As a GS-0950-11, Paralegal Specialist, you will:
Provide ancillary legal work to state/territory SJA and other assigned Army National Guard (ARNG) and Air National Guard (ANG) attorneys servicing the state/territory National Guard's case load. Conduct legal research of Federal and state/territory code, regulations, policies, procedures, case law, legal and administrative decisions and opinions, etc., and summarize findings to aide staff attorneys in case or project resolution. Research is performed on a variety of legal subjects which may include, but are not limited to: Federal and state/territory code, and legislative proposals or intent; military justice and status issues for Title 10 and Title 32 members; claims; labor relations; equal opportunity; administrative actions; contractual agreements; ethics; environmental concerns; law enforcement; bankruptcy; taxation; legal assistance; and a wide variety of miscellaneous legal issues. Interview clients and potential witnesses; collect and organize pertinent factual and research material to build case files; and prepare and organize exhibits. Compose, prepare, and ensure accuracy of various legal or legislative documents. Draft and edit non-legal memoranda, research reports and correspondence relating to cases. Maintain case files and identify and correct file deficiencies or discrepancies.
Provide research, analysis, guidance, and support to administer courts-martial, non-judicial punishment, administrative boards and other legal actions and administrative processes. Review procedures, timing criteria and documents relative to the administration of justice under the Uniform Code of Military Justice and associated state/territory code. Perform research to identify factual and legal issues to uncover relevant information for summaries of precedent cases, interviews, testimony, depositions, and related case material for use by the attorneys. Perform research and preparation of notes and memoranda regarding allegations and possible charges, maintain logs and files, and file motions. Prepare and file charge sheets, disposition sheets, and other records. Maintain transcript files and exhibits. Provide assistance to serviced units concerning the administrative preparation, coordination, and implementation of documents regarding military justice.
Manage the Preventative Law Program. Facilitate legal training for unit readiness non-commissioned officers (NCOs) and Directorate of Manpower and Personnel (J1) personnel, or others by request, on a variety of topics including but not limited to: the military justice system (both Federal and state/territory), inquiries and investigations, unlawful command influence, adverse administrative actions, administrative separations, the Lautenberg Amendment to the Gun Control Act of 1968, urinalysis testing and other issues affecting traditional guard members and NG full-time employees. Manage the SJA portion of the state/territory Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) program. Advise senior leaders and organizational managers on the suitability of various disputes for resolution through the use of ADR methodologies by promoting program awareness, as well as planning for and providing timely advice or support needed to employ ADR program interventions. Develop, plan, or generate guidance for existing dispute processes to ensure they interface with National Guard Bureau (NGB) ADR goals. Work to implement the most appropriate form of ADR that both meets and is able to address the needs of the disputants. Analyze the qualifications, experience, training and subject matter expertise of neutrals and recommend the selection of specific one. Work with managers, supervisors, and employees to prevent and resolve problems and to build constructive relationships in the work environment. Identify needed resources and track and evaluate services provided, program administration, and results.
Serve as the primary point of contact for claims. Accept complaint, summons, documents, or inquiries; identify the type or purpose; screen for completeness; and identify the action to be performed. As required by the action, perform preliminary investigation and gather pertinent information, research legal and factual issues, interview claimant, involved parties and potential witnesses and build case files, and recommend disposition of claim. Serve as the primary point of contact for ethical determinations. Screen requests for ethics opinions and gather the applicable facts. Analyze the specifics of each situation. Conduct legal research and apply cumulative knowledge to the factual element and recommend a course of action or refer that recommendation to the SJA. Assist the Staff Judge Advocate with implementation of the joint ethics regulatory annual reporting requirements.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Starting at $76,671 Per Year (GS 11)