Summary This position is located in the Office of General Counsel (OGC), Litigation Branch in Washington, DC. Responsibilities The Litigation, Adjudication, and Enforcement Branch represents the Commission in the U.S. District Courts, Bankruptcy Courts, Courts of Appeals, and various administrative bodies including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Merit Systems Protection Board, and Federal Service Impasses Panel. It also assists the Solicitor General in representing the Commission before the U.S. Supreme Court. OGC litigation staff represents the Commission in appeals of enforcement actions, challenges to agency actions, derivatives-industry bankruptcies, employment lawsuits, other administrative litigation, and as amicus curiae in a range of matters. The Branch reviews draft regulations, releases, and other proposed agency actions for litigation risk, including but not limited to compliance with the Administrative Procedures Act and Commodity Exchange Act (CEA) provisions such as the requirement that the Commission consider the costs and benefits of many of its actions. The Branch advises the Commission on its adjudication function. As a Paralegal Specialist, the incumbent is primarily responsible for assisting attorneys in the Litigation, Adjudication, and Enforcement Branch. Typical duties include: Assists attorneys in the preparation of court filings by verifying and checking legal citations (cite-checking) and legal references in prepared legal documents and preparing tables of contents and authorities. Proofreads briefs, pleadings, memoranda, opinions and other documents; drafts legal instruments such as certificates of service, transmittal letters and cover memoranda. Contracts with outside vendors for copying and binding of legal briefs and appendices. Arranges timely delivery of legal documents to courts and tribunals. Reviews incoming bankruptcy notices to determine whether the Commission has an interest in the bankruptcy. Reviews and maintains email inbox for OGCecf@cftc.gov to ensure that all court notices reach the correct attorney. Receives and distributes incoming mail; reviews incoming documents for necessary response, if any. Makes travel arrangements for staff members; ensures that authorizations and vouchers are completed in an accurate and timely manner. Utilizes data management and litigation support systems (i.e. Practice Manager, Relativity, Case Map, Pacer, and Lexis and Westlaw) to locate, organize and categorize exhibits, appendices, administrative records and other documents as needed for court filings. Utilizes OGC's Elaw case management system to review, store, index, and search electronic copies of documents obtained in the course of investigations and litigation. Maintains case files and corrects file deficiencies or discrepancies. Devises filing systems or docket tracking systems as needed to increase efficiency of the Branch. Independently reviews case files maintained in hard copy to determine which files are eligible to be retired to off-side document storage area; prepares files; and supervises the preparation of files for retirement to off-site storage facilities. Performs legal research or retrieval of legislative history, precedent cases, decisions, and opinions, regulations, policies, procedures, case law, Internet sites, etc., to provide assistance to staff attorneys in the development of legal matters. References may include but are not limited to the Commodity Exchange Act and Commission Regulations. Based on information found during research, prepares legal summaries or compiles resources to be used in litigation, pending approval by the assigned attorney. Ensures that records are accurate, and readily available for staff to use during their investigations and litigation. As needed and available, assists other units of OGC by researching and analyzing legal issues; assuring accuracy and consistency in legal documents prepared by the office, cite checking and proofreading briefs, pleadings, memoranda, opinions and other documents; drafting legal instruments such as certificates of service, transmittal letters and cover memoranda. Prepare correspondence and memoranda requiring minimal or no edits. Performs other duties as assigned. Requirements Conditions of Employment U.S. Citizenship Background/Security Investigation May be required to serve a one-year probationary period Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 You will be evaluated on the basis of your level of competency (knowledge, skills and abilities) in the following areas: Legal, Government, and Jurisprudence, Technology Application, Oral and Written Communication. Legal, Government, and Jurisprudence - Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, legal practices and documents, Government regulations, Executive orders, agency rules, Government organization and functions, and the democratic political process. Technology Application - Uses machines, tools, instruments, or equipment effectively; uses computers and computer applications to analyze and communicate information in the appropriate format. Oral Communication - Makes clear and convincing oral presentations. Listens effectively; clarifies information as needed. Written Communication - Writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience. Qualifications CT-11 Level: To qualify for the CT-11 level you must you must meet at least ONE of the following conditions, as defined below: Specialized experience is defined that through which one has gained experience: Specialized Experience: One full year of specialized experience equivalent to the CT/GS-09 level in the Federal service. Specialized experience includes all of the following: Examining and processing a variety of documents, including legal documents, and using a variety of electronic or manual filing systems to acquire and store information. Conducting research under attorney supervision, analysis and evaluation of data in response to complex or sensitive requests; Assists attorneys with motion filing, preparation of exhibits, attachments to motions, and production of documents in litigation matters, including legal cite-checking. OR Substitution of education for experience: The experience requirements for the CT-11 above may be met by the successful completion of a PH.D. or equivalent graduate degree, OR 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree, OR LL.M., if related. Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of a Paralegal Specialist. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be used to meet the qualification requirement at CT-11. Education Please refer to the OPM Position Classification Standard for Paralegal Specialist Series, GS-0950 (opm.gov) for the specific Education/Experience requirements for this position. To be creditable, education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. You must report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions that are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criterion, see www.ed.gov. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html Additional Information This is not a Bargaining Unit Position. Relocation: Relocation expenses will not be paid. Probationary Period: You may be required to serve a one-year probationary period, if applicable. More than the number of positions listed may be filled through this vacancy announcement. The overall salary range is provided for informational purposes as it represents the full range that is applicable to current employees in this occupation/grade. A new hire's direct and overall experience are critical factors in determining a salary offer, therefore, it is important that your resume fully reflects all of your work experience. Note that the upper end of each range is typically applicable only to candidates with significant years of work experience and qualifications Please review the CFTC Compensation Program website for additional information. The law prohibits public officials from appointing, promoting, or recommending their relatives. The law prohibits requesting, making, transmitting, accepting, or considering political recommendations for employment or other personnel actions for non-political positions. This includes recommendations from Members of Congress, Congressional employees, elected state or local officials, and political party officials and any recommendation based on party affiliation.