Paralegal Specialist

📍 Washington, District of Columbia · 🏛 U.S. Courts · 💰 $70,623–$111,087 per year · 🎓 CS 9–11 · 🧭 Paralegal Specialist (0950) · ⏳ Closes Sep 29, 2027 · 322 days left · 🗓 Posted Oct 2, 2026
Browse: More U.S. Courts jobs · More Paralegal Specialist jobs · Federal jobs in District of Columbia

Job details at a glance

AgencyU.S. Courts
DepartmentJudicial Branch
LocationWashington, District of Columbia
Salary$70,623–$111,087 per year
GradeCS 9–11
ScheduleFull-time
Occupation seriesParalegal Specialist (0950)
Openings1
Hiring pathsOpen to the public
PostedOct 2, 2026
Application deadlineSep 29, 2027
Telework eligibleYes
Remote jobNo
Security clearanceOther
Relocation expenses reimbursedNo
Promotion potential11
Apply on USAJobs (official) ↗

About this job

The U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims has exclusive jurisdiction over decisions of the Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board or BVA). The Court reviews Board decisions appealed by claimants who believe the Board erred in its decision. The Court's review of Board decisions is based on the record before the agency and arguments of the parties, which are presented in a written brief, with oral argument generally held only in cases presenting new legal issues.

Duties

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The Paralegal Specialist will provide legal and administrative support to the General Counsel, Deputy General Counsel, and Associate General Counsel in connection with the Court's legal advisory, ethics, policy, and administrative functions. This position requires a high level of professionalism, discretion, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a confidential legal environment. The Paralegal Specialist performs a full range of legal and administrative support duties in support of the Office of General Counsel (OGC), including but not limited to: Conducting legal and factual research related to statutes, regulations, case law, ethics rules and standards, Court policies, and administrative matters. Assisting attorneys with drafting, reviewing, and editing legal memoranda, correspondence, policies, standard operating procedures, guidance documents, and internal advisory materials. Preparing summaries, chronologies, analyses, and background materials for legal, ethics, and advisory matters. Tracking assignments, deadlines, and action items for matters handled by OGC and ensuring timely follow-up. Learning Court and OGC systems and processes to predict and complete tasks with minimal oversight. Utilizing critical thinking skills to evaluate information and data and to communicate relevant points. Identifying trends in workflow and recommending responsive actions. Maintaining official and working files, including sensitive and confidential records, in accordance with Court records management requirements. Managing document intake, version control, and distribution of OGC materials. Assisting with administration of the Court's ethics program, including intake and tracking of ethics-related inquiries and supporting documentation. Supporting the development, maintenance, and coordination of ethics training and reference materials. Coordinating meetings, calendars, and logistical arrangements for OGC leadership. Drafting routine correspondence and responding to internal requests for information, as appropriate. Serving as a liaison with Court offices, chambers, and external contacts on administrative or procedural matters. Performing other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: The selectee must have a paralegal certificate or degree from an accredited institution, or an equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible paralegal or legal support experience. Note: Experience in veterans' benefits law and court operations or administration is beneficial but not required. Skills: Proficiency in legal research, including use of online legal research databases and methods. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in writing and orally. Skill in organizing, tracking, and managing multiple assignments and deadlines, with exceptional attention to detail. Flexibility to adapt to shifting priorities and provide support for multiple attorneys. Ability to perform duties and assignments independently. Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and electronic records systems with a willingness and ability to learn other technologies and systems used by the Court. Preferred Qualifications: Experience working in a federal court, judicial branch, government legal office, or law firm. Familiarity with judicial ethics, ethics advisory functions, or administrative law. Experience supporting senior-level attorneys or executives in a high-paced work environment. Promotion Potential: This position may be filled at the CS-9 or CS-11 depending on the selectee's qualifications. If filled below the CS-11 level, the position may have promotion potential to CS-11 without further competition, subject to satisfactory performance, availability of work, and compliance with applicable Court policies.

Education

The selectee must have a paralegal certificate or degree from an accredited institution, or an equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible paralegal or legal support experience.

Requirements

This appointment is made without regard to Title 5 governing appointments to competitive service. The selectee will be subject to a two-year probationary period. A background security investigation is required for all new hires. The appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of fingerprinting and a favorably adjudicated background security investigation. Failure to meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.

Evaluations

Once your completed application package is received, we will conduct an evaluation and the selected candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for future consideration and possible interview.

How to apply

Please submit your application packet to: Human Resources at employment@uscourts.cavc.gov. Please include the vacancy announcement number in the subject line. The U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, age, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, national origin, disability, or political affiliation.

Applications are handled only on the official announcement. This page is a readable copy of the public announcement data — the official version controls if anything differs.

Apply on USAJobs (official) ↗

Required documents

You may apply by submitting the following documents: A resume, no more than two (2) pages; A cover letter explaining your interest; Educational qualification; and A completed OF 306 (Declaration for Federal Employment). Note: Application packets should be emailed in one single PDF attachment. See 'How to Apply' for instructions.

What to expect next

Once your completed application package is received, we will conduct an evaluation and the selected candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for future consideration and possible interview. The Court does not pay relocation expenses.

Benefits

Programs | BENEFEDS

Other information

This is an "at-will" position. Excepted Service Position: This job is being filled by an alternative hiring process and is not in the competitive civil service. Veterans Information: There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to paralegal appointments in the excepted service; however, the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims considers veterans' preference eligibility a positive factor for attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letters or resumes and attach supporting documents (e.g., DD Form 214, Certificate of Release, or Discharge from Active Duty) to their submissions.

Frequently asked questions

How much does this Paralegal Specialist job pay?

The announcement lists a salary of $70,623–$111,087 per year (CS 9–11).

When is the last day to apply?

Applications close on Sep 29, 2027 — 322 days from today.

Where is this job located?

This position is located in Washington, District of Columbia with the U.S. Courts.

How do I apply?

Applications are submitted through the official announcement on USAJobs. Use the Apply button on this page to go to the official posting — this site never takes applications itself.

More jobs at U.S. Courts

All U.S. Courts jobs →

More Paralegal Specialist jobs

All Paralegal Specialist jobs →

Data: USAJobs (U.S. Office of Personnel Management), retrieved 2026-11-11 · Announcement 26-15 · Official announcement. FederalJobs is unofficial and is not affiliated with OPM or the agency.
Paralegal Specialist
Sep 29, 2027 deadlineApply