USA Staffing

Thank you for your interest in a Paralegal Specialist position with the federal government. Applicants must have demonstrated experience as listed below. This requirement is according to the AO Classification, Compensation, and Recruitment Systems which include interpretive guidance and reference to the OPM Operating Manual for Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions.

WHEN MANDATORY NARRATIVE RESPONSES ARE REQUIRED, PLEASE DO NOT DUPLICATE INFORMATION YOU HAVE ALREADY PROVIDED IN YOUR RESUME AS A RESPONSE TO THIS QUESTION. WE ARE SEEKING AN ELABORATION OF THOSE DUTIES AND SKILLS YOU HAVE MENTIONED WHICH ADDRESS THE QUESTION MORE FULLY. THIS IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO EXPAND ON YOUR EXPERIENCE AND/OR EDUCATION AS IT RELATES TO THE QUESTION. FAILURE TO DO THIS WILL RESULT IN YOUR BEING CONSIDERED AS INELIGIBLE.

1. Applicants must have at least one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience which is in or directly related to the line of work of this position. Specialized experience must demonstrate experience in ALL areas defined below:

Conducting legal and informational research and analysis utilizing statutes, regulations, and rules;
Writing technical legal correspondence, and reviewing and analyzing legal and nonlegal documents; and
Providing legal support, assistance, and advice to staff attorneys.

A. Yes, I have one year of specialized experience which is in or directly related to the line of work of this position.

B. No, I do not possess the specialized experience described above.

2. If A is selected above, a narrative statement must be submitted in the space provided below addressing your experience conducting legal and informational research and analysis utilizing statutes, regulations, and rules. THIS IS A MANDATORY REQUIREMENT. Please limit your response to 1,000 words or less.

3. In the space provided below, please indicate the time frame and employer(s) where we can locate this information. THIS IS A MANDATORY REQUIREMENT. Please limit your response to 250 words or less.

4. If A is selected above, a narrative statement must be submitted in the space provided below addressing your experience writing technical legal correspondence and reviewing and analyzing legal and nonlegal documents. THIS IS A MANDATORY REQUIREMENT. Please limit your response to 1,000 words or less.

5. In the space provided below, please indicate the time frame and employer(s) where we can locate this information. THIS IS A MANDATORY REQUIREMENT. Please limit your response to 250 words or less.

6. If A is selected above, a narrative statement must be submitted in the space provided below addressing your experience providing legal support, assistance, and advice to staff attorneys. THIS IS A MANDATORY REQUIREMENT. Please limit your response to 1,000 words or less.

7. In the space provided below, please indicate the time frame and employer(s) where we can locate this information. THIS IS A MANDATORY REQUIREMENT. Please limit your response to 250 words or less.

Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s).

8. Do you have knowledge of legal reference sources and commonly used legal research procedures and methods sufficient to locate, analyze, and prepare reports on pertinent statutes, court decisions, legal opinions, and other authorities?

A. Yes

B. No

9. Do you possess knowledge of the Federal court system and its structure as well as the duties and responsibilities of judges, clerks, probation officers, and pretrial services officers?

A. Yes

B. No

Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.

10. Which level best describes your experience conducting legal research, analyzing complex factual, legal material, and presenting the results in a written product?

A. I have not had education, training, or experience in performing this task.

B. I have had education or training in how to perform this 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 am normally the person who is consulted by other workers to assist or train them in doing this task because of my expertise.

11. Which level best describes your experience in drafting and/or developing complex correspondence or other written work?

A. I have not had education, training, or experience in performing this task.

B. I have had education or training in how to perform this 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.

12. Which statement(s) listed below best describes your writing experience as a paralegal working on investigations, litigation for information and providing advice to legal staff? (Select all that apply)

A. I have experience writing internal memoranda to be reviewed by attorneys on investigative, legislation, or congressional matters to include creating a summary of documents reviewed or a timeline of events.

B. I have experience writing summaries of large complex documents to be reviewed by attorneys.

C. I have experience writing cover letters or emails transmitting documents to Congressional members and/or their staff members or other high-level officials.

D. I have experience in writing cover letters and memoranda to a targeted audience.

E. None of the above.

13. How would you rate your research and writing skills? (You may be asked to submit a writing sample.)

A. Advanced Level

B. Proficient Level

C. Basic Level

Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.

14. Which level best describes your experience in performing automated and manual research, including use of various online applications and databases?

A. I have not had education, training, or experience in performing this task.

B. I have had education or training in how to perform this 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.

15. Which of the following resources have you used in conducting research? (Select all that apply)

A. Congress.gov or similar state legislative database

B. Law library or public library

C. Westlaw or Lexis-Nexis

D. United States Code

E. Internet search engines

F. None of the above.

Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.

16. Which level best describes your ability to analyze problems and perform on-line research using West Law, Lexis-Nexis, or other legal research services and databases?

A. I have not had education, training, or experience in performing this task.

B. I have had education or training in how to perform this 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.

17. Which level best describes your ability to communicate both orally and in writing with individuals at all organizational levels and prepare or produce written summaries and reports?

A. I have not had education, training, or experience in performing this task.

B. I have had education or training in how to perform this 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.

18. Which level best describes your experience assisting attorneys or legislative staff with compiling, organizing, and indexing legal or legislative files?

A. I have not had education, training, or experience in performing this task.

B. I have had education or training in how to perform this 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.

Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s).

19. I understand that failure to provide a written statement ("See Resume" or other non-descriptive response is not sufficient) for each essay question could result in non-consideration for this position.

A. Yes

B. No

Terms & Conditions

Your Session is About to Expire!