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 located in Detroit, Michigan.
To qualify for the position of Paralegal Specialist, you must meet the qualification requirements listed below. GS-9: To be eligible at the GS-9 level, you must meet at least ONE of the following conditions, as defined below: Specialized Experience, Education, OR a Combination of Education and Experience. Specialized Experience: One full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 level. Specialized experience is defined as experience performing paralegal or legal work which demonstrates a basic knowledge of legal research and the ability to interpret legal decisions. Examples of specialized experience may include the following: examining and processing a variety of legal documents; conducting research, analysis and evaluation of data in response to complex or sensitive requests; drafting briefs, pleadings, litigation recommendations, or other legal documents and correspondence; using a variety of electronic or manual filing systems to acquire and store information; document findings and preparing recommendations; or searching and reviewing legal references, case files, and other sources for information and data required by attorneys or court personnel. Education: One of the following types of education in a related field (e.g., Criminal Justice, Law, Public Administration, Business Administration): a Master's or equivalent graduate degree (such as an LL.B. or J.D.); OR 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree. Education at the graduate level must be in an accredited college or university and must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of the position. Combining Education and Experience: Combinations of successfully completed graduate education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements. In order to qualify based on a combination, graduate education must be in excess of 1 full year. GS-11: To be eligible at the GS-11 level, you must meet at least ONE of the following conditions, as defined below: Specialized Experience, Education, OR a combination of Education and Experience. Specialized Experience: One full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 level. Specialized Experience is defined as experience performing a variety of analytical paralegal or legal work which demonstrates a practical knowledge of law, the litigation and judicial process, and applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Examples of specialized experiences may include the following: analyzing and evaluating legal decisions and case files to identify relevant issues and potential evidence; conducting legal research concerning precedents and past court decisions; composing legal briefs, summaries of analyses and decisions, and pre-trial documents; interviewing witnesses and various individuals who can provide insight into cases under review; or preparing evidence and documents to support recommendations. Education: One of the following types of education in a related field (e.g., Criminal Justice, Law): a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; OR 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree; or LL.M. Education at the graduate level must be in an accredited college or university and must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of the position. Combining Education and Experience: Combinations of successfully completed graduate education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements. In order to qualify based on a combination, graduate education must be in excess of 2 full years. You MUST meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement, (12/18/2025). 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 indicating whether or not the USA Hire assessment is required. You will have 48 hours from the closing date of this announcement (12/18/2025) to complete the assessment which is part of your application.
As a Paralegal Specialist in the United States Attorney's Office USAO), you will join a well-respected team that is responsible for providing a variety of technical, analytical, and legal support to attorneys handling sensitive sensitive matters in support of the mission and function of the Criminal Division. Your duties will include, but are not limited to: Conducting complex legal and factual research and analysis. Providing litigation case management support, i.e., monitoring and managing discovery. Providing in-courtroom presentation of exhibits and trial support. Preparing investigative legal process, including subpeonas, search warrants, and nondisclosure orders. Preparing exhibits for trial, which typically involve a a wide range of visual materials including video and audio recordings, charts, demonstratives, and photographs. Frequent interaction with internal and external law enforcement partners, defense counsel, and court personnel. Maintaining and performing tasks using legal databases and software systems. Performing other related duties as assigned. Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress.