The Antitrust Division is seeking to fill entry-level, trainee Paralegal Specialist positions in our Chicago, New York and San Francisco Offices. Paralegals within the Division perform legal duties in support of attorneys engaged in antitrust cases and matters.
THESE POSITIONS ARE EXPECTED TO BE FILLED IMMEDIATELY BUT NO LATER THAN AUGUST 30, 2022. CANDIDATES WHO MAY QUALIFY BASED ON EDUCATION MUST HAVE COMPLETED THE NECESSARY REQUIREMENTS BY JUNE 30, 2022.
Summary
The Antitrust Division is seeking to fill entry-level, trainee Paralegal Specialist positions in our Chicago, New York and San Francisco Offices. Paralegals within the Division perform legal duties in support of attorneys engaged in antitrust cases and matters.
THESE POSITIONS ARE EXPECTED TO BE FILLED IMMEDIATELY BUT NO LATER THAN AUGUST 30, 2022. CANDIDATES WHO MAY QUALIFY BASED ON EDUCATION MUST HAVE COMPLETED THE NECESSARY REQUIREMENTS BY JUNE 30, 2022.
As a Paralegal Specialist, responsibilities will include:
Performing factual research using evidentiary files, library reference materials, corporate records, private and governmental studies, computer databases, internet resources, and other pertinent sources to supply needed factual information for inclusion in memoranda, briefs, and similar documents.
Assisting Attorneys in preparing for and conducting interviews with investigative sources and prospective witnesses.
Taking accurate notes during attorney proffers and witness interviews and prepares memoranda from those notes.
Performing preliminary screening of electronic and hard copy substantive materials prior to review by attorneys; codes electronic documents and categorizes hard copy documents in accordance with case priorities.
Assisting technical support staff with the preparation and organization of electronic document review databases.
Organizing and maintaining tracking logs for all incoming and outgoing case-related material.
Preparing and organizing charts, graphs, and other materials to be used as exhibits in court.
Preparing tables of content, indexes, and tables of authorities for legal briefs, memoranda, and other such documents; reviews and researches citations, footnotes, textual references, and other entries for accuracy.
Preparing routine correspondence.
Traveling to any off-site trials, grand jury sessions, or discovery locations and while there provides similar paralegal support as described above.
Performing other duties as assigned.
Please Note: Additional selections may be made from this announcement. Also, a writing sample and a combination of 3 to 5 business and academic references may be requested of individuals identified as best qualified, to be forwarded to the selecting official along with your application package, upon referral
You must be a U.S. Citizen to be considered for this position.
You must undergo a pre-employment security investigation.
You may be required to take and successfully clear a drug test.
You must submit a complete application package by closing.
THESE POSITIONS ARE EXPECTED TO BE FILLED IMMEDIATELY BUT NO LATER THAN AUGUST 30, 2022. CANDIDATES WHO MAY QUALIFY BASED ON EDUCATION MUST HAVE COMPLETED THE NECESSARY REQUIREMENTS BY JUNE 30, 2022.
SELECTIVE SERVICE: All male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must have registered for the selective service (see SSS.gov). If selected for this position, the applicant must sign a statement certifying his registration, or the applicant must demonstrate exempt status under the Selective Service Law.
DIRECT DEPOSIT: All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing.
This position is ineligible for inclusion in a bargaining unit.
This is a full-time, non-supervisory 2-year term appointment in the competitive service that may be extended up to 4 years at the option of the agency, subject to a one-year trial period in accordance with 5 CFR 316.304.
The Antitrust Division participates in the E-Verify program.
When promotion potential is shown, the agency is not making a commitment and is not obligated to provide future promotions to you if you are selected. Future promotions will be dependent on your ability to perform the duties at a higher level, the continuing need for an employee assigned to the higher level, and administrative approval.
Applications mailed using government postage and/or internal federal government mailing systems are in violation of agency and postal regulations and will not be accepted.
This is not a remote position and will require relocation to the assigned duty station. Relocation expenses will not be reimbursed.
Qualifications
To qualify at the GS-07 level, applicants must demonstrate the qualifications listed below:
A. One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities. Examples of specialized experience include:
Developing, authorizing or examining claims or applications that required resolving conflicting data and interpreting a body of laws, rules, regulations and policies;
Preparing or reviewing contracts or other legal instruments for legal sufficiency and conformance with applicable laws;
Selecting and analyzing information to determine the intent of statutes, treaties, and executive orders or legal decisions, opinions, and rulings; or
Investigating and analyzing evidence of alleged or suspected violations of laws or regulations; OR
B. One (1) full year of graduate level education; OR
C. A combination of education and experience; OR
D. Meet one of the following superior academic achievement provisions:
A grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher for all completed undergraduate course work or for all courses completed in the last two full years of undergraduate work;
A GPA of 3.5 or higher for all courses in the major field of study, or those courses in a major completed in the last two full years of undergraduate work;
Rank in the upper one-third of a college, university, or major subdivision; or
Membership in a national honor society or successful completion of one full year of graduate level study.
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 online. Additional details regarding Superior Academic Achievement can be found online.
Applicants using any education to qualify MUST submit copies of college transcripts or a list of college courses taken that identify for each course the college or university, semester or quarter hours earned, grade and grade-point received. An unofficial transcript is acceptable to qualify, but it must include your full name. If selected, you may be asked to submit an official transcript prior to appointment
Additional information
The Career Transition Assistance Plan (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 rate equivalent to the Highly Qualified or better category using established category rating criteria. You must provide a copy of your written notification of CTAP eligibility with your application. Additional information about CTAP eligibility is online.
The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) provides eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over candidates from other agencies 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 over other applicants who are not employees of the Department of Justice if: 1) this vacancy is within your ICTAP 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 rate equivalent to the Highly Qualified or better category using established category rating criteria. You must provide proof of eligibility with your application 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 online.
Veteran Preference: If you are entitled to or claim veteran preference (VP), you should indicate the type of veteran preference (5 or 10 points) you are claiming on your résumé. In order to determine your eligibility, you can find additional information online.
NOTE: To verify your veteran preference entitlement, please submit a copy of the Member Copy 4 of your DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty); official statement of service from your command if you are currently on active duty; or other official documentation (e.g., documentation of receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal) that shows your military service was performed under honorable conditions. (1) If you are claiming 10-point preference, you must submit Member Copy 4 of your DD-214 in addition to the supporting documentation required and identified on the reserves side of the SF-15, Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference. (2) If you are claiming 10-point DERIVED PREFERENCE as a relative you must submit Member Copy 4 of the veteran's DD-214, and an SF-15, Application for 10-point veteran preference, in addition to the supporting documentation required and identified on the reverse side of this form. If you fail to do so, you will receive consideration as a non-veteran.
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.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
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 basic qualifications for the position listed in this announcement. Please note: Basic qualifications will be determined based on a comparison of your resume against the quality and extent of experience or related education as reflected in the position requirements.
If you are found to be qualified for this position, your resume and supporting documentation will be further assessed and compared to the responses of your occupational/assessment questionnaire. The numeric rating you receive will be based on your responses to the questionnaire. The rating is a measure of the degree to which your background matches the competencies required for this position, and will determine the rank in which you place (Qualified, Highly Qualified, or Best Qualified).
Using Category Rating procedures, we will determine the "Best Qualified" candidates, who will then be referred for selection. Candidates within the "Best Qualified" category who are eligible for veteran preference will receive selection priority over non-veteran preference eligibles and may be contacted to submit a job market paper or relevant writing sample.
Your application will be further assessed based upon the following competencies:
Educational Experience (ACWA)
Mathematical Skills (ACWA)
Rating (ACWA)
Social Organizations (ACWA)
Work Experience (ACWA)
If, after reviewing your resume and or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, your score can and will be adjusted to more accurately reflect your abilities. Please follow all instructions carefully as errors or omissions may affect your rating.
We place a high value on diversity of experience and cultural perspective and encourage applications from all interested eligible candidates, including candidates from all ethnic and racial backgrounds, women, LGBT individuals, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.
Fair & Transparent
The Federal hiring process is setup to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
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 provide a complete application package which includes:
1. Résumé or equivalent - Applicants will be evaluated based on a comparison of the position requirements against the quality and extent of experience or related education as reflected in their résumé and cover letter. Applicants are encouraged to ensure work experiences, as represented in their résumé, clearly show the possession of knowledge of the subject matter pertinent to the position, and the competencies and technical skills to successfully perform the duties of the position. A cover letter is optional. RESUME REQUIREMENTS: ALL APPLICANTS: you must submit a resume supporting your specialized experience and responses to the online questionnaire. The federal government has very specific resume requirements. If you have not written a federal resume before, you may want to watch this Resume Writing Tutorialvideo on the USAJOBS YouTube channel, or read through a helpful Resume Writing FAQon the USAJOBS Help Site to learn what details you should, and should not, include in your resume. A CV (curriculum vitae) may not contain enough information to meet these resume requirements.
Your resume should list all work experience (paid and unpaid); you must list the full name and address of each employer.
For all types of work experience, you should indicate the start and end date (include month and year); you must also list the average number of hours per week that your worked.
Your resume should also include any education and training you have completed (list the program title, subject area, number of hours completed, and completion date).
2. Completed Assessment Questionnaire.
3. Transcript - If you are qualifying based on education, or a combination of education and experience, you must submit a copy of your transcript.
4. Documentation of eligibility for special hiring authorities (if applicable) to prove appointment eligibility. Examples include Schedule A disability letter, Peace Corps volunteer letter and:
Documentation of eligibility for CTAP and ICTAP (if applicable) - You must provide written notification of your eligibility for CTAP and/or ICTAP; your most recent Performance Appraisal, and your SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action.
Veterans Preference Documentation (if applicable) - If you are a discharged, non-disabled veteran, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 showing character discharge (Member Copy-4), or other Documentation of Service and Separation under Honorable Conditions. If you don't have your DD-214, you may request it after discharge from the National Archives.
If you are a veteran within 120 days of discharge, you must submit signed documentation from the Armed Forces certifying: 1) your expected release/retirement from active duty, 2) under honorable conditions, 3) your pay grade/rank/rate at time of discharge, 4) dates of active duty service, 5) any campaign or expeditionary medals received, and 6) dated within 120 days of your separation.
If you are a disabled veteran, Purple Heart recipient, or mother or spouse of a disabled or deceased veteran, you must submit a completed SF-15 and all additional proof required by the SF-15, as applicable. If you don't have your Department of Veterans Affairs letter establishing proof of disability, you may request it online or call 1-800-827-1000.
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 below. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 03/11/2022to 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 résumé 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/.
The following instructions outline our application process. You must complete the online application process and submit any required documents by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. We are available to assist you during business hours (8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday - Friday). If applying online poses a hardship, you must contact us by noon Eastern Standard Time on the announcement's closing date. If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact Karen Jung at Karen.Jung@usdoj.gov or (202) 514-8885 to obtain an alternative application.
If you require a reasonable accommodation for disability during any part of the application and hiring process, please contact Karen Jung by phone at 202-514-8885 or by email at Karen.Jung@usdoj.gov. The Antitrust Division provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis. You must contact us by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the announcement's closing date to request accommodation. Federal Relay Service (TTY) for callers with hearing or speech impairment is also available at https://www.federalrelay.us/tty/.
Paralegal positions are also being advertised in our Washington, DC Office. If you are interested in being considered for these positions, please click here to access the announcement and apply.
Antitrust Division
450 5th Street, NW
Washington
Washington, DC 20530
US
Next steps
Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After the announcement closes, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications based on the application we receive. Ranking will be determined based on responses to the Assessment Questionnaire. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. We expect to make a selection within 30 to 60 days of the closing date of this announcement.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete application package which includes:
1. Résumé or equivalent - Applicants will be evaluated based on a comparison of the position requirements against the quality and extent of experience or related education as reflected in their résumé and cover letter. Applicants are encouraged to ensure work experiences, as represented in their résumé, clearly show the possession of knowledge of the subject matter pertinent to the position, and the competencies and technical skills to successfully perform the duties of the position. A cover letter is optional. RESUME REQUIREMENTS: ALL APPLICANTS: you must submit a resume supporting your specialized experience and responses to the online questionnaire. The federal government has very specific resume requirements. If you have not written a federal resume before, you may want to watch this Resume Writing Tutorialvideo on the USAJOBS YouTube channel, or read through a helpful Resume Writing FAQon the USAJOBS Help Site to learn what details you should, and should not, include in your resume. A CV (curriculum vitae) may not contain enough information to meet these resume requirements.
Your resume should list all work experience (paid and unpaid); you must list the full name and address of each employer.
For all types of work experience, you should indicate the start and end date (include month and year); you must also list the average number of hours per week that your worked.
Your resume should also include any education and training you have completed (list the program title, subject area, number of hours completed, and completion date).
2. Completed Assessment Questionnaire.
3. Transcript - If you are qualifying based on education, or a combination of education and experience, you must submit a copy of your transcript.
4. Documentation of eligibility for special hiring authorities (if applicable) to prove appointment eligibility. Examples include Schedule A disability letter, Peace Corps volunteer letter and:
Documentation of eligibility for CTAP and ICTAP (if applicable) - You must provide written notification of your eligibility for CTAP and/or ICTAP; your most recent Performance Appraisal, and your SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action.
Veterans Preference Documentation (if applicable) - If you are a discharged, non-disabled veteran, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 showing character discharge (Member Copy-4), or other Documentation of Service and Separation under Honorable Conditions. If you don't have your DD-214, you may request it after discharge from the National Archives.
If you are a veteran within 120 days of discharge, you must submit signed documentation from the Armed Forces certifying: 1) your expected release/retirement from active duty, 2) under honorable conditions, 3) your pay grade/rank/rate at time of discharge, 4) dates of active duty service, 5) any campaign or expeditionary medals received, and 6) dated within 120 days of your separation.
If you are a disabled veteran, Purple Heart recipient, or mother or spouse of a disabled or deceased veteran, you must submit a completed SF-15 and all additional proof required by the SF-15, as applicable. If you don't have your Department of Veterans Affairs letter establishing proof of disability, you may request it online or call 1-800-827-1000.
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 below. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 03/11/2022to 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 résumé 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/.
The following instructions outline our application process. You must complete the online application process and submit any required documents by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. We are available to assist you during business hours (8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday - Friday). If applying online poses a hardship, you must contact us by noon Eastern Standard Time on the announcement's closing date. If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact Karen Jung at Karen.Jung@usdoj.gov or (202) 514-8885 to obtain an alternative application.
If you require a reasonable accommodation for disability during any part of the application and hiring process, please contact Karen Jung by phone at 202-514-8885 or by email at Karen.Jung@usdoj.gov. The Antitrust Division provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis. You must contact us by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the announcement's closing date to request accommodation. Federal Relay Service (TTY) for callers with hearing or speech impairment is also available at https://www.federalrelay.us/tty/.
Paralegal positions are also being advertised in our Washington, DC Office. If you are interested in being considered for these positions, please click here to access the announcement and apply.
Antitrust Division
450 5th Street, NW
Washington
Washington, DC 20530
US
Next steps
Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After the announcement closes, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications based on the application we receive. Ranking will be determined based on responses to the Assessment Questionnaire. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. We expect to make a selection within 30 to 60 days of the closing date of this announcement.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
