About this role
Job SummaryFor more information on the Department of Justice and the United States Attorneys' Offices, visit www.justice.gov/usao/ As needed, additional positions may be filled using this announcement. This position is also being announced under Merit Promotion Procedures under 26-OKN-13052176-MS
QualificationsGS-11:To be eligible at the GS-11 level, you must meet at least ONE of the following conditions, as defined below: Specialized Experience, Education, OR a combination of Education and Experience. Specialized Experience: One full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 level. Specialized Experience is defined as experience performing a variety of analytical paralegal or legal work which demonstrates a practical knowledge of law, the litigation and judicial process, and applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Examples of specialized experiences may include the following: analyzing and evaluating legal decisions and case files to identify relevant issues and potential evidence; conducting legal research concerning precedents and past court decisions; composing legal briefs, summaries of analyses and decisions, and pre-trial documents; interviewing witnesses and various individuals who can provide insight into cases under review; and preparing evidence and documents to support recommendations. Education: One of the following types of education in a related field (e.g., Criminal Justice, Law); a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; OR 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree; or LL.M. Education at the graduate level must be in an accredited college or university and must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of the position. Combining Education and Experience: Combinations of successfully completed graduate education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements. In order to qualify based on a combination, graduate education must be in excess of 2 full years. To calculate your percentage of education, first determine the total number of hours that exceed 36 semester hours or your school's definition of two full years of study. Then divide the total number of your excess semester hours by 18 or your school's definition of one year of study. 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%. GS-12: To be eligible you must meet the following conditions, as defined below: Specialized Experience. Specialized Experience: One full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS11 grade level. Specialized experience is conducting legal research and writing to perform extensive and thorough research; understanding, analyzing, and evaluating facts and legal issues, and applying applicable law, regulations, and policies, exercising independent judgment, clearly presenting complex and interrelated concepts and ideas independently and without guidance or instruction. Knowledge of legal techniques and skills necessary to analyze both issues of fact and issues of law to summarize case decisions, evaluate the applicable of precedents, or draft briefs and other litigation papers. Oral and writing skills to effectively advocate the government's position by presenting facts and legal arguments in a logical, lucid, and persuasive manner and to provide guidance and assistance to professional and support staff on district court and civil matters. 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/.
Major DutiesIf selected for this position, you will join a well-respected team that is responsible for researching, developing and writing final-form motions, legal memoranda, civil briefs and other pleadings for the Northern District of Oklahoma. Typical work assignments will include: Discussing relevant facts, legal issues and case strategy with attorneys. Researching and analyzing case facts, and principles of law, demonstrating proficiency with Westlaw, Lexis CaseLink, and other DJ and internet resources. Completing background work required, including obtaining necessary reports and recordings. Identifying legal and factual issues in motions and briefs, including threshold legal issues, such as timeliness, standing, and jurisdiction. Preparing draft pleadings in consultation with attorneys for review and filing. Filing briefs for attorneys, using familiarity with district court and Tenth Circuit rules, filing procedures, and deadlines. Providing a variety of litigative support services by researching, interpreting, and applying relevant statutes and caselaw. Assisting trial teams in preparing for hearings and trials, including mooting arguments, conducting time-critical research projects, and preparing bench briefs. Creating and maintaining research files and brief bank. Reviewing and editing district court pleadings and appellate briefs for consistency and clarity, checking legal citations, and correcting typographical, formatting, and substantive errors. Properly applying proper format, style, and correct citations in compliance with the USAO's style memorandum, the local rules of the Northern District Court and the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Bluebook. Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress.