Paralegal Specialist

Offices, Boards and Divisions • Washington, DC

8h

About The Position

The Paralegal Specialist provides paralegal support to one or more National Security Division attorneys handling national security litigation related to counterespionage and export control matters. The work and legal research require substantial knowledge of legislative and judicial decisions, opinions, determinations, and rulings relevant to intelligence, espionage, and Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) issues.

At the full-performance level, the position provides administrative support to attorneys, designs user applications for specific automation needs, maintains familiarity with section processes such as case tracking and reporting, and monitors pending cases to help ensure timely submission of legal filings. The position requires U.S. citizenship or nationality and the ability to obtain and maintain a TOP SECRET/SCI security clearance. A pre-employment security investigation, background check, and drug screening are required; periodic drug screenings may also apply. A one-year probationary period may be required.

Requirements

• Be a United States citizen or national.
• Obtain and maintain a TOP SECRET/SCI security clearance.
• Complete a pre-employment security investigation and background check, including drug screening; employees must pass a pre-appointment urinalysis and subsequent periodic drug screenings.
• Register with the Selective Service if required, or have an approved exemption on file.
• Complete the required USA Hire assessment within 48 hours of the announcement closing date, if notified that it is required.
• Meet the GS-9 qualification requirements through one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-7, qualifying graduate education, an LLB or J.D. if related, or a combination of education and experience. Specialized experience includes contributing as part of a team connecting prosecution and law enforcement and collaborating with paralegals supporting prosecuting attorneys.
• Meet the GS-11 qualification requirements through one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-9, qualifying doctoral education, an LL.M. if related, or a combination of education and experience. Specialized experience includes independently connecting law enforcement and criminal prosecution teams and independently supporting prosecution attorneys while protecting confidential and critical case elements.
• Meet all qualification requirements by November 12, 2026, and ensure the resume supports the application questionnaire and qualification claims.
• If relying on foreign education, provide evidence that it is equivalent to U.S. education, with documentation in English or accompanied by an English translation.

Responsibilities

• Provide paralegal support to one or more NSD attorneys handling national security litigation related to counterespionage and export control matters.
• Conduct paralegal support and legal research involving legislative and judicial decisions, opinions, determinations, and rulings relevant to intelligence, espionage, and FARA issues.
• Perform administrative support to assist attorneys with daily operations.
• Design user applications to meet specific automation needs.
• Maintain familiarity with section processes, including case tracking and reporting.
• Monitor pending cases to maintain timely submission of legal filings.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package; eligibility and specific benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level