Paralegal Specialist

At the full performance level (GS-09) the major duties of this position include, but are not limited to the following. (Duties will be developmental in nature when filled below the full performance level.): 1. Review case files assigned for dockets to ensure completeness and accuracy.

If information is missing, initiates action to seek information that will complete the case file. 2. Identify potential complications in the case, including but not limited to discrepancies with family information, inventory issues, and potential will disputes. 3.

Research related cases to obtain verify family histories and confirm information about potential heirs. 4. Use docketing system to update and maintain the procedural status of each assigned case, and to schedule hearings in coordination with the assigned judge. 5.

Prepare notices of probate hearings to be sent to all interested parties, as well as combined hearing notices that are posted. 6. Review case record upon completion of hearing to assist with the judge's determination as to the sufficiency of evidence for a final decision.

Works with judge to schedule supplemental hearings if necessary and prepares documents to provide opportunities for a party to renounce interests or to otherwise obtain any necessary additional information. 7. Prepare draft probate decisions or orders in simpler cases. 8.

Assist the judge at hearings by recording the proceedings, taking attendance and verifying current addresses of participants, handling exhibits, and other duties as needed by the judge. 9. Proofread draft decisions and orders prepared by others. 10.

Provide guidance and assistance to legal assistants and backs up legal assistants with task such as scanning and mailing, as needed. 11. Prepare case-related correspondence. 12. Assist the office with administrative duties as needed or assigned, including timekeeping, purchasing, and bill-paying.

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-07/27/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST state either "full-time" (or "40 hours a week") or "part-time" with the number of hours worked per week to ensure proper crediting of specialized experience.

Failure to adequately provide information needed to determine number of hours worked in each position may result in that time not being credited when evaluating qualifying experience.

For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the full and/or part-time hours requirement as the service dates will be reflected.

ALL applicants must meet the requirements for the GS-07 level by one of the following means: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: To qualify for the GS-07, you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 grade level in the Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service.

Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled.

Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience (MUST MEET ALL): Performing case analysis, file review, and factual research, Using a database to update case status and to schedule hearings or other legal proceedings, Drafting and proofing legal documents and correspondence, and Assisting judges or attorneys during hearings, trials, or depositions.

(Hours worked per week must be included in your resume.) -OR- EDUCATION: one full year of graduate-level education OR a four-year degree demonstrating Superior Academic Achievement (defined below).

(You must include a copy of your college transcripts). -OR- COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Education (must be graduate level) and specialized experience can be combined if each is less than the required amount. The total must equal at least 100% of the requirement for the GS-07 grade level.

(You must include both hours worked per week in your resume as well as a copy of your college transcripts).

Superior Academic Achievement (SAA): Successfully completed a bachelor's degree in a directly related field AND meet one of the following: (1) Class Standing: rank in the upper 3rd of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, based on the completed courses; OR (2) Grad-Point Average (GPA): earn a GPA of (a) 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) based on 4 years of education, or 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 completed during the final two years.

Note: GPA will be rounded to one decimal place, for example, 2.95 = 3.0, 2.94 = 2.9; OR (3) Membership in a National Scholastic Honor Society.

Volunteer 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.