Note this a 2 level non-compete progression position: Incumbents maybe selected at any level equal to their experience, Paralegal Specialist I, II or III. Incumbents selected at the lower level, Paralegal Specialist I, may progress non-competitively to a Paralegal Specialist II position, NF-04B, upon the completion of qualification requirements and training within the requirement/training timeframe; advancement is not permitted with less than 2 years in the current position. Incumbents selected at the Paralegal Specialist II may progress non-competitively to PD#0120 NF-04 (SC 4C) upon the completion of qualification requirements/training. Minimum 5 years of experience at Exempt-Level Paralegal Specialist II that is directly related to the position and has equipped the candidate with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the position's duties successfully.
Relocation is authorized.
Paralegal Specialist I: NF4A
Job Summary: Serves as Paralegal Specialist in the Office of Counsel, providing support to one or more attorneys, primarily in the areas commercial law, fiscal law, civilian personnel law (CPL), labor law, general and administrative law, intellectual property and trademarks, Ethics (OGE 450 reports), FOIA and Privacy Act, and OGC-related litigious matters.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Perform litigation-related documentary searches and analyses: draft and edit non-legal administrative memoranda, reports, and other administrative documents. Prepare written memoranda that identify, discuss, and analyze relevant cases, statutory and regulatory authorities, and materials; and present conclusions on the current state of law on issues.
- Review and analyze legal documents for completeness, accuracy, and sufficiency, including transcripts, litigation holds, and depositions.
- Analyze and summarize legal decisions, opinions, and other legal matters for use by attorneys, and evaluate the current status of statutes or judicial opinions as requested.
- Supports and manages the garnishment program, including investigating, processing refund requests, and working closely with attorney firms, government agencies, internal personnel, and courts to manage, process, and resolve all garnishment-related matters.
- Process 48's for attorneys' training, Continuing Legal Education (CLEs), seminars, bar association dues, and law materials.
- Examines and evaluates information in EEO complaint files and/or DoD Civilian Personnel Management Service (CPMS) Investigations and Resolution Division (IRD) investigative reports. Determines the need for additional information, evidence, and witnesses, and plans a comprehensive approach to obtain this information.
- Performs other necessary functions relating to EEO complaints that require review of complaint files and/or investigative reports, to include coordinating the receipt and organization of information and documents from various departments/offices in response to IRD Requests for Information and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) discovery requests. Ensures that responses are received promptly. The Litigation Case Tracking Module (LCTM) includes case management and documentation.
- Provide administrative support to attorneys and perform other duties as assigned.
Incumbent may progress non-competitively to a Paralegal Specialist II position, NF-04B, upon the completion of qualification requirements and training within the requirement/training timeframe; advancement is not permitted with less than 2 years in the current position.
Additional requirements:
Must be or be able to become a Notary Public within 90 days.
Special Legal Ethics Requirements of Position:
1. Confidentiality
a. The incumbent shall not discuss information gained during employment within the Office of Counsel without explicit authorization. The incumbent must appreciate that disclosure of information obtained via written or oral communication, to include attendance at meetings, investigations, trials, hearings, or conferences, is strictly limited to those with an absolute need to know. Discretion is essential.
b. The incumbent is responsible for ensuring that documents containing confidential and/or sensitive information are safeguarded from disclosure at all times, during working and nonworking hours, from visitors, etc.
2. Unauthorized to practice Law
a. The incumbent is not authorized to provide legal advice or assistance other than informing third parties of how service of process, the initiation of complaints and/or claims, Freedom of Information Act requests, Privacy Act requests, and communications to attorneys are to be affected.
b. The incumbent shall periodically receive updates on legal ethics, the confidentiality of information, authorized disclosure of information, the prohibition against the unauthorized practice of law, and other ethical matters.
Paralegal Specialist II: NF4B:
Job Summary: Serves as Paralegal Specialist in the Office of Counsel, providing support to one or more attorneys, primarily in the areas commercial law, fiscal law, civilian personnel law (CPL), labor law, general and administrative law, intellectual property and trademarks, Ethics (278s and 450s), FOIA and Privacy Act, and OGC-related litigious matters.
- Perform litigation-related documentary searches and analyses: draft and edit non-legal administrative memoranda, reports, and other administrative documents. Prepare written memoranda that identify, discuss, and analyze relevant cases, statutory and regulatory authorities, and materials; and present conclusions on the current state of law on issues.
- Review and analyze legal documents for completeness, accuracy, and sufficiency, including transcripts, litigation holds, and depositions.
- Analyze and summarize legal decisions, opinions, and other legal matters for use by attorneys, and evaluate the current status of statutes or judicial opinions as requested.
- Supports and manages the garnishment program, including investigating, processing refund requests, and working closely with attorney firms, government agencies, internal personnel, and courts to manage, process, and resolve all garnishment-related matters.
- Process 48s for attorneys' training, Continuing Legal Education (CLEs), seminars, bar association dues, and law materials.
- Examines and evaluates information in EEO complaint files and/or DoD Civilian Personnel Management Service (CPMS) Investigations and Resolution Division (IRD) investigative reports. Determines the need for additional information, evidence, and witnesses, and plans a comprehensive approach to obtain this information.
- Performs other necessary functions relating to EEO complaints that require review of complaint files and/or investigative reports, to include coordinating the receipt and organization of information and documents from various departments/offices in response to IRD Requests for Information and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) discovery requests. Ensures that responses are received promptly. The Litigation Case Tracking Module (LCTM) includes case management and documentation.
- Support the FOIA / PA Coordinator with responding to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act (PA) requests.
- Support the Support Staff Manager with office management, human resources, and administrative matters.
- Advanced Civilian Personnel Law (CPL), including coordinating legal sufficiency review of proposed employment and business-based actions. Manage the litigation hold system and be responsible for the coordination of appropriate records retention. Provide support as needed for command investigations. Interviews Agency witnesses as required to reconcile conflicting policies and facts, and to identify and elicit additional information from witnesses. Conduct timely specialized research into civil, bankruptcy, or contractual matters using the PACER database and electronic filing system for the United States district and bankruptcy court systems. Assist in contractual issues before the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals (ASBCA)—draft annual legal risk exposure letter to auditors. Retrieve filings made by opponents in litigation, and monitor the status of complaints and appeals. Maintain the Navy Office of General Counsel Litigation Case Tracking Module (OGC LCTM) litigation docket. Assist in the onboarding and training of associate counsels.
- Advanced Ethics and Standards of Conduct, including management of OGE 450 reports. Organizes, develops, and supports NEXCOM's participation in the worldwide Financial Disclosure Management System (FDMS) to ensure timely responses in accordance with Ethics and Financial Disclosure timeline limitations. Interacts with Human Resources and respective Single Digit Code Directors (SDCs) District personnel to develop and maintain an updated FDM database. Conducts initial and annual review of OGC 450 Financial Disclosures and prepares various reports on OGE 450 filers as required. Coordinate efforts with Human Resources (NEXCOM HQ, Code HB) to resolve inconsistencies discovered. Train Points of Contact. Researches and drafts the annual Office of Government Ethics (OGE) Ethics Questionnaire. It'd be great if you could prepare accurate and timely Ethics Program reports for submission to NAVSUP or other government entities as required by law. Develops and maintains the Ethics/Standards of Conduct section of the Office of Counsel NEXCOM Intranet Hub.
- Provide administrative support to attorneys and perform other duties as assigned.
May progress non-competitively to PD#0120 NF-04 (SC 4C) upon the completion of qualification requirements/training. Minimum 5 years of experience at Exempt-Level Paralegal Specialist II that is directly related to the position and has equipped the candidate with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the position's duties successfully.
Paralegal Specialist III:NF4C
Job Summary:
Serves as Paralegal Specialist in the Office of Counsel, providing support to one or more attorneys, primarily in the areas commercial law, fiscal law, civilian personnel law (CPL), labor law, general and administrative law, intellectual property and trademarks, Ethics (278s and 450s), FOIA and Privacy Act, and OGC-related litigious matters.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Perform litigation-related documentary searches and analyses: draft and edit non-legal administrative memoranda, reports, and other administrative documents. Prepare written memoranda that identify, discuss, and analyze relevant cases, statutory and regulatory authorities, and materials; and present conclusions on the current state of law on issues.
- Review and analyze legal documents for completeness, accuracy, and sufficiency, including transcripts, litigation holds, and depositions.
- Analyze and summarize legal decisions, opinions, and other legal matters for use by attorneys, and evaluate the current status of statutes or judicial opinions as requested.
- Supports and manages the garnishment program, including investigating, processing refund requests, and working closely with attorney firms, government agencies, internal personnel, and courts to manage, process, and resolve all garnishment-related matters.
- Process 48’s for attorneys’ training, Continuing Legal Education (CLEs), seminars, bar association dues, and law materials.
- Examines and evaluates information in EEO complaint files and/or DoD Civilian Personnel Management Service (CPMS) Investigations and Resolution Division (IRD) investigative reports. Determines the need for additional information, evidence, and witnesses, and plans a comprehensive approach to obtain this information.
- Performs other necessary functions relating to EEO complaints that require review of complaint files and/or investigative reports, to include coordinating the receipt and organization of information and documents from various departments/offices in response to IRD Requests for Information and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) discovery requests. Ensures that responses are received promptly. The Litigation Case Tracking Module (LCTM) includes case management and documentation.
- Support the FOIA / PA Coordinator with responding to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act (PA) requests.
- Support the Support Staff Manager with office management, human resources, and administrative matters.
- Advanced Civilian Personnel Law (CPL), including coordinating legal sufficiency review of proposed employment and business-based actions. Manage the litigation hold system and be responsible for the coordination of appropriate records retention. Provide support as needed for command investigations. Interviews Agency witnesses as required to reconcile conflicting policies and facts, and to identify and elicit additional information from witnesses. Conduct timely specialized research into civil, bankruptcy, or contractual matters using the PACER database and electronic filing system for the United States district and bankruptcy court systems. Assist in contractual issues before the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals (ASBCA)—draft annual legal risk exposure letter to auditors. Retrieve filings made by opponents in litigation, and monitor the status of complaints and appeals. Maintain the Navy Office of General Counsel Litigation Case Tracking Module (OGC LCTM) litigation docket. Assist in the onboarding and training of associate counsels.
- Advanced Ethics and Standards of Conduct, including management of OGE 450 reports. Organizes, develops, and supports NEXCOM's participation in the worldwide Financial Disclosure Management System (FDMS) to ensure timely responses in accordance with Ethics and Financial Disclosure timeline limitations. Interacts with Human Resources and respective Single Digit Code Directors (SDCs) District personnel to develop and maintain an updated FDM database. Conducts initial and annual review of OGC 450 Financial Disclosures and prepares various reports on OGE 450 filers as required. Coordinate efforts with Human Resources (NEXCOM HQ, Code HB) to resolve inconsistencies discovered. Train Points of Contact. Researches and drafts the annual Office of Government Ethics (OGE) Ethics Questionnaire. Prepares accurate and timely Ethics Program reports for submission to NAVSUP or other government entities as required by law. Develops and maintains the Ethics/Standards of Conduct section of the Office of Counsel NEXCOM Intranet Hub.
- Subject matter expert of the Office of Counsel supporting all areas of legal services in the areas of business and commercial law, fiscal law, civilian personnel law (CPL), labor law, general and administrative law, intellectual property and trademarks, Ethics (278s and 450s), FOIA and Privacy Act, and OGC-related litigious matters.
- Highly specialized legal research, analysis, and preparation of investigative documents, legal pleadings, and memoranda in any of the substantive areas of the law handled by the NEXCOM Office of Counsel.
- Supports the substantive assessment of the legal impact of programmatic issues, development of legal opinions, and litigation preparations, and exercises judgment to work independently.
- Assists the Paralegal Manager with budgets for the office, and tracks OC NAFI and appropriated budgets and expenditures. Prepares reimbursements for submission to the Appropriate Financial Manager.
- Provides backup coverage for the Paralegal Manager when needed, and provides guidance, training, and development to Paralegal Specialists I and II.
- Provide administrative support to attorneys and perform other duties as assigned.
Requires a total of 5 years of experience as indicated below:
Paralegal Specialist I / NF4A
GENERAL EXPERIENCE: 3 years of experience in administrative, technical, or other responsible work that enabled the applicant to gain knowledge and ability to identify, research, and analyze key issues in regulation, standards, and guidelines; skill in dealing with others in person-to-person work relationships and the ability to exercise mature judgment.
OR SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE: 1 year of academic study above the high school level may be substituted for 9 months of experience up to a maximum of a 4-year bachelor's degree in paralegal or general law studies for 2 years of general experience.
SPECIALIZIED EXPERIENCE: 2 years of progressive experience that demonstrated the ability to independently perform a variety of analytical paralegal or legal work that required a broad knowledge of EEO rules and regulation, administrative law, and the regulatory process; ability to assist in the preparation of case files; assemble background information, prepare and interview witnesses, perform legal research, draft legal memoranda, and process routine matters or similar work that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position.
Paralegal Specialist II / NF4B
Same general or Education experience and SPECIALIZIED EXPERIENCE: 3 years of progressive experience that demonstrated the ability to independently perform a variety of analytical paralegal or legal work that required a broad knowledge of EEO rules and regulation, administrative law, and the regulatory process; ability to assist in the preparation of case files; assemble background information, prepare and interview witnesses, perform legal research, draft legal memoranda, and process routine matters or similar work that demonstrated the ability to perform the duties of the position.
Paralegal Specialist III / NF4C:
Same general or Educational experience and SPECIALIZIED EXPERIENCE: 4 years of progressive experience that demonstrated the ability to independently perform a variety of analytical paralegal or legal work that required a broad knowledge of EEO rules and regulation, administrative law, and the regulatory process; ability to assist in the preparation of case files; assemble background information, prepare and interview witnesses, perform legal research, draft legal memoranda, and process routine matters or similar work that demonstrated the ability to perform the duties of the position.
