For 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.

Duties

Performs complex legal research and writing based on the nature of the particular legal issue or case, and the functional area of law assigned. Performs analysis of statutes, legislative intent, judicial precedents, agency rules and regulations, and law review articles as they relate to assigned cases to include those of an especially complex or unprecedented nature. Utilizes a variety of automated legal research tools as well as public information databases and other automated resources to research case or program specific legal matters, and participate in assigned areas of criminal or civil proceedings, e.g. electronic discovery. For applicable cases, develops case referrals by:- Ensuring referrals meet agency and United States Attorney's Office (USAO) standards for litigation.- Reviewing and evaluating referrals to determine the need for additional information and evidence, and planning a comprehensive approach to obtain this information and evidence.- Advising the attorney(s) regarding the merits and weaknesses of applicable referrals based upon applicable law, evidence of liability and damages, and potential defenses, and recommends for or against commencement of judicial proceedings.- Helping the USAO develop new referrals, by ensuring a good working relationship with client agencies and the public, and by assisting in training for federal, state and local agencies, preparing informational literature, etc. Provides a variety of tasks associated with litigation of civil and criminal cases including:- Receives and analyzes incoming pleadings and correspondence. Determines appropriate action and notes time limitations for responses.- Drafts correspondence and legal documents for attorney's signature. Drafts proposed orders and decrees for signature of judges and magistrates.- Assists attorney in pretrial preparations by preparing, scheduling, reviewing, and organizing discovery; notifying, interviewing, and managing witnesses; and researching case law.- Supports attorney in court proceedings by briefing attorney on pertinent facts, issues, and case law, and by compiling, organizing, and indexing exhibits.- Monitors the progress of pending cases and initiates action to insure that legal pleadings, forms, reports, correspondence, and other documents are prepared and submitted within established deadlines. Keeps appropriate staff members informed about the current status of cases.- Serves as contact person for assigned cases and provides information and assistance concerning status or relevant procedural issues. Exercises discretion and judgment in determining what information may be provided and to whom.- Provides advice to attorney and other legal support staff on the most effective and efficient ways to prepare, present and maintain a variety of administrative legal documents, e.g., discovery letters, exhibit lists, jury instructions and subpoenas. Such procedural advisory services require application of a thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of the USAO, Federal Rules of Evidence and Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, and application of extensive practical litigative experience. Cases are of varying complexity and are not pre-screened. Performs a variety of administrative duties in support of the assigned AUSAs. Support assignments of this nature involve administrative support not of a strictly legal nature, but which typically involves automation support or other administrative subject-matter areas. Automation support may include one or more of the following:- Using one or more types of personal computer (PC) based software, i.e., word processing, spreadsheet, or database management, develops methods for automating reports, statistical data, text and graphics. Identifies user requirements, selects appropriate software, designs user-specific applications to include development of input forms and output format which may include development of macros and use of advanced software features. Establishes detailed functional procedures needed to enter and to retrieve data for other application users.- Using established databases, performs data searches, report design, and other data retrieval assignments. Reports may be of a recurring nature or of a special, one-time nature based on user information requirements. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• You must be a United States Citizen or National.
• Background investigation, credit check, and drug testing required.
• You must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable
• If selected, you may be required to complete a one year probationary period
• You must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement.

Qualifications

GS-09: To be eligible at the GS-09 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-7 level. Specialized Experience is defined as experience performing a variety of analytical paralegal or legal work which demonstrates a practical knowledge of Domestic Terrorism, Violent Crimes, Major Crimes and other criminal areas. Examples of experience require significant knowledge of legislative, administrative and judicial decisions, opinions, determinations, and rulings on cases of relevance. Education: One of the following types of education in a related field (e.g., Criminal Justice; Law): a Master's or equivalent graduate degree (such as an LL.B. or J.D.); OR 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree. 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 1 full year.

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.

Contacts

• Address Eastern District of Texas 550 Fannin Street Beaumont, TX 77701 US
• Name: Darin Campbell
• Phone: 409-981-7993
• Email: [email protected]