Job Information
Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys Legal Administrative Specialist (Legal Technician) in Birmingham, Alabama
Summary For more information on the Department of Justice and the United States Attorneys' Offices, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/. As needed, additional positions may be filled using this announcement. This position is also being announced to applicants eligible to apply through Merit Staffing procedures under 25-ALN-12659281-ST. Responsibilities If selected for this position, you will join a well-respected team that is responsible for providing litigation support to Assistant United States Attorneys as they prosecute and defend civil cases. Typical work assignments will include: 1. Legal Support. Using knowledge of a variety of legal regulations, precedents, and practices, examines prepares, and processes technical legal correspondence and documents which are characteristically voluminous and complex in format. 2. Preparation and Management of Evidence and Discovery. Aids in preparing and organizing evidence for production as discovery and for use in trial. Prepares trial exhibits such as statistical charts, graphs, and timelines to be presented in court. Manages discovery and evidence in paper copies and electronically and in conjunction with automated litigation support staff, may present the exhibits using trial presentation software in court, and train other legal support staff. Assists in preparing witness binders and for use during investigations and trial. 3. Legal Research and Case Management. In response to requests from attorneys, conducts factual and legal research in legal and non-legal databases and provides requested information. Following instructions from attorneys, searches for legal precedent in indices and computerized legal reference systems. Contributes to reports summarizing the case status, including legal issues, factual issues, and case developments. 4. Administrative Support. Provides general administrative support in conjunction with assigned legal areas. Receives visitors and telephone callers. Furnishes requested information concerning pending and closed matters and cases, functions, and general procedures of the office. Determines which matters should be referred to the AUSA and the urgency of the matter. Establishes and maintains a variety of files. Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Specialized Experience: At least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-5 level in Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector. Specialized experience may include: performing routine litigation support assignments such as assisting with organizing case information; assisting in the use of technology such as preparing discovery or organizing digital evidence; and editing a variety of legal documents. OR Education: One full year graduate education leading to a degree in a related field (e.g., Criminal Justice, Law, Information Technology); or a Masters or equivalent graduate degree in one of the above fields, demonstrating the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of the position. Transcripts are required. OR A Bachelor's Degree AND possess at least one of the following criteria: 1. class standing in the upper third of the graduating class; 2. an overall GPA of 3.0 OR at least a 3.0 based on courses completed during the final two years of my curriculum; a GPA of at least 3.5 based on the average of required courses completed in my major field OR based on the average of required courses completed during the final two years of my curriculum; OR 3. election to membership in a national scholastic honor society. OR Combining Education and Experience: A combination of specialized experience as described above and graduate education described above which when combined equal 100% of the requirements. (Please note: Only education in excess of 1 full year is creditable.) To calculate your percentage of education, first determine the total number of hours that exceed 18 semester hours. Then divide the total number of your excess semester hours by 18. To calculate your percentage of qualifying experience, divide your total number of months of qualifying experience by 12. Now, add the two percentages together. The sum of the percentages must equal at least 100%. Transcripts are required. Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP)- The ICTAP provides eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your ICTAP eligibility; 2) you apply under the instructions in the announcement; and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well-qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and receive a score of 85 or better on established ranking criteria. You must provide proof of eligibility to receive selection priority. Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of ICTAP eligibility or a copy of your separation personnel action form. Additional information about ICTAP eligibility is at: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/. Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)-The CTAP provides eligible surplus and displaced competitive service employees in the Department of Justice with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your Department of Justice component has notified you in writing that you are a surplus or displaced employee eligible for CTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your CTAP eligibility, 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement, and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and receive a score of 85 or better on established ranking criteria. You must provide a copy of your written notification of CTAP eligibility with your application. Additional information about CTAP eligibility is at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/. Education 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. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, see http://www.ed.gov OR Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to timely provide such evidence by submitting proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency with your application materials. More information may be found at http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. All documentation must be in English or include an English translation. Additional Information Payment of relocation expenses will not be authorized. The Department of Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation; sick leave; holidays; telework; life insurance; health benefits; and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov. Reasonable Accommodation Statement: Federal Agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities, where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. EEO Statement: The Department of Justice is committed to equal employment opportunity and providing a workplace free of discrimination and harassment for all employees and applicants. See U.S. Department of Justice Equal Employment Opportunity Policy for complete details. Diversity Statement: 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 a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service. Political Appointees (Current or Former): The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the HR Office. Failure to disclose this information could result in disciplinary action including removal from Federal Service.