Summary
If you are seeking an opportunity to become familiar with the legal and economic methodologies used by attorneys at the Federal Trade Commission during the course of various investigations and litigation, and want to play an integral role in a dynamic organization, then consider joining the Federal Trade Commission's Bureau of Competition!
For more information, please visit:
Bureau of Competition | Federal Trade Commission (ftc.gov)
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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If you are selected for the
Lead Paralegal Specialist position, your responsibilities may include some or all of the following:
- Performing preliminary screening of substantive material, prior to review by attorneys, separating the material into categories of importance.
- Coordinating and leading training on deposition scheduling and exhibit preparation processes.
- Coordinating and lead training on the utilization of key agency applications and software's the Bureau uses, including Westlaw, LexisNexis, CaseMap, TextMap, Kiteworks, Relativity, TrialDirector, and PACER.
- Reviewing and analyzing numerous case-related documents, often identifying key evidence cited in memoranda and used during investigational hearings, depositions, and/or trial.
- Managing deposition preparation and scheduling, including oversight of logistics coordination with vendors, and preparing paper and deposition exhibits.
- Digesting transcripts of testimony from investigational hearings and/or depositions, summarizing testimony for attorneys.
- Drafting interview reports, declarations, notices, stipulations, and other routine orders on behalf of attorneys.
- Assisting attorneys by drafting case decisions, summarizing significant findings of fact and conclusions of law.
- Organizing, maintaining, and tracking evidentiary materials using platforms such as Relativity, CaseMap, TextMap, and other database systems.
- Supporting the progression of cases from investigation through litigation, while providing leadership to the BC Honors Paralegal team on a variety of case-related tasks.
- Providing direct support for trial preparation and proceedings in large, complex, federal civil and administrative trials, including organizing exhibits, coordinating logistics, and preparing materials.
- Assisting attorneys during court proceedings, traveling to trial site and investigational hearings when needed.
- Monitoring court docket entries and litigation schedules to facilitate filings, including complex filings under seal with multiple exhibits.
- Interpreting and applying local rules and judges' standing orders in various federal jurisdictions to ensure compliance in filings and submissions.
- Prepare, format, and file federal district court and administrative court documents-including motions, exhibits, briefs, and tables of contents/authorities-ensuring all materials meet electronic filing requirements.
- Utilizing TrialDirector software when appropriate for moots and/or trial proceedings to organize, manage, and present exhibits and demonstratives.
- Serve as team lead by guiding Honors Paralegals, overseeing work quality and deadlines, coaching on problem-solving, and ensuring adherence to legal and procedural standards.
- Maintaining, updating, and disseminating policies, procedures, and written guidance from the supervisor, responding to team questions and ensuring alignment with current directives.
- Monitoring and reporting the status and progress of team work to supervisors and attorneys, reviewing in-progress and completed tasks for accuracy, priority alignment, and quality.
- Providing ongoing paralegal training through one-on-one coaching, brown-bag sessions, and technical instructions on key software tools (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis, CaseMap, TextMap, Kiteworks, Relativity, TrialDirector, PACER) and professional development.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
- U.S. citizenship requirement must be met by the closing date of this vacancy.
- Position is subject to a background investigation.
- Males born after December 31, 1959 must register with Selective Service.
- The position may be subject to completion of a one-year probationary period. Probationary periods are an extension of the hiring process.
- If selected for this position, the agency will evaluate your fitness and whether continuation of employment advances the public interest before extending your appointment beyond the one-year probationary period.
- Resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply).
- This position is in the bargaining unit. This position is represented by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), Local 2211.
Qualifications
To qualify for the
Lead Paralegal Specialist position at the
GS-11 level, you must meet the following requirements:
You must have a 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;
OR
You must demonstrate in your resume at least one (1) year of qualifying experience equivalent to at least the
GS-09 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: assisting in developing and implementing plans for paralegal support; assisting in directing a team of paralegals, evaluating resource allocations, and understanding the breadth of paralegal duties necessary to support investigations; assisting in developing and implementing plans for paralegal support on investigations and litigations.
OR
You have a combination of education and experience, which qualify you for this position.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Education
If you qualify on the basis of education in lieu of experience, you must submit a copy of your transcripts . Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package; however, official transcripts will be required prior to receiving an official offer.
If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://www.ed.gov/about/initiatives/international-affairs/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications.
Additional information
If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and are claiming 5-points veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 or other proof of eligibility.
If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, you must also submit an SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" plus the proof required by that form. For more information on veterans' preference visit: VETERANS GUIDE
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see Selective Service System).
Career Transition Assistance Programs: These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 87 or above; and, (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. For more information visit: CAREER TRANSITION.
Non-competitive Appointment Authorities:
For more information on non-competitive appointment authority eligibility requirements:
- Persons with Disabilities-Schedule A
- Special Hiring Authorities for Veterans
- Special Hiring Authority for Certain Military Spouses
- Other Special Appointment Authorities
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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.
Benefits
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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.