This position is located in the Office of the General Counsel, Office of General Law (OGL). OGL is a client focused legal office responsible for representing and advising management on a broad range of issues involving administration of the USPTO. OGL attorneys represent the USPTO in litigation proceedings and provide advice and legal opinions on matters including cybersecurity and information technology law, administrative law, employment and labor law, information law, and procurement law.
The physical worksite for this position is located in Alexandria, Virginia. Presence at the Alexandria, VA campus is required for this role, as it includes on site functions that must be performed in person. Position may be eligible for situational telework in accordance with agency policy/business unit discretion. The agency currently allows for 52 hours of telework per calendar year.
This role is the ideal next career step for you:
- If you enjoy providing comprehensive litigation support in administrative matters and federal court cases including tracking deadlines, maintaining case files, coordinating document collection and production, conducting document review, assisting with discovery requests and responses, preparing and filing pleadings, tracking deadlines, and preparation of cases for hearing and trial.
- If you have a passion for conducting legal research on computer databases and other online sources to obtain information and materials on a broad range of issues.
- If you are excited about preparing initial drafts of motions, briefs, discovery requests and responses, and other litigation and investigation-related documents.
- If you look forward to tracking and reporting on ongoing litigation and investigation matters.
- Applications will only be accepted from United States Citizens and Nationals.
- Your resume and question responses must demonstrate the job-related competencies.
- You must meet the definition of specialized experience.
- Required to pass a background investigation and fingerprint check.
- Must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable (www.sss.gov).
- If selected, you may be required to complete a one year probationary period.
- You must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement.
- Suitable for Federal Employment
- Time-in-grade/band requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.
You must meet the United States Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) qualification requirements (including specialized experience and/or educational requirements) for the advertised position. You must meet all eligibility and qualifications requirements by the closing date of the job announcement. OPM Qualifications Standards are available at OPM Qualifications Standards are available at: Qualification Standard for Paralegal Specialist.
Specialized Experienceis experience that has equipped applicants with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least one year at the next lower grade level in the federal service. For this position, the next lower grade level is a GS-11.
Specialized experience for this position includes:
- Experience providing case management and support for attorneys in handling multiple concurrent administrative (e.g., EEOC, MSPB, FLRA) or judicial litigation matters, including: maintaining electronic files, monitoring deadlines, communicating with witnesses and court personnel, drafting legal pleadings, interpreting court rules and procedures, proofreading, cite-checking, and/or filing legal documents.
- Experience with document review platforms, electronic discovery, and preparing document productions and exhibits.
Education may not be substituted for specialized experience at this grade level.
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.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.