Paralegal Specialist

Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys•Portland, OR

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Oregon is seeking Paralegal Specialists. These positions are located in Portland, OR. As needed, additional positions may be filled using this announcement. This Paralegal Specialist position provides legal and investigative support to Assistant United States Attorneys handling criminal and civil asset forfeiture matters. The position works closely with attorneys, investigators, and law-enforcement agencies to identify, investigate, seize, and forfeit assets connected to federal crimes.

Requirements

You must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory pre-employment adjudication.
This includes fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing.
Continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation.
You must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable.
If selected, you may be required to complete a one year probationary period.
Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements within 30 days after the closing date of this announcement.
You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days after the closing date of this announcement and before placement in the position.
GS-9: To be eligible at the GS-9 level, you must meet at least ONE of the following conditions, as defined below: Specialized Experience: One full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 level. Specialized experience is defined as experience performing paralegal or legal work which demonstrates a basic knowledge of legal research and the ability to interpret legal decisions. Examples of specialized experience may include the following: examining and processing a variety of legal documents; conducting research, analysis and evaluation of data in response to complex or sensitive requests; drafting briefs, pleadings, litigation recommendations, or other legal documents and correspondence; using a variety of electronic or manual filing systems to acquire and store information; document findings and preparing recommendations; searching and reviewing legal references, case files, and other sources for information and data required by attorneys or court personnel.
GS-9 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.
GS-9 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.
GS-11: To be eligible at the GS-11 level, you must meet at least ONE of the following conditions, as defined below: 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.
GS-11 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 full 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.
GS-11 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.
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.
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.
All documentation must be in English or include an English translation.

Nice To Haves

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Responsibilities

Assisting attorneys with criminal and civil forfeiture matters, including preparing pleadings, notices, motions, orders, and other legal documents.
Conducting legal and factual research concerning forfeiture issues, property ownership, liens, and third-party claims.
Organizing and maintaining forfeiture case files, databases, and case-management systems.
Tracking deadlines and procedural requirements and assisting with the preparation of cases for hearings and other proceedings.
Communicating with investigators, law-enforcement agencies, courts, property owners, financial institutions, and other parties regarding forfeiture matters.
Assisting with the processing, resolution, and disposition of forfeited property and related claims.
Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress.