Paralegal Specialist

Summary

This position is located in the Office of the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer (OCAHO), Executive Office for Immigration Review, U. S. Department of Justice. The Paralegal Specialist performs legal research, assists Administrative Law Judges in managing cases and dockets, processes filings and outgoing orders and decisions. This is a Competitive Service position; additional positions may be filled from this announcement within 90 days of certificate issuance.

This job is open to

• The public – U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
• Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL) – Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.
• Veterans – Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces or a spouse, widow, widower or parent of a veteran, who may be eligible for derived preference.

Clarification from the agency

This announcement is open to all U.S. Citizens.

Duties

Duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Researches statutes, regulations, decisions, opinions, legislative history, and other legal authorities on the points of law involved and analyzes and applies such findings to the case at hand, including, as appropriate, the utilization of automated legal research for Administrative Law Judges (ALJs).
• Provides assistance to the ALJs in connection with evidentiary, procedural, and substantive issues in pending cases.
• Reviews case-related documents for conformity with format, grammar, style, and OCAHO procedures prior to signature and issuance by the ALJs.
• Monitors, updates, and organizes case indexes, electronic case files, and the electronic case management system.
• Coordinates the preparation of correspondence, orders, and decisions in draft and final form and forwards them to the appropriate parties and for publication.
• Serves as liaison and maintains contact with parties, counsel, and third parties regarding cases.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

• Complete the initial online assessment and USA Hire Assessment, if required.
• Complete a background investigation, credit check, and drug test.
• Be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Must be registered with Selective Service, as applicable.
• Probationary period will apply.
• Salary must be paid by direct deposit to a financial institution.
• Meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

Qualifications

In order to qualify for the Paralegal Specialist 0950‑09 position, you must meet the following minimum qualifications:

Specialized Experience: At least one or more full‑time years (12‑months) of specialized work experience equivalent to at least the GS‑07 grade level in the Federal service, performing the following duties:

• Researching statutes, regulations, decisions, opinions, legislative history, and other legal authorities.
• Coordinating the preparation and submission of correspondence, orders, and decisions in draft and final form.
• Providing status information on cases and answering specific procedural questions pertaining to the adjudication process.
• Scheduling pre‑hearing conferences and hearings, including coordinating arrangements with parties and counsel, securing appropriate courtroom space, and/or making travel arrangements.

-OR-

Education: A Master’s or equivalent graduate degree OR two (2) full years of progressively higher‑level graduate education leading to such a degree OR an LL.B. or J.D. in a directly related field. Must provide transcripts.

-OR-

Combination: A combination of the above described graduate education and specialized experience such that they total 100% of the stated minimum qualifications for the GS‑09 level. Only graduate education beyond the first year (18 semester hours) may be used when combining education and experience. Must submit transcripts.

In order to qualify for the Paralegal Specialist 0950‑11 position, you must meet the following minimum qualifications:

Specialized Experience: At least one or more full‑time years (12‑months) of specialized work experience equivalent to at least the GS‑09 grade level in the Federal service, performing the following duties:

• Reviewing, analyzing, and evaluating discovery motions, petitions to intervene, other pleadings, and proposed testimony and exhibits in advance of conferences or hearings and summarizing their contents, identifying pertinent facts, procedural aspects, laws, and issues involved.
• Making recommendations to staff concerning allegations, legal arguments, uncontested facts, evidence appraisal, and inferences to be drawn.
• Reviewing legal documents upon initial receipt for statutory and regulatory compliance, including proper certification, party representation, and timeliness.
• Preparing legal memoranda and drafts of written decisions and orders.

-OR-

Education: A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree OR three (3) full years of progressively higher‑level graduate education leading to such a degree OR an LL.M. in a directly related field. Must provide transcripts.

-OR-

Combination: A calculated combination of successfully completed graduate education and experience. Compute experience as a percentage of the experience listed above; compute education as a percentage of the education listed above; the total must equal at least 100%. Only graduate education in excess of two full years (36 hours) may be used for this option. Must submit transcripts.

Education

ARE YOU USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY? Education must be accredited by an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to be credited toward qualifications. Provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. Foreign education must be evaluated by a qualified organization or be credit‑equivalent to U.S. accredited programs. Transcripts must be official and may need to be translated.

Additional information

Conditions of Employment: Only U.S. Citizens or Nationals are eligible for employment. Dual citizens of the U.S. and another country will be considered on a case‑by‑case basis. All DOJ applicants must meet residency requirements. Veterans’ preference documentation must be submitted if applicable. More details on veterans’ preference and other eligibility requirements can be found on the official USajobs website.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides a comprehensive benefits package. Specific benefits depend on the position type and employment status. Contact the hiring agency for further information.

How you will be evaluated

Applicants will be evaluated based on how well they meet the qualifications listed in this announcement. Your resume and supporting documentation must demonstrate your qualification. If qualified, your application will be assigned to a category (Best Qualified, Highly Qualified, or Qualified). Veterans’ preference eligible individuals receive selection priority within these categories.

Required Documents

Your complete application package must be submitted no later than 11:59 pm Eastern on 03/31/2026. The package must include:

• A two‑page or fewer résumé detailing official position titles, employer names, dates, full‑time status, and duties with accomplishments.
• A complete Assessment Questionnaire.
• Supporting documents as applicable, including transcripts, CTAP/ICTAP documents, veterans’ preference documents (DD‑214 or SF‑15), Schedule A proof (if applicable), and any other verification required.

How to Apply

Begin by clicking the "Apply Online" button, complete the online application and attach all required documentation. Submit by 11:59 pm ET on the closing date. If required, you will be notified after submission about any USA Hire assessments. Follow the instructions to complete assessments within 48 hours. Check your application status in USAJOBS for updates.

Agency contact information

EOIR HR Services

Office of the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer
5107 Leesburg Pike
Falls Church, VA 22041
US

Overview

Open & Closing Dates: 03/17/2026 to 03/31/2026
Salary: $70,623 to $111,087 per year
Pay Scale & Grade: GS 9 – 11
Location: Falls Church, VA (no telework, telework eligible on a case‑by‑case basis)
Remote Job: No
Travel Required: Not required
Appointment Type: Permanent
Work Schedule: Full‑time
Service: Competitive
Promotion Potential: 11
Job Family: 0950 Paralegal Specialist
Security Clearance: Not Required
Drug Test: Yes
Position Sensitivity and Risk: Moderate Risk (MR)
Announcement Number: DE- -FM
Control Number:

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