This is a Paralegal Specialist (National and International) position in the Recent Graduate program, located in the Department of Justice, National Security Division, Office of Justice for Victims of Overseas Terrorism (DOJ/OVT), found at https://www.justice.gov/nsd-ovt. This is a one-year program. The incumbent of this position will provide support to one or more National Security Division 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. The mission of DOJ/OVT is to support U.S. victims of terrorism overseas by helping them navigate foreign criminal justice systems and by advocating for their voices to be heard around the world. We advocate for U.S. victims and their families to obtain information, be present during foreign terrorism prosecutions, and have a voice during the proceedings, as permitted by foreign law. We further provide policy advocacy on overseas terrorism victims' issues both within the U.S. Government and throughout the world. If selected for this position, you will join a well-respected team that is responsible for providing legal support to the National Security Division. Typical work assignments will include: Performs research and interpretation of national and international statutes, legislative intent and history, judicial precedents, legal decisions and opinions, and agency rules and regulations. 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 foreign policy issues as assigned. Participates in assigned areas of legal proceedings, including victim outreach and travel planning. Research foreign legal systems and drafts memoranda for use by attorney advisors. Performs a variety of administrative duties in support of attorneys, including drafting and editing training and outreach materials. Keeps abreast of international and national case law and decisions on appeals to ensure legal research reflects current status. Studies court precedents and international legislative history to determine appropriate sources for research and to form recommendations. Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress to the full potential of this position.

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for the position of Paralegal Specialist (National and International) (Recent Graduates) (GS-0950-9), you must meet the basic qualification requirements listed below AND possess the required specialized experience specific to this series and grade. To qualify for the GS-0950-9, you MUST meet the following specialized experience: Have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service performing duties which include, but are not limited to: Analyzing and evaluating legal decisions and case files to identify relevant issues and potential evidence; conducting legal research concerning precedents and past court decisions to compose legal briefs; and utilizing a variety of automated legal research tools. OR Education: Master's Degree or two (2) full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B or J.D. in a field that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work of the position. (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.) OR Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the second year (total graduate semester hours minus 36) by 18. Add the two percentages. (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.) You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 09/06/2023. Your resume must support your responses to the online questionnaire and the qualification requirements. Failure to do so may result in an ineligible rating.See the Required Documents section for important notes about what must be included in your resume.

Education

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be reviewed and certified by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be creditable toward your qualifications. Therefore, you should provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For more information about this requirement, please visit the U.S. Department of Education website for Foreign Education Evaluation.

All documentation must be in English or include an English translation.

Contacts

• Address National Security Division 2 Constitution Square 145 N Street NE Room 9W.300 Washington, DC 20530 US
• Name: Kathleen Vanderbur
• Email: [email protected]