Paralegal Specialist

Overview These positions are located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA) Legal Operations (Legal Ops) throughout the country. This is a non‑bargaining unit position. ICE OPLA is the largest legal department within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with more than 3,000 attorneys and 500 support staff working nationwide in 143 offices located within nine Regions. OPLA represents DHS in removal proceedings before the Executive Office for Immigration Review, handling cases involving criminal aliens, terrorists, human rights violators, and other priority aliens, and provides a full range of legal services to all ICE programs and offices. Responsibilities Research laws, regulations, court decisions, opinions, legislative history, and other legal authorities, and analyze and apply findings to support attorneys, including using automated legal research tools where appropriate. Assist attorneys in preparing for and representing the United States Government in immigration proceedings before immigration judges or other tribunals, often involving evidentiary, procedural, and substantive issues in pending cases, and facilitate communication between attorneys and clients, witnesses, or other parties. Review case‑related documents for conformity with standardized formatting, grammar, legal citations, and practice manuals prior to signature and issuance by attorneys. Monitor and update databases and repositories using an electronic case management system or similar system. Assist in preparing correspondence, motions, briefs, case summaries, and other written work product in draft and final form, including affidavits, discovery requests, responses, evidentiary packages, and other legal documents for immigration proceedings and federal litigation. Compile, summarize, and analyze case information, statistics, or other relevant data for attorneys or to support leadership’s decision‑making and performance tracking. Manage calendars, deadlines, and other logistical aspects of legal work. Perform other duties as assigned. Required Conditions of Employment U.S. citizenship. Successful completion of a background investigation. Successful completion of a drug screen. Males born after 12/31/59 must certify registration with Selective Service. Must meet all requirements by the closing date of the announcement. Full‑time permanent position subject to a one‑year probationary period. Completion of an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, if a conditional offer is received. Completion of the initial online assessment and USAHire Assessment, if required. Minimum Qualifications for GS‑09 Specialized Experience: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS‑07 in the federal service, including: Drafting and editing memoranda, research reports, or correspondences related to legal cases. Reviewing case materials. Preparing and organizing trial exhibits. Preparing summaries of testimony and depositions. Education Substitution: Applicants may substitute education for experience if they have: Master’s or equivalent graduate degree; or Two full years of progressively higher‑level graduate education leading to such a degree; or LL.B. or J.D., if related. Combination of Education and Experience: A combined education and experience percentage of at least 100% qualifies. Calculation: (months of experience ÷ 12) + ((completed graduate semester hours – 18) ÷ 18) = total percentage. Minimum Qualifications for GS‑11 Specialized Experience: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS‑09 in the federal service, including: Analyzing cases related to immigration law. Assisting attorneys in case preparation by analyzing facts and legal questions. Classifying and interpreting data from a variety of sources related to immigration matters. Collecting, reviewing, and fact‑finding supporting documentation for court proceedings. Education Substitution: Applicants may substitute education if they have: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; or Three full years of progressively higher‑level graduate education leading to such a degree; or LL.M., if related. Combination of Education and Experience: A combined education and experience percentage of at least 100% qualifies. Calculation: (months of experience ÷ 12) + ((completed graduate semester hours – 18) ÷ 18) = total percentage. Minimum Qualifications for GS‑12 Specialized Experience: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to GS‑11 in the federal service, including: Researching relevant legislation, regulations, case law, and policy. Preparing litigation reports in connection with lawsuits filed against an agency or organization. Reviewing, analyzing, and recommending appropriate responses on appeals. Evaluating evidence, facts, and circumstances relating to cases and making recommendations within the requirements of the law and regulations. There is no educational substitution for the GS‑12 level. EEO Statement The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last five years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non‑career SES, or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office. #J-18808-Ljbffr