Paralegal Specialist

GS‑9 Qualifications

To be eligible at the GS‑9 level, you must meet at least one of the following: specialized experience, education, or a combination.

• Specialized Experience: One full year of experience equivalent to the GS‑7 level, reviewing legal documents, assembling information for hearings or trials, researching legal sources, and using software to produce reports and correspondence.
• Education: One of the following: a master’s or equivalent graduate degree (e.g., LL.B. or J.D.); or two full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree. Must be from an accredited college or university and demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for the duties.
• Combining Education and Experience: A combination of graduate education and experience can qualify as long as the graduate education exceeds one full year.

GS‑11 Qualifications

To be eligible at the GS‑11 level, you must meet at least one of the following: specialized experience, education, or a combination.

• Specialized Experience: One full year of experience equivalent to the GS‑9 level in Federal service, performing analytical paralegal or legal work that demonstrates a practical knowledge of law and the litigation process. Examples include analyzing legal decisions, conducting research, composing briefs, interviewing witnesses, and preparing evidence.
• Education: Same as above.
• Combining Education and Experience: Your graduate education must be in excess of one full year.

Additional Eligibility

Applicants who meet the qualification requirements must submit supporting documentation. When qualifications are based on education, provide college transcripts or a list of courses with credit hours, dates, and grades. If selected, you must provide official transcripts before beginning duty.

Displaced Federal competitive service employees may receive selection priority under Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) or the Department of Justice Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP). To qualify, you must be a displaced employee with eligibility, apply under the instructions, and have a score of 85 or better on ranking criteria. Proof of eligibility, such as a written notification or separation form, must be provided. Further information about ICTAP and CTAP is available at