Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys Logo
Position Title
Legal Administrative Specialist
Agency
Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys
Announcement Number
21-CAE-10942439-ST Opens in new window
Open Period
Friday, October 16, 2020 to Friday, November 27, 2020
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1. Do you claim Veterans’ Preference? (limit characters)
2. Are you a veteran who separated from active duty under honorable conditions and you:

• have a rating by the Department of Veterans Affairs showing a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more OR
• retired from active military service with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more

If eligible, submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service. Please also provide the disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service and the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15.

For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources. https://www.usajobs.gov/Veterans (limit characters)
3. Are you the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who has been issued orders for a permanent change of station (PCS)? If yes, confirm that you are indicated on the PCS orders; and you
• have been married to the military member on or prior to the date of your spouse's PCS orders
• are relocating with your spouse to the new duty location AND
• have not previously been appointed using this authority under these orders.

-OR-

Are you the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who retired with a disability rating at the time of retirement of 100 percent or the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who retired or separated from the Armed Forces and has a disability rating of 100 percent from the Department of Veterans Affairs?

-OR-

Are you the un-remarried widow or widower of a member of the Armed Forces killed while in active duty status?

For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources. https://www.usajobs.gov/Veterans (limit characters)
4. Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from the agency hiring for this position? If yes, confirm:

• you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy
• your grade is equivalent to or below the grade level of the vacancy AND
• your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.

You will be required to submit supporting documentation to validate your claim of CTAP eligibility such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.

For more information, review the USAJOBS Resource Center help.usajobs.gov/index.php/What_is_CTAP%3F) (limit characters)
5. Were you employed overseas as an Appropriated Fund employee AND did you
• complete 52 weeks of creditable overseas service in an appropriated fund position(s) as a family member during the time you accompanied a sponsor officially assigned to an overseas area
• receive a fully successful or better (or equivalent) performance rating AND
• return to the United States to resume residence less than 3 years ago? (limit characters)
6. Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from a position in a federal agency other than the agency hiring for this position?

If yes, confirm:
• you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy
• your grade is equivalent to or below the grade level of the vacancy and
• your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.

You will be required to submit supporting documentation to validate your claim of ICTAP eligibility such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.

For more information, review the USAJOBS Resource Center. https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/What_is_ICTAP%3F (limit characters)
7. Are you a former Peace Corps volunteer or VISTA member who has completed your service within the past twelve months?

-OR-

Are you a former Peace Corps volunteer or VISTA member who has completed your service within the past 36 months and is requesting an extension of your non-competitive eligibility due to your military service, status as a full-time student or other experience related to this position?

-OR-

Are you a current or former Peace Corps employee who has completed at least 36 months of continuous service and has been separated from the Peace Corps for less than three years?

If yes, submit a copy of your description of service or other proof of non-competitive eligibility.

If you are a former Peace Corps volunteer or VISTA member who is requesting an extension of your non-competitive eligibility, please also provide the necessary documentation to support your request. (limit characters)
8. Are you eligible under an Interchange Agreement or a special hiring authority that has not previously been listed?  If so, you must include a statement which clearly identifies what hiring authority you wish to be considered under and attach all documents required to show you are eligible for consideration under the hiring authority. This information must be uploaded with your application materials and filed under "Special Hiring Authority and supporting documents." (limit characters)
9. Do you have a severe physical, psychiatric or mental disability that qualifies you for Schedule A Disability appointments?

If eligible, provide proof of disability with appropriate medical documentation, i.e., a letter signed by a licensed medical professional or licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist stating your condition and restrictions.

For more information, review USAJOBS Individuals with Disabilities resources. https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Individuals_with_Disabilities (limit characters)
10. Were you formerly employed as a federal civilian on a permanent competitive appointment but are not currently a permanent competitive federal employee?

If eligible, submit a copy of your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status.

• Your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect career or career-conditional (Tenure 1 or 2) AND
• Your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect your status was in the competitive service (Position Occupied is 1). (limit characters)
11. Are you currently employed as a civilian employee in the competitive service in a federal agency other than the agency hiring for this position?

If eligible, submit a copy of your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status.
• Your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect career or career-conditional (Tenure 1 or 2) and
• Your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect your status was in the competitive service (Position Occupied is 1). (limit characters)
12. Are you a veteran whose latest discharge was under honorable conditions and you:

• served three or more years of continuous active duty service in the military (NOTE: if released shortly before completing a 3-year tour, you are considered to meet the eligibility) OR
• are entitled to veterans' preference

If eligible, submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service.

For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources. https://www.usajobs.gov/Veterans (limit characters)
13. Are you a veteran who separated from active duty under honorable conditions and you:

• recently separated (within the past 3 years)
• are a disabled veteran
• served on active duty during a war, campaign or expedition OR
• received an Armed Forces Service Medal

If eligible, submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service. If claiming disability preference, provide the disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service and the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15.

For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources. https://www.usajobs.gov/Veterans (limit characters)
Preferences
1. Select the lowest grade you are willing to accept for this position. (limit characters)
Assessment 1
Thank you for your interest in a position with the Department of Justice (DOJ). Your response to this assessment questionnaire, in conjunction with other portions of your completed application, will be evaluated in making screening decisions. This is a DOJ job application system. Your responses in this Assessment Questionnaire are subject to evaluation and verification. Later steps in the selection process are specifically designed to verify your responses. Deliberate attempts to falsify information will be grounds for disqualifying you or for dismissing you from employment following acceptance. Please review your responses for accuracy before you submit this application. Incomplete/incorrect responses may result in you not receiving appropriate consideration. (limit characters)
For each of the following questions, please select the response that best describes your education and/or experience. You may select only one response for each question. If you feel that your education or experience exceeds all of the descriptions for a particular question, choose the description that is the closest level to the experience or education that you possess. Failure to respond to these questions will result in an ineligible rating. (limit characters)
1. From the descriptions below, select the ONE response that BEST describes the education and/or experience that you possess that demonstrates your ability to perform as a GS-9 Legal Administrative Specialist.
 (limit characters)
2. Identify the specific experience from your resume or cover letter that validates your response. Also list the name and contact information of someone who can verify your response.
 (limit characters)
3. From the descriptions below, select the ONE response that BEST describes the education and/or experience that you possess that demonstrates your ability to perform as a GS-11, Legal Administrative Specialist (Litigation Support).
 (limit characters)
4. Identify the specific experience from your resume or cover letter that validates your response. Also list the name and contact information of someone who can verify your response.
 (limit characters)
For each task in the following group, choose the statement from the list below that best describes your experience and/or training. Please select only one letter for each item. A- I have not had education, training or experience in performing this task. B- I have had education or training in performing the task, but have not yet performed it on the job. C- I have performed this task on the job. My work on this task was monitored closely by a supervisor or senior employee to ensure compliance with proper procedures. D- I have performed this task as a regular part of a job. I have performed it independently and normally without review by a supervisor or senior employee. E- I am considered an expert in performing this task. I have supervised performance of this task or I am normally the person who is consulted by other workers to assist them in doing this task because of my expertise. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
5. Ensuring documents are organized for efficient automated storage and retrieval by preparing appropriate indices, defining data file search criteria, and indexing/coding fields.
 (limit characters)
6. Numbering (or otherwise identifying), copying, extracting, and preparing for production of discovery matters.
 (limit characters)
7. Preparing and maintaining a variety of trial-related documents, e.g., discovery letters, exhibit lists, jury instructions, trial subpoenas, by applying a thorough knowledge of the Federal Rules of Evidence and Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure and application of practical litigative experience.
 (limit characters)
8. Noting deficiencies in case materials, e.g., missing documents, conflicting statements, and requesting further investigation by investigative personnel to correct deficiencies.
 (limit characters)
9. Using and appropriately employing a variety of office software packages including spreadsheet and word processing applications (such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint) based on which software would be most effective for maintaining records or presentation of complex and voluminous evidence or production of graphic demonstrative evidence, as well as meeting individual user needs.
 (limit characters)
10. Using and appropriately employing a variety of e-litigation software packages including discovery databases and trial presentation software (such as Trial Director, Eclipse, Relativity, eScan-IT, TimeMap, CaseMap) based on which software would be most effective for organization or presentation of complex and voluminous evidence or production of graphic demonstrative evidence, as well as meeting individual user needs.
 (limit characters)
11. Maintaining records and copies of discovery produced.
 (limit characters)
12. Utilizing a variety of automated legal research tools as well as public information databases and other automated resources to research case- or program-specific legal matters, and to participate in assigned areas of criminal proceedings, e.g. electronic discovery.
 (limit characters)
13. Using automated case management tools, organizing, summarizing and presenting data in narrative, tabular and graphic form for use in the courtroom such as photo boards, maps and charts and other demonstrative exhibits required for litigation.
 (limit characters)
14. Providing technical advice to litigation teams on legal automation requirements and systems capabilities to facilitate litigation decisions, trial preparation and trial presentation.
 (limit characters)
15. In conjunction with attorneys, investigators, and agents, determining the details of the case and the government's strategy for proving it.
 (limit characters)
16. Recommending alternative methods and promoting the use of automated approaches as well as visual means of proof.
 (limit characters)
17. Analyzing litigation support requirements to develop or recommend appropriate strategies to meet litigation needs.
 (limit characters)
18. Performing tasks associated with the organization, preparation, delivery, and tracking of discovery in cases involving large volumes of documentary and/or digital evidence.
 (limit characters)
19. Maintaining accounting systems for materials to be used as exhibits in grand jury proceedings and trials, preparing lists and tables to correlate the exhibits with grand jury transcripts, and keeping a strict account of the exhibits used in such proceedings.
 (limit characters)
20. Preparing computerized trial presentation programs.
 (limit characters)
21. Assisting and/or training attorneys and legal support staff in organizing voluminous case information for efficient retrieval through automated means such as scanning, indexing and controlling of documents into a data base.
 (limit characters)
22. Drafting discovery letters identifying matters to be produced and memorializing their discovery.
 (limit characters)
23. Reviewing documents and other materials produced pursuant to subpoena; maintaining inventory of materials produced pursuant to subpoena; and preparing outline of substance of documents/materials produced pursuant to grand jury subpoena.
 (limit characters)
24. Overseeing the development of courtroom presentations for assigned cases.
 (limit characters)
25. Applying knowledge of Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure and of Evidence, court requirements, and legal practices to determine the best way to organize and manage case specific discovery and then using the discovery to prove the case by determining what evidence should be presented and how it should be presented.
 (limit characters)
26. Researching, analyzing and summarizing relevant legal precedents for applicability to assigned cases.
 (limit characters)
27. Providing advice to attorneys and other legal support staff on the most effective and efficient ways to prepare, present and maintain a variety of administrative legal documents, e.g., discovery letters, exhibit lists, jury instructions and subpoenas.
 (limit characters)
As previously explained, your responses in this Assessment Questionnaire are subject to evaluation and verification. Later steps in the selection process are specifically designed to verify your responses. Deliberate attempts to falsify information will be grounds for disqualifying you or for dismissing you from employment following acceptance. Please take this opportunity to review your responses to ensure their accuracy. Incomplete/incorrect responses may result in you not receiving appropriate consideration. (limit characters)
28. If you fail to answer this question, you will be disqualified from consideration for this program.

I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, all of the information included in this questionnaire is true, correct, and provided in good faith. I understand that if I make an intentional false statement, or commit deception or fraud in this application and its supporting materials, or in any document or interview associated with the examination process, I may be fined or imprisoned (18 U.S.C. 1001); my eligibilities may be cancelled, I may be denied an appointment, or I may be removed and debarred from Federal service (5 C.F.R. part 731). I understand that any information I give may be investigated. I understand that I will not be considered for employment if I do not respond "Yes" to this certification item.

I understand a comprehensive background investigation, including a check of my credit history and a pre-employment drug screening, is required for this position.
 (limit characters)
You have submitted your answers for the Assessment Questionnaire. If you provided an email address, you will receive a confirmation email upon receipt of the Assessment Questionnaire. Please review the Vacancy Announcement to assure that you have submitted all necessary supporting documents. Thank you for your interest in a position with the Department of Justice. (limit characters)
  • Privacy & Cookies
© 2025 US Office of Personnel Management
This is a USA Staffing® System