Legal Administrative Specialist (Litigation Support)

Summary

For more information on the Department of Justice and the United States Attorneys' Offices, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/. As needed, additional positions may be filled using this announcement. This position is also being announced via Merit Staffing procedures under 26-NDTX-13031126-MS.

Duties

If selected for this position, you will join a well-respected team that is responsible for providing a wide range of legal support services to one or more Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) or Special Assistant United States Attorneys (SAUSAs) responsible for conducting litigation in the Criminal Division. The subject matter will include a broad range of general criminal litigation, including violent crime and immigration matters. Legal support services include assistance with case management and case presentations as well as automated case litigation and management programs. Typical work assignments will include: Assist with the collection of discovery. Prepare, organize, index, develop, and manage exhibits, evidence and data, including electronically stored information. Prepare a variety of documents including information requests, subpoenas, pleadings, correspondence, memos, and other documentation related to the acquisition of evidence for criminal investigations. Manage and operate a variety of computer hardware such as printers, plotters, audio-visual devices, and other equipment to conceptualize exhibits and complete special presentation projects. Analyze and summarize factual aspects of cases, including reading and analyzing reports of federal agencies on particular cases. Organize, catalog, review and produce discovery, including maintaining indexes and production logs. Assist in organizing voluminous case information for efficient retrieval through automated means such as scanning, indexing and controlling of documents into a data base. Assist with preparation for hearings, conferences and trials. Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress.

Qualifications

To qualify for the position of Legal Administrative Specialist (Litigation Support), at GS-0901-7/9, you must meet the qualification requirements listed below. GS-07: To be eligible at the GS-07 level, you must meet at least ONE of the following conditions: Specialized Experience: One full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level in Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as: operating litigation support hardware and software (i.e., Everlaw, Eclipse, Relativity, Trial Director, Camtasia Studio 8, advanced Microsoft Office Suite, etc.); performing routine litigation support assignments such as organizing case information; catalog, organize, review and produce discovery; assisting attorneys with preparation for hearings, conferences and trials - to include subpoenas, trial exhibits, information requests, pleadings, and correspondence; closing hard copy and electronic case files upon disposition of cases; and preparing appellate trial documents and exhibits. Education: One full year of graduate level study, or possess a Master's or higher degree, e.g., Ph.D., etc., in a field that provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities to do the work of the position (e.g., Criminal Justice, Law) OR possess a Bachelor's Degree or expect to complete the requirements for a Bachelor's degree within the next 9 months AND possess at least one of the following criteria: (1)class standing in the upper third of the graduating class; (2)an overall GPA of 3.0 OR at least a 3.0 based on courses completed during the final two years of my curriculum; a GPA of at least 3.5 based on the average of required courses completed in my major field OR based on the average of required courses completed during the final two years of my curriculum; OR (3) election to membership in a national scholastic honor society. (Transcripts required) Combining Education and Experience: Combination of successfully completed graduate education and specialized experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements. To calculate, first identify the percentage of required graduate education you have earned. Then identify the percentage of required experience you possess. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. (Transcripts required) GS-09: To be eligible at the GS-09 level, you must meet at least ONE of the following conditions: Specialized Experience: One full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level in Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as: assisting attorneys by performing advanced and complex litigation support systems; assist with preparation for hearings, conferences, trials and other projects by recommending and/or providing a variety of litigation support services; catalog, organize, review and produce discovery; designing and implementing database management programs to assist with the storage, tabulation, and presentation of case facts, evidence, and other information; monitoring input of data into database management programs; assisting in the organization and assembly of evidence, exhibits, discovery and other documents; and assisting user's in the operation of litigation support hardware, software and databases (i.e., Everlaw, Eclipse, Relativity, Trial Director, Camtasia Studio 8, advanced Microsoft Office Suite, etc.)??????? Education: Possess a Master's or equivalent graduate degree in a related field (e.g., Criminal Justice, Law); or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree; or an LL.B. or J.D, if related. (Transcripts required) Combining Education and Experience: Combination of successfully completed graduate education and specialized experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements. To calculate, first identify the percentage of required graduate education you have earned. Then identify the percentage of required experience you possess. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. (Transcripts required) Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP)- The ICTAP provides eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your ICTAP eligibility; 2) you apply under the instructions in the announcement; and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well-qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and receive a score of 85 or better on established ranking criteria. You must provide proof of eligibility to receive selection priority. Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of ICTAP eligibility or a copy of your separation personnel action form. Additional information about ICTAP eligibility is at: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/. Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)-The CTAP provides eligible surplus and displaced competitive service employees in the Department of Justice with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your Department of Justice component has notified you in writing that you are a surplus or displaced employee eligible for CTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your CTAP eligibility, 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement, and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and receive a score of 85 or better on established ranking criteria. You must provide a copy of your written notification of CTAP eligibility with your application. Additional information about CTAP eligibility is at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/. You MUST meet all qualification requirements by the 08/28/2026 of this announcement. Your resume must support your responses to the online questionnaire and the qualification requirements. Failure to do so may result in an ineligible rating. See the Required Documents section for important notes about what must be included in your resume. After you submit your application, you will receive notification indicated whether or not the USA Hire assessment is required. You will have 48 hours from the closing date of this announcement 08/28/2026 to complete the assessment which is part of your application.

Education

All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, see http://www.ed.gov FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website. If you are qualifying on foreign education, you MUST submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. All documentation must be in English or include an English translation.

How You Will Be Evaluated

Your application will be evaluated and rated under DOJ's Category Rating and Selection Procedures. Your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are qualified for this job, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the application questionnaire. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application materials, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this job You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics): Attention to Detail Customer Service Decision Making Flexibility Integrity/Honesty Interpersonal Skills Learning Reading Comprehension Reasoning Self-Management Stress Tolerance Teamwork If it is determined that you meet minimum qualification requirements and the technical or alternative assessment, your application will then be placed in one of three categories based on the assessment results: Best Qualified, Highly Qualified, or Qualified. Within these categories veterans' preference eligibles will receive selection priority over non-veteran preference eligibles. In order to be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. Your USAHIRE assessment results will be kept on record for one year and used toward future positions for which you might apply that require the same assessments. If you would like to preview the application questionnaire, please see: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13031125.

Required Documents

It is your responsibility to carefully review the list of required documents below and submit the necessary documentation based on your eligibility. Required: Your responses to the Online Occupational Questionnaire (This is completed automatically during the apply online process). Resume - All Applicants: You must submit a resume (a two page or less resume is required) containing the following pieces of information for each job entry listed in your employment history: Official position title, Employer name and contact information, Start and end dates (including month and year), Indicate full-time or number of hours worked per week if part-time, and A list of duties performed and accomplishments. 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. Veterans Preference Documentation: If you are claiming veterans' preference you must submit: (1) a copy of your DD-214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," (Member 4 copy), showing the dates of active duty, type of discharge, and character of service, OR (2) a certification letter from the armed forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted. This letter must contain (a) military service dates including the expected discharge or release date and (b) character of service. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference as a Disabled Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient, or Mother or Spouse of a Disabled or Deceased Veteran, in addition to the documents specified above, you must submit all additional proof required by the SF-15, and if applicable, a completed SF-15. CTAP/ICTAP eligibility documentation - If you are a displaced Federal employee claiming eligibility under CTAP or ICTAP, you must submit: A copy of the agency notice (i.e., letter of intent to separate, separation notice, or agency RIF letter), Your most recent performance appraisal, and Most recent SF-50 showing current/former position, grade, promotion potential, and duty location. See USAJOBS' Career Transition Programs for more information. College Transcripts - If you are using education to qualify for this position, or education is required, you must submit: An unofficial transcript containing a full listing of courses, credit earned, grade and grade-point-average, subject area, degree(s) earned, and dates of award. Note: If you are selected for this position, official transcripts will be required prior to your first day.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application questionnaire and submit your supporting documentation. Your complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 08/28/2026 to receive consi...

To qualify for the position of Legal Administrative Specialist (Litigation Support), at GS-0901-7/9, you must meet the qualification requirements listed below. GS-07: To be eligible at the GS-07 level, you must meet at least ONE of the following conditions: Specialized Experience: One full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level in Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as: operating litigation support hardware and software (i.e., Everlaw, Eclipse, Relativity, Trial Director, Camtasia Studio 8, advanced Microsoft Office Suite, etc.); performing routine litigation support assignments such as organizing case information; catalog, organize, review and produce discovery; assisting attorneys with preparation for hearings, conferences and trials - to include subpoenas, trial exhibits, information requests, pleadings, and correspondence; closing hard copy and electronic case files upon disposition of cases; and preparing appellate trial documents and exhibits. Education: One full year of graduate level study, or possess a Master's or higher degree, e.g., Ph.D., etc., in a field that provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities to do the work of the position (e.g., Criminal Justice, Law) OR possess a Bachelor's Degree or expect to complete the requirements for a Bachelor's degree within the next 9 months AND possess at least one of the following criteria: (1)class standing in the upper third of the graduating class; (2)an overall GPA of 3.0 OR at least a 3.0 based on courses completed during the final two years of my curriculum; a GPA of at least 3.5 based on the average of required courses completed in my major field OR based on the average of required courses completed during the final two years of my curriculum; OR (3) election to membership in a national scholastic honor society. (Transcripts required) Combining Education and Experience: Combination of successfully completed graduate education and specialized experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements. To calculate, first identify the percentage of required graduate education you have earned. Then identify the percentage of required experience you possess. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. (Transcripts required) GS-09: To be eligible at the GS-09 level, you must meet at least ONE of the following conditions: Specialized Experience: One full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level in Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as: assisting attorneys by performing advanced and complex litigation support systems; assist with preparation for hearings, conferences, trials and other projects by recommending and/or providing a variety of litigation support services; catalog, organize, review and produce discovery; designing and implementing database management programs to assist with the storage, tabulation, and presentation of case facts, evidence, and other information; monitoring input of data into database management programs; assisting in the organization and assembly of evidence, exhibits, discovery and other documents; and assisting user's in the operation of litigation support hardware, software and databases (i.e., Everlaw, Eclipse, Relativity, Trial Director, Camtasia Studio 8, advanced Microsoft Office Suite, etc.)??????? Education: Possess a Master's or equivalent graduate degree in a related field (e.g., Criminal Justice, Law); or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree; or an LL.B. or J.D, if related. (Transcripts required) Combining Education and Experience: Combination of successfully completed graduate education and specialized experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements. To calculate, first identify the percentage of required graduate education you have earned. Then identify the percentage of required experience you possess. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. (Transcripts required) Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP)- The ICTAP provides eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your ICTAP eligibility; 2) you apply under the instructions in the announcement; and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well-qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and receive a score of 85 or better on established ranking criteria. You must provide proof of eligibility to receive selection priority. Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of ICTAP eligibility or a copy of your separation personnel action form. Additional information about ICTAP eligibility is at: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/. Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)-The CTAP provides eligible surplus and displaced competitive service employees in the Department of Justice with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your Department of Justice component has notified you in writing that you are a surplus or displaced employee eligible for CTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your CTAP eligibility, 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement, and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and receive a score of 85 or better on established ranking criteria. You must provide a copy of your written notification of CTAP eligibility with your application. Additional information about CTAP eligibility is at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/. You MUST meet all qualification requirements by the 08/28/2026 of this announcement. Your resume must support your responses to the online questionnaire and the qualification requirements. Failure to do so may result in an ineligible rating. See the Required Documents section for important notes about what must be included in your resume. After you submit your application, you will receive notification indicated whether or not the USA Hire assessment is required. You will have 48 hours from the closing date of this announcement 08/28/2026 to complete the assessment which is part of your application.