If you are seeking an opportunity to become familiar with the legal, economic and operational methodology used by attorneys and professional staff in 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 one of the various Bureaus or Offices at the Federal Trade Commission! For more information visit, www.ftc.gov.
Summary
If you are seeking an opportunity to become familiar with the legal, economic and operational methodology used by attorneys and professional staff in 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 one of the various Bureaus or Offices at the Federal Trade Commission! For more information visit, www.ftc.gov.
All U.S. Citizens
This vacancy announcement will be open from 04/12/2021 to 04/22/2021 or when 250 applications have been received. The
vacancy will close on whichever day the first of these conditions is met. If the application limit is reached on the same day the
announcement opened, the open and close date will be the same. Candidates are encouraged to read the entire announcement
before submitting their application packages.
If you are selected for this position you may be performing some or all of the following duties:
Performs research using section or attorney files, library references files, corporate records, private and governmental studies, legal research databases, and other pertinent sources, to supply factual information for inclusion in memoranda, briefs, and similar documents. Uses electronic databases to assist in factual and/or legal research; encodes substantive case materials; retrieves and analyzes materials through data searches.
Writes and/or edits interview reports and other memoranda reflecting facts, sources, citations, etc., discovered during the course of research.
Prepares table of contents, indexes and table of authorities for legal briefs, memoranda, and other such documents; reviews and researches citations, footnotes, textual references and other entries for accuracy.
Digests substantive materials or transcripts of testimony from investigational hearings and/or depositions; indexes documents in accordance with legal categories determined by the attorney to whom assigned.
Assists attorneys in conducting interviews with investigative sources and prospective witnesses to gather information useful in assessing the impact of regulations on industries; Organizes, maintains and/or archives files (interrogatories, document requests, requests for admission, objections, motions, affidavits, general correspondence, exhibits, etc.) for case team members throughout the course of an investigation or litigation; Tracks materials to be used as exhibits in administrative proceedings and federal court trials.
Coordinates various support services as required by attorneys assigned to a case (i.e. requesting court reporters, shipping materials, coordinating with litigation support, etc.).
Assists in court proceedings, traveling to trial site (when necessary), investigational hearings, depositions, etc., in support of attorneys and case team during the course of investigation and/or litigation.
Performs research using library references, corporate records, government policy, legal research databases, and other pertinent sources and collects and analyzes agency data to supply factual information to agency leadership, aids in the drafting of new policy, and informs through memoranda, briefs, and other documents.
Drafts/edits weekly report to the Executive Director/Chairman; creates and manages dashboards.
Plans and attends agency-wide and office training events; learns about risk management strategies and resources and uses various tool sets to resolve risk-related issues.
Helps to lead various projects, teams and working groups; aids in modernization projects ranging from web design and facilities to IT; creates spreadsheets and gives presentations; schedules appointments for agency leadership and assists with other administrative tasks.
Coordinates various support services or projects in collaboration with bureaus and offices across the agency, to include the Chairman's office and the Commissioner offices.
Drafts and/or edits reports, memos, policies, announcements and other communications
Writes and/or edits briefing reports and other memoranda reflecting facts, sources, and citations discovered during the course of research; assists in responding to recommendations made by the Office of the Inspector General; takes minutes of meetings.
Drafts and/or edits weekly report to the Chairman; creates and manages dashboards.
Analyzes, presents, and makes recommendations about data.
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.
You may serve a one-year probationary period under this appointment.
Resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply).
Qualifications
To qualify for a Paralegal Specialist at the GS-07 level, you must meet the following requirements:
You must demonstrate in your resume at least one (1) year of qualifying experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: such experience may include assisting in investigation and/or litigation; conducting legal and relevant industry research; database development and use; review and analysis of documents and data during the discovery process; interviewing investigational sources; producing written and oral reports based on interviews, research and data analysis.
OR
Have 1 full year of graduate education
OR
Have Superior Academic Achievement S A.A. is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average, or (3) honor society membership.1. Class standing -- Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses.2. Grade-point average (G.P.A.)-- Applicants must have a grade-point average of: a. 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on their official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or b. 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum
OR
Have equivalent combinations of graduate education and experience. 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.
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 job 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: FOREIGN EDUCATIONBUREAUS and OFFICES
Education
The Bureau of Consumer Protection (BCP) safeguard's America's consumers from unfair, deceptive, and fraudulent practices. The Bureau investigates, litigates, conducts rule-making proceedings, hosts public events, and educates the public. The Bureau's work includes halting fraud, enforcing truth-in-advertising laws, safeguarding consumers' privacy and data security, and stopping abusive financial practices. Honors Paralegals within the Bureau work with attorneys, and may review consumer complaints, interview witnesses, assess trends, gather evidence, conduct research, assist in litigation, analyze financial data, review public comments, and assist with public events.
The Bureau of Competition's (BC) Honors Paralegal Program has expanded to over 20 paralegals, attracting motivated and dedicated individuals from across the country. Honors Paralegals work on both merger and conduct-related investigations with staff attorneys, economists and financial analysts across the Bureau, and have the opportunity to work on a case from the initial stages of an investigation through litigation in federal and administrative courts. The Bureau of Competition considers its Honors Paralegal Program to be an unqualified success, allowing the Bureau to spread its resources more broadly and efficiently. Those who have participated in the program have found it to be a rewarding opportunity to learn about a career in law, economics, and public policy. The distinguished group of Honors Paralegal alumni have gone on to attend graduate programs and start careers in public policy, law, and business, among others.
TheOffice of the General Counsel (OGC), the General Counsel is the Commission's chief legal officer and adviser. The office represents the Commission in court and provides legal counsel to the Commission, the operating bureaus, and other offices. The office advises the Commission and the staff on issues of law and policy and helps assure Commission compliance with such statutes and regulations as the Administrative Procedure Act, the Government in the Sunshine Act, the Freedom of Information Act, the Civil Service Reform Act, the Ethics in Government Act, and the Commission's Rules of Practice, among others. The Honors Paralegal will provide legal and administrative support to assigned staff within OGC. The work of this position requires analytical ability, judgment, discretion, and knowledge of a body of administrative or program principles, concepts, policies, and objectives.
The Office of International Affairs (OIA) comprises international antitrust and international consumer protection. OIA is responsible for designing and implementing the Commission's international program. Honors paralegals help OIA: provide support to the Bureaus of Competition and Consumer Protection with regard to the international aspects of investigation and prosecution of unlawful conduct; build and maintain cooperative relationships between the Commission and foreign authorities; and promote Commission priorities and policies internationally through bilateral relationships and multilateral organizations. In addition, Honors Paralegals assist with the development and implementation of technical assistance programs for developing competition, and consumer protection/data privacy agencies.
The Midwest Regional Office (MWRO) carries out the Commission's consumer protection programs in the geographical area that includes Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
The Bureau of Consumer Protection (BCP)safeguard's America's consumers from unfair, deceptive, and fraudulent practices. The Bureau investigates, litigates, conducts rule-making proceedings, hosts public events, and educates the public. The Bureau's work includes halting fraud, enforcing truth-in-advertising laws, safeguarding consumers' privacy and data security, and stopping abusive financial practices. Honors Paralegals within the Bureau work with attorneys and investigators, and may review consumer complaints, interview witnesses, assess trends, gather and organize evidence, conduct research, assist in litigation, analyze financial data, review public comments, present educational programs, and assist with public events.
The Western Region Los Angeles Office (WRLA) stops unfair, deceptive and fraudulent business practices by conducting investigations, bringing law enforcement actions, building state and local partnerships, and educating consumers and businesses about their rights and responsibilities. WRLA carries out the Commission's consumer protection programs in the geographical area that includes Southern California, Southern Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa, and Northern Mariana Islands. In addition to the responsibilities listed in the "Duties" section, above, the WRLA Honors Paralegal will also work with the Administrative Officer on other mission support activities, including helping to manage and operate office automated equipment and the maintenance and replacement of the equipment, and assisting with administrative office support, as necessary, including setting up videoconference meetings and handling mail, and general office voicemail messages.
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).
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 [[INSERT WELL QUALIFIED SCORE]] or above; and, (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. For more information visit: CAREER TRANSITION.
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.
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.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Once the announcement has closed, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements listed on this announcement. If you are minimally qualified, your résumé and supporting documentation will be compared against your responses to the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience. If, after reviewing your résumé and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.
All qualified candidates will be assigned to a quality category.
Best-Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrate high proficiency in all of the critical competencies.
Well-Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrates acceptable proficiency in all of the critical competencies.
Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrate basic proficiency in most of the critical competencies.
Veterans: Qualified veterans who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10% are listed in the best-qualified category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level, or higher. Other 10-point preference eligibles and veterans with 5-point preference who meet the eligibility and qualification requirements are placed above non-preference eligibles within the category in which they qualify. View information on veterans' preference.
The category assignment is a measure of the degree in which your background matches the competencies required for this position. Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):
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.
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.
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
1. Your resume showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
2. Other supporting documents:
- Cover Letter, optional
- College Transcript(s), if qualifying based on education
- Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g., DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service, SF-15 Form and related documentation, VA letter, etc.)
- Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.)
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above.
A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.
- To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
- Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
- After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
- You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
Federal Trade Commission
600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Suite H-723
Washington, DC 20580
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
1. Your resume showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
2. Other supporting documents:
- Cover Letter, optional
- College Transcript(s), if qualifying based on education
- Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g., DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service, SF-15 Form and related documentation, VA letter, etc.)
- Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.)
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above.
A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.
- To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
- Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
- After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
- You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
Federal Trade Commission
600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Suite H-723
Washington, DC 20580
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
