Job Listing: LEGAL ASSISTANT (OFFICE AUTOMATION)

Duty Locations

 1 vacancy - Columbia, SC The United States Attorneys serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. There are 93 United States Attorneys stationed throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands. United States Attorneys conduct most of the trial work in which the United States is a party. The United States Attorneys have three statutory responsibilities under Title 28, Section 547 of the United States Code.

 

The incumbent serves as a legal assistant in the Criminal Division responsible for directly supporting several Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSA) by providing a wide variety of technical assistance services. The work requires a specialized knowledge of the processes, procedures, and practices of legal assistance activities in conjunction with knowledge of clerical and administrative office skills and an ability to apply these skills to increase the effectiveness of the assigned AUSA.

Major Duties

The incumbent performs the following duties: examines, prepares and processes a variety of technical legal documents which are characteristically voluminous and complex in format; reviews incoming material and independently determines the need for assembly and preparation of a variety of legal documents (e.g., complaints, motions, orders, answers, pleadings, subpoenas, and discovery requests and responses); prepares legal actions such as complaints, motions, responses to motions, judgments, applications, notices, affidavits, summonses, subpoenas, discovery requests and responses, proofs of claim, and satisfaction of judgment; and provides assistance to attorneys in trial preparation by compiling trial notebooks, assembling jury instructions, and compiling witness and exhibit lists. The incumbent also provides a variety of clerical and administrative support assistance services to include: receiving visitors and telephone callers; establishing and maintaining a variety of files; maintaining calendar of assigned active cases; and arranging travel by preparing itinerary, and securing transportation and hotel reservations.

How to Apply

To apply for this position you will need to submit the occupational questionnaire, a resume, and other supporting documentation as stated in the Required Documents section of this announcement.  Instructions for completing the occupational questionnaire are located in the Required Documents section.  Submit your documents using one or a combination of the methods outlined below.  Follow all instructions carefully.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package, which includes both of the following parts:

1.      Your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire, and

2.      Your résumé and any other documents specified in the Required Documents section of this job announcement.

 

Use Application Manager for convenience and quickest processing. Track your progress to a Complete Application Package using the My Application Packages checklist and status displays in Application Manager. Your Application Package status must be Complete by  Thursday, April 10, 2008

 

Application Manager

To begin, choose one of these options:

·         If your résumé is going to come from the USAJOBS Resume Builder, you begin the process by clicking the Apply Online button near the bottom of this page. Your résumé will be attached only to the Application Package you complete and Submit immediately after you click the Apply Online button for this job announcement, not to any Application Packages you may already have created.

·         If your résumé is going to be one you prepared outside of USAJOBS Résumé Builder, click this link to begin the process:   Online Questionnaire

 

To return to Application Manager at any time, use whichever one of the links  you used to begin as described above, or simply go to https://ApplicationManager.org.

 

 

Option B:  Paper Qualifications Questionnaire

If it is not possible for you to use Application Manager, you can write your answers on paper.  Follow these steps:

1.      You can print a copy of this job announcement so that you can read the questions offline.

2.      Obtain and print a copy of the OPM Form 1203-FX, which you will use to provide your answers. You can obtain the form at this URL http://www.opm.gov/Forms/pdf_fill/OPM1203fx.pdf or by calling USAJOBS by Phone at (703) 724-1850; after the introduction, press 1, and listen for instructions.

3.      You may submit the Form 1203-FX, resume, and any supporting documents either by fax, by mail or in person.

·         By Fax: If you are faxing a Form 1203-FX, do not use a separate cover sheet. Simply make sure the Form 1203-FX is on top of any other documents you are faxing. If you are faxing any documents without the Form 1203-FX on top, always use the official cover sheet which is here -- http://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf -- and be sure to fill it out completely and clearly.  The fax number is 1-478-757-3144.  Feed all documents into your fax machine top first so that we receive them right-side up.

·         By mail or in person: 

 U.S. Office of Personnel Management

Mid Atlantic Services Branch

200 Granby Street, Suite 200

Norfolk, Virginia  23510

ATT:  AR182648

 

 

 

 

It is recommended that you keep the confirmation copy of your facsimile transmission.

Required Documents:

All application materials must be received by the closing date of this announcement.  The following documents are required:

Occupational Questionnaire
Resume - Please ensure that your resume contains the basic information outlined in the Applying for a Federal Job link: http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdfimage/of0510.pdf
Veterans' Preference Documentation, if applicable (e.g., DD214 or statement of service, VA letter, SF-15 - see Other Information section for further details)

Instructions for completing the occupational questionnaire:  Use the following instructions in completing the questionnaire.  Be sure to double check your answers before submission. 

Social Security Number

Enter your Social Security Number in the space indicated. Providing your Social Security Number is voluntary, however we can not process your application without it.

Vacancy Identification Number

The Vacancy Identification Number is: AR182648

1. Title of Job

LEGAL ASSISTANT (OFFICE AUTOMATION)

2. Biographic Data

All biographic information is required, except for your telephone number and the contact time.

3. E-Mail Address

4. Work Information

5. Employment Availability

Indicate your availability for full-time, part-time and temporary employment.  Also indicate your availability for travel.

6. Citizenship

Are you a citizen of the United States?
7. Background Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

8. Other Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

9. Languages

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

10. Lowest Grade

Enter the lowest grade level (07-07) you will accept.

07
11. Miscellaneous Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

12. Special Knowledge

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

13. Test Location

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

14. Veteran Preference Claim

15. Dates of Active Duty - Military Service

These dates are required if you have claimed Veterans' Preference unless you have claimed derived Preference (i.e., widows, spouse, etc.)
Please use this format: (mm/dd/yyyy)

16. Availability Date

You may omit the availability date if you can begin work immediately. Otherwise you must provide the date you will be available for employment. Please use this format: (mm/dd/yyyy)

17. Service Computation Date

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

18. Other Date Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

19. Job Preference

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

20. Occupational Specialties

Select/enter at least one occupational specialty. The specialty code for this position is:

001 Legal Tech - Open to the General Public - U.S. citizens only
21. Geographic Availability

Select/enter at least one geographic location in which you are interested and will accept employment. The location code for this position is:

0083 Columbia, SC
22. Transition Assistance Plan

In this section indicate if you are a surplus or displaced Federal employee requesting special priority consideration under the Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP).

Note: To receive consideration for CTAP or ICTAP, you must submit the necessary supporting documentation. Refer to the vacancy announcement for additional information and instructions.

23. Job Related Experience

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

24. Personal Background Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

25. Occupational/Assessment Questions:

1. This section will be used to determine if you possess the education and/or experience needed to qualify for this position. From the description below, choose the letter beside the statement that BEST describes your background relevant to this position. Darken the oval corresponding to that letter in Section 25, number 1 on the form or electronic application. SELECT ONE LETTER ONLY. FAILURE TO RESPOND TO THIS QUESTION WILL RESULT IN YOUR BEING RATED INELIGIBLE.

A. I qualify for the GS-7 level because I have at least one full year of directly related specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-6 level in the federal service. Specialized experience is work directly related to the duties of the position to be filled, which has equipped the candidate with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of this position. Specialized experience for this position includes legal work performed in any legal setting or office where the candidate has prepared and processed legal documents.
B. I do not have the experience necessary to perform the duties outlined in "A" above.

2. Applicants for this position must also have experience using office automation software/equipment. This section will be used to determine if you possess this experience. Please read the following statements and select the response that applies to you. Darken the oval corresponding to that letter in Section 25, number 2 of the form C. FAILURE TO RESPOND TO THIS QUESTION WILL RESULT IN YOUR BEING RATED INELIGIBLE.

A. YES, I have experience using office automation software/equipment.
B. NO, I do not have experience using office automation software/equipment.

3. Applicants for this position must also be able to accurately type at least 40 words per minute. This section will be used to determine if you possess typing or keyboard skills. Please read the following statements and select the response that applies to you. Darken the oval corresponding to that letter in Section 25, number 3 of the form C. FAILURE TO RESPOND TO THIS QUESTION WILL RESULT IN YOUR BEING RATED INELIGIBLE.

A. YES, I can accurately type at least 40 words per minute using an electric typewriter and/or computer keyboard.
B. NO, I cannot accurately type at least 40 words per minute.

The following criteria will be used to evaluate your level of knowledge, skill, or ability in certain areas. For each item, choose the statement from the list below (A-E) that best reflects your level of experience and/or training in that area. Darken the oval corresponding to that statement in Section 25 on the form. Please select only one letter for each item.

A- I have not had education, training or experience in performing this task.

B- I have had education or training in performing this task, but have not yet performed it on the job.

C- I have performed this task on the job. My work on this task was monitored closely by a supervisor or senior employee to ensure compliance with proper procedures.

D- I have performed this task as a regular part of a job. I have performed it independently and normally without review by a supervisor or senior employee.

E- I am considered an expert in performing this task. I have supervised performance of this task or am normally the person who is consulted by other workers to assist them in doing this task because of my expertise.

4. Review and analyze reports to detect deficiencies.

5. Assemble documents, such as transcripts, exhibits, and documentary evidence.

6. Examine files/records to ensure proper arrangement and that they include necessary information/materials in accordance with established practices and procedures.

7. Secure records, data, and other materials.

8. Draft, review, and edit correspondence for correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, and proper use of terminology or symbols.

9. Make necessary arrangements for travel and accommodations.

10. Handle routine or recurring inquiries, and direct others to appropriate personnel.

Use/operate the following computer software applications:

11. E-mail

12. Word processing software

13. Litigation Tracking System (LTS)

14. Internet

15. Spreadsheets (Excel, Lotus, etc.)

16. Schedule and prioritize work assignments to ensure assignments are completed on time.

17. Provide a variety of legal support services to an attorney(s).

Prepare the following:

18. Complaints

19. Answers

20. Discovery requests and responses

21. Motions with exhibits, responses to motions

22. Obtain needed information from files, agencies, or other sources.

23. Consider the nature and the status of the case when preparing documents.

Prepare the following:

24. Provide assistance to attorneys in trial preparation by performing duties such as compiling trial notebooks, exhibits, assembling jury instructions, setting witness interviews, Bates stamping documents on selective software.

25. Verify citations and statutory references contained in legal documents.

26. Furnish information concerning pending and closed matters and cases, functions, and general procedures of the office.

27. Search legal reference files for information needed by attorneys in conducting interviews and preparing correspondence.

28. Perform docketing duties such as opening, updating, and closing cases through use of an automated case tracking system.

29. Maintain calendar of assigned active cases for attorneys.

30. Track filings, hearings, and trial dates, and schedule conferences and interviews.

31. Develop and maintain suspense systems.

32. Provide automated litigation assistance to attorneys in trial preparation and courtroom presentation.

Contact Information:
Mid-Atlantic Services Branch

Phone: (757)441-6765

Email: NorfolkMail@opm.gov


Or write:
Mid Atlantic Services Branch
Office of Personnel Management
200 Granby Street
Norfolk, VA 23510


What To Expect Next:

Applicants will receive notification advising them of their rating and if they were referred to the hiring agency for consideration.  If your name is referred to the hiring official, you may be contacted directly by that office for a possible interview.