Paralegal Specialist (CS-9/11)

Summary

The U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims has exclusive jurisdiction over decisions of the Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board or BVA). The Court reviews Board decisions appealed by claimants who believe the Board erred in its decision. The Court's review of Board decisions is based on the record before the agency and arguments of the parties, which are presented in a written brief, with oral argument generally held only in cases presenting new legal issues.

Duties

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The Paralegal Specialist will provide legal and administrative support to the General Counsel, Deputy General Counsel, and Associate General Counsel in connection with the Court's legal advisory, ethics, policy, and administrative functions. This position requires a high level of professionalism, discretion, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a confidential legal environment. The Paralegal Specialist performs a full range of legal and administrative support duties in support of the Office of General Counsel (OGC), including but not limited to: Conducting legal and factual research related to statutes, regulations, case law, ethics rules and standards, Court policies, and administrative matters. Assisting attorneys with drafting, reviewing, and editing legal memoranda, correspondence, policies, standard operating procedures, guidance documents, and internal advisory materials. Preparing summaries, chronologies, analyses, and background materials for legal, ethics, and advisory matters. Tracking assignments, deadlines, and action items for matters handled by OGC and ensuring timely follow-up. Learning Court and OGC systems and processes to predict and complete tasks with minimal oversight. Utilizing critical thinking skills to evaluate information and data and to communicate relevant points. Identifying trends in workflow and recommending responsive actions. Maintaining official and working files, including sensitive and confidential records, in accordance with Court records management requirements. Managing document intake, version control, and distribution of OGC materials. Assisting with administration of the Court's ethics program, including intake and tracking of ethics-related inquiries and supporting documentation. Supporting the development, maintenance, and coordination of ethics training and reference materials. Coordinating meetings, calendars, and logistical arrangements for OGC leadership. Drafting routine correspondence and responding to internal requests for information, as appropriate. Serving as a liaison with Court offices, chambers, and external contacts on administrative or procedural matters. Performing other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: The selectee must have a paralegal certificate or degree from an accredited institution, or an equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible paralegal or legal support experience. Note: Experience in veterans' benefits law and court operations or administration is beneficial but not required. Skills: Proficiency in legal research, including use of online legal research databases and methods. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in writing and orally. Skill in organizing, tracking, and managing multiple assignments and deadlines, with exceptional attention to detail. Flexibility to adapt to shifting priorities and provide support for multiple attorneys. Ability to perform duties and assignments independently. Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and electronic records systems with a willingness and ability to learn other technologies and systems used by the Court. Preferred Qualifications: Experience working in a federal court, judicial branch, government legal office, or law firm. Familiarity with judicial ethics, ethics advisory functions, or administrative law. Experience supporting senior-level attorneys or executives in a high-paced work environment. Promotion Potential: This position may be filled at the CS-9 or CS-11 depending on the selectee's qualifications. If filled below the CS-11 level, the position may have promotion potential to CS-11 without further competition, subject to satisfactory performance, availability of work, and compliance with applicable Court policies.

Requirements

This appointment is made without regard to Title 5 governing appointments to competitive service. The selectee will be subject to a two-year probationary period. A background security investigation is required for all new hires. The appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of fingerprinting and a favorably adjudicated background security investigation. Failure to meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.

Education

The selectee must have a paralegal certificate or degree from an accredited institution, or an equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible paralegal or legal support experience.

How you will be evaluated

Once your completed application package is received, we will conduct an evaluation and the selected candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for future consideration and possible interview.

How to apply

Please submit your application packet to: Human Resources at employment@uscourts.cavc.gov. Please include the vacancy announcement number in the subject line. The U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, age, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, national origin, disability, or political affiliation.

Other information

This is an "at-will" position. Excepted Service Position: This job is being filled by an alternative hiring process and is not in the competitive civil service. Veterans Information: There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to paralegal appointments in the excepted service; however, the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims considers veterans' preference eligibility a positive factor for attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letters or resumes and attach supporting documents (e.g., DD Form 214, Certificate of Release, or Discharge from Active Duty) to their submissions.