a list including courses, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and/or semester hours earned, degree earned and confer dates. Failure to provide this documentation will result in objection to your qualifications, and removal from consideration. You will be required to submit your official college transcript if you are selected. All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Click here to check accreditation. Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For more information about this requirement, please visit the U.S. Department of Education website for Foreign Education Evaluation. All documentation must be in English or include an English translation.