Paralegal Specialist (Recent Graduate) | Department of Justice

Paralegal Specialist (Recent Graduate)
Location: Washington, DC
Announcement Number: ENRD-24-026-EXC
Salary: $55,924 - $88,926
Closing Date: May 6, 2024

This position is located in the Land Acquisition Section, Environment and Natural Resources Division. This Section is responsible for acquiring land and other real property on behalf of the United States through condemnation proceedings for purposes ranging from establishing national parks military training centers to expanding our border security infrastructure. The incumbent will provide a variety of legal support and assistance to attorneys.

Duties

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.

This is an excepted service appointment under the DOJ Pathways Recent Graduates Program. Position(s) MAY be converted to a term or permanent appointment if the following are met: 1) successful completion of at least 1 year of continuous service, 2) completion of at least 40 hours of formal interactive training, and 3) demonstration of successful job performance. A recent graduate converted to a term appointment may be subsequently converted non-competitively into a permanent competitive service position before the term expires.

As a Paralegal Specialist (Recent Graduate) your responsibilities may include:

• Providing assistance at hearings and/or trials, for example preparing exhibits and coordinating trial logistics.
• Organizing and writing synopses of factual materials; summarizing depositions; preparing, organizing and indexing administrative records; and preparing non-legal memoranda.
• Performing research in various legal databases including Westlaw, Pacer and Lexis.
• Conducting cite checks pursuant to The Bluebook; proofreading and editing legal briefs and memoranda prior to filing in court; and ensuring conformance of documents to applicable court rules.
• Performing document management, including creating and maintaining litigation databases.

Recent Graduates are on a trial period for the duration of the program. An Individual Development Plan (IDP) must be completed and approved by the supervisor within 45 days of appointment and a mentor must be assigned within 90 days of appointment.