Paralegal Specialist
Provides research, legal support, and case development services to assigned ALJs. Researches and determines the specific legal actions which are necessary to prepare cases for hearing such as developing and issuing various types of orders to obtain the required information. Analyzes and/or prepares responses and actions resulting from orders and motions, ensuring that legal requirements are met by claimants, representatives and attorneys. Prepares necessary legal documents for hearings, anticipates issues which may arise, and researches information, laws, and precedent cases for the ALJ's. The incumbent provides information to attorneys and judges on the status of cases and actions required to bring cases to hearing and an eventual decision being issued by the ALJ. Examines, analyzes, and evaluates the information, documentation, and factual and legal issues presented in case files to determine whether additional pre-hearing actions such as motions resolution, orders, extension, and continuances must be taken before cases are ready for hearing. Triages cases to determine the specific legal actions which are necessary to prepare cases for hearing and takes appropriate actions such as developing and issuing various types of orders indicating the precise nature of information required. Analyzes post-hearing briefs to help process the case and in preparation for the Judge's final decision. Performs legal research to ensure that case law cited is the applicable precedent; and/or reviews transcripts for factual determinations cited in briefs. Drafts related legal documents in accord with legal requirements for the ALJ's review and approval. Reviews and analyzes complex motions for attorney fees. Researches the appropriate statute and regulations to determine whether fees are reasonable and appropriate for the locale and that only approves fees incurred while the case was before the OALJ. Determines final fees granted and prepares orders stipulating allowable fees with discussions and legal citations for fees not allowed. Assists in planning and managing the OALJ law library; reviewing and responding to requests for subpoenas and preparing required documents; preparing requests and dispositions for Settlement Judges on cases referred under the Settlement Judge or Alternate Dispute Resolution process; follows the established appeals process, and maintains records and statistics for the several legal processes within the agency. Performs legal assistant duties as necessary for one or more ALJ's, including but not limited to:
Managing the case files assigned to each judge assisted by the use of a variety of web-based programs, application software, office automated programs, and the OALJNet; reading and managing incoming mail, enters incoming mail into the Case Tracking System (CTS) in accordance with office policy; maintaining a record of all actions taken; maintaining the judge's hearing/settlement conference calendars; arranging travel as necessary, securing and arranging the use of courtrooms and court reporters for hearings; reviewing monthly reports of judges; responding to legal and informational requests; reviewing settlements for accuracy and completeness; arranging conference calls and handling all telephone calls and messages to or from the judges. Verifies completeness and accuracy of appealed files for forwarding to the appropriate Department of Labor tribunal and to the Federal Records Center (FRC) in accordance with the FRC's archiving policy requirements. Summarizes information and legal issues presented in cases, determines when cases should be referred to judges or when cases are ready for hearing or decision on the record. Prepares all necessary paperwork for hearings and refers cases to the docket for assignment to set hearings. Receives incoming visitors and sees to their comfort and on-time arrival at hearings and other legal appointments. Receives visitors to the office to file briefs, depositions, transcripts, or requesting documents and subpoenas. Monitors attorneys and witnesses traversing in and out of courtrooms during hearings ensuring the security of access to OALJ offices by containment in limited areas. The Paralegal Specialist provides training for the judges and the office's legal support staff when new procedures regarding IT programs or policy changes are implemented. Works closely with the office's Administrative Specialist and acts as his/her backup gaining a workable knowledge of all docket, administrative, human relations, IT and procurement functions and performs these duties in the Administrative Specialists' absence to ensure a smooth workflow for the office. IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. For the GS-09:
Applicants must have 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, GS-07, in the Federal Service. Specialized experience will include the following:
Conducting research on routine cases. Utilizing knowledge of resource tools to investigate, analyze, and resolve issues in simple casework. Provides effective direct service on assigned matters to include fact finding, problem analysis, problem solving, writing and interpreting regulations and/or policies. OR Master's or equivalent graduate degree OR 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B, or J.D., if related OR An equivalent combination of specialized experience directly related to the work of the position and some graduate level education in a related field which has provided you with the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position.
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
Managing the case files assigned to each judge assisted by the use of a variety of web-based programs, application software, office automated programs, and the OALJNet; reading and managing incoming mail, enters incoming mail into the Case Tracking System (CTS) in accordance with office policy; maintaining a record of all actions taken; maintaining the judge's hearing/settlement conference calendars; arranging travel as necessary, securing and arranging the use of courtrooms and court reporters for hearings; reviewing monthly reports of judges; responding to legal and informational requests; reviewing settlements for accuracy and completeness; arranging conference calls and handling all telephone calls and messages to or from the judges. Verifies completeness and accuracy of appealed files for forwarding to the appropriate Department of Labor tribunal and to the Federal Records Center (FRC) in accordance with the FRC's archiving policy requirements. Summarizes information and legal issues presented in cases, determines when cases should be referred to judges or when cases are ready for hearing or decision on the record. Prepares all necessary paperwork for hearings and refers cases to the docket for assignment to set hearings. Receives incoming visitors and sees to their comfort and on-time arrival at hearings and other legal appointments. Receives visitors to the office to file briefs, depositions, transcripts, or requesting documents and subpoenas. Monitors attorneys and witnesses traversing in and out of courtrooms during hearings ensuring the security of access to OALJ offices by containment in limited areas. The Paralegal Specialist provides training for the judges and the office's legal support staff when new procedures regarding IT programs or policy changes are implemented. Works closely with the office's Administrative Specialist and acts as his/her backup gaining a workable knowledge of all docket, administrative, human relations, IT and procurement functions and performs these duties in the Administrative Specialists' absence to ensure a smooth workflow for the office. IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. For the GS-09:
Applicants must have 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, GS-07, in the Federal Service. Specialized experience will include the following:
Conducting research on routine cases. Utilizing knowledge of resource tools to investigate, analyze, and resolve issues in simple casework. Provides effective direct service on assigned matters to include fact finding, problem analysis, problem solving, writing and interpreting regulations and/or policies. OR Master's or equivalent graduate degree OR 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B, or J.D., if related OR An equivalent combination of specialized experience directly related to the work of the position and some graduate level education in a related field which has provided you with the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position.
- Department:
0950 Paralegal Specialist - Salary Range:
$54,479 to $70,823 per year
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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