- Position Title
- Paralegal Specialist
- Agency
- Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts
- Announcement Number
- 25-OLA-12708274 Opens in new window
- Open Period
- Thursday, March 27, 2025 to Thursday, April 17, 2025
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1.
Do you claim Veterans’ Preference?
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 10% or more OR
• retired from active military service with a service-connected disability rating of 10% or more (**TP or 5 point veterans please do not answer 'yes' to this question.**)
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.
• have a rating by the Department of Veterans Affairs showing a compensable service-connected disability of 10% or more OR
• retired from active military service with a service-connected disability rating of 10% or more (**TP or 5 point veterans please do not answer 'yes' to this question.**)
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.
3.
Are you a current employee of the AO or the Federal Judiciary?
4.
Are you a current or former Federal employee?
All applicants outside of the AO must submit a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) to verify current or former Federal employment status.
All applicants outside of the AO must submit a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) to verify current or former Federal employment status.
Assessment 1
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.
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.
This vacancy announcement is open to candidates who live in the Washington, DC commuting area and/or current employees of the federal Judiciary (AO or U.S. Courts) nationwide. From the descriptions below, select how you meet this requirement.
2.
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 legislative or policy research and analysis.
- Conducting, drafting, and summarizing legal research or similar technical research.
- Using online research tools, chart and database software, and maintaining web pages.
3.
If A is selected above, a narrative statement must be submitted in the space provided below addressing your demonstrated experience conducting legislative or policy research and analysis. THIS IS A MANDATORY REQUIREMENT. Please limit your response to 500 words or less.
4.
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.
5.
If A is selected above, a narrative statement must be submitted in the space provided below addressing your demonstrated experience conducting, drafting, and summarizing legal research or similar technical research. THIS IS A MANDATORY REQUIREMENT. Please limit your response to 500 words or less.
6.
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.
7.
If A is selected above, a narrative statement must be submitted in the space provided below addressing your demonstrated using online research tools, chart and database software, and maintaining web pages. THIS IS A MANDATORY REQUIREMENT. Please limit your response to 500 words or less.
8.
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.
9.
Which of the following statements best describes your knowledge of U.S. Congress's operation and organization and the legislative process?
10.
Which of the following statement(s) best describes your professional writing experience working on investigations, litigation, or congressional matters and providing advice to legal staff? (Check all that apply)
11.
In reference to the question above, please provide a brief statement that supports your answer and identify time frame(s) and employer(s) in your resume that indicates where and when you used this skill or knowledge. THIS IS A MANDATORY REQUIREMENT. Please limit your response to 500 words.
12.
From the list below, select the statement (s) that describe your experience in analyzing information and performing online research using Congress.gov, Westlaw, LexisNexis, or other congressional and legal research services and databases. (Check all that apply)
13.
In reference to the question above, please provide a brief statement that supports your answer and identify time frame(s) and employer(s) in your resume that indicates where and when you used this skill or knowledge. THIS IS A MANDATORY REQUIREMENT. Please limit your response to 500 words.
14.
From the list below, which of the following resources have you used in conducting research? (Check all that apply)
15.
Which of the following audience(s) have you composed written material for? (Check all that apply)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
16.
Which level description best describes your experience preparing legislative or legal summaries, reports, or briefing materials for internal distribution?
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s).
17.
Do you have experience updating and managing content on internal websites or databases?
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
18.
Which level description best describes your experience performing automated and manual research, including the use of online applications and databases?
19.
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?
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
20.
Which level description best describes your experience conducting legal or legislative research, analyzing complex factual, legal, or legislative material, and presenting the results in a written product?
21.
Which level description best describes your experience drafting and developing complex correspondence or other written work?
22.
Which level description best describes your experience tracking the progress of legislation, issues, or cases using automated systems or databases?
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s).
23.
Do you have experience in performing substantive legal or legislative analysis of requests for information and providing advice to legal or legislative staff?
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
24.
Which level description best describes your experience assisting attorneys or legislative staff with compiling, organizing, and indexing legal or legislative files?
25.
Which level description best describes your experience liaising with congressional offices, judicial agencies, or other federal entities to support legislative coordination?
26.
Do you have experience attending congressional hearings, markups, or legislative meetings and preparing detailed reports or briefings on the proceedings?
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
27.
Which level description best describes your experience compiling legislative histories, organizing and maintaining legal or legislative documents, and archiving materials for future reference?
28.
Which level description best describes your ability to effectively handle multiple projects and responsibilities, prioritize work, and meet firm deadlines?
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s).
29.
Do you possess strong communication, organizational, and collaboration skills?
30.
How would you rate your oral and written communication skills?
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
31.
Which level description best describes your experience communicating both orally and in writing with individuals at all organizational levels?
32.
Which level description best describes your ability to build strong working relationships and partnerships with internal and external stakeholders?
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s).
33.
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.