Job Summary
Located in the nation’s capital, The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is the chief legal office of the District of Columbia. OAG enforces the District’s laws, works to protect and defend D.C. residents, and provides the highest level of independent legal advice and guidance to District of Columbia government agencies. This position is located in the Family Services Division within the Office of the Division Deputy.
The Family Services Division works on behalf of the District’s most vulnerable citizens—abused and neglected children. The Division has five Child Protection Sections. The attorneys in sections I-IV handle all child abuse and neglect litigation on behalf of the District’s Child and Family Services Agency (“CFSA”), from the initiation of a case through finding a child a permanent placement. Division attorneys also advise CFSA social workers and staff members on compliance with local and federal law. CPS V is a newer section designed to work with CFSA on matters not yet court involved. There is a prevention focus lens to this section and therefore the section works closely with the In-Home administration within CFSA.
HOW TO APPLY: Online Application must be completed in its entirety, along with the following submissions:
**If experiencing issues uploading attachments through the careers portal, please send the required documents to [email protected]. Failure to submit the required documentation may lead to non-consideration for the position.**
Paralegal Specialist, CS-950-12
Major Duties And Responsibilities
Assisting a team of attorneys with the preparation of case files, including the preparation of discovery materials to be provided to litigants, the preparation of subpoenas and summonses, and requesting and obtaining necessary documents and information from outside agencies.
Maintaining electronic case files and correspondence.
Maintaining and utilizing a variety of computer programs to include: Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe, AbacusLaw, CaseFileXpress, CourtView, and FACES.
Drafting a variety of legal documents, including motions to terminate parental rights, written discovery requests and responses, proposed orders and motions.
Performing legal research, including search of statutes, regulations, legislative history, case law and other legal authorities applicable to child abuse and neglect law.
Requesting drug test results, birth and death certificates, and child support/paternity documents.
Handling sensitive and confidential information, subject to attorney-client privilege, the attorney work product privilege, and various agency privileges.
Assisting the attorneys in the preparation of government and expert witnesses for deposition and/or trial.
Preparing trial notebooks, scheduling witness conferences, preparing and organizing exhibits, and other duties as required.
Attending trials, taking trial notes for motions for review, and assisting the attorneys as needed.
Establishing and maintaining an effective system of monitoring and tracking cases to ensure compliance with all relevant deadlines.
Building and maintaining working relationships with various custodians of record from various hospitals, schools, and other business entities to request and procure records and certifications of records.
Identifying, defining, and analyzing operational problems, and posing options and alternatives to existing procedures.
Performing other duties as assigned.
Knowledge Required By The Position
Knowledge of legal procedures and the judicial system. Knowledge of District/Federal laws and regulations pertinent to office operations. Knowledge of basic legal principles and concepts sufficient to interpret and apply, or explain the application of body of law, regulations, precedents and practices.
Skill in analyzing issues and facts for writing drafts and decisions.
Oral and written communication skills sufficient to prepare draft orders and motions.
Knowledge of, and proficiency in the use of operating a personal computer (PC), utilizing Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, database management and case tracking, etc., editing word and pdf documents, and a willingness to learn new technology associated with assigned work tasks.
Qualifications
Direct experience with child welfare work is not required. Candidates should have at least 3 years of specialized legal experience. Specialized experience is defined as experience performing a variety of analytical paralegal or legal tasks which demonstrates a practical knowledge of the law, the litigation and judicial process, and applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Examples of specialized experience include performing the following duties: 1) analyze and evaluate legal decisions and case files to identify relevant issues and potential evidence; 2) conduct legal research concerning precedents and past court decisions; composing legal briefs, summaries of analysis and decisions, and pre-trial documents for investigations; 3) interview witnesses and various individuals who can provide insight into cases under review; preparing evidence and documents to support recommendations; and 4) utilize a variety of automated legal research tools.
Grade 11
QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must have a least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the CS-09 grade level, or its non-District equivalent gained from either the public or private sector.
Grade 12
QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the CS-11 grade level, or its non-District equivalent gained from either the public or private sector.
There are no Individual Occupational Requirements for this series.
SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION: A paralegal certificate, college degree and at least 3 years of experience, or a law degree, may be substituted for some experience in accordance with established guidelines. Applicants must meet the qualification requirements for the position. In order to receive credit, applicants must submit official proof of education attainment at the time of application.
License and Certification
None
Other Significant Factors;
Pay Plan, Series and Grade: CS-950-11
Salary: $74,893 - $96,547; based on available funding for this position. Pay is administratively determined based, in part, on the number of years of professional experience .
Pay Plan, Series and Grade: CS-950-12
Salary: $92,656 - $98,412
Number Of Vacancies
One (1)
TYPE OF APPOINTMENT: Career Service – Regular Appointment
Tour of Duty: Monday-Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
In-person reporting with limited telework and flexible work schedules available upon eligibility.
Promotion Potential: No known promotion potential.
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING UNIT: This position is in the collective bargaining unit represented by AFSCME Local 2401
GENERAL SUITABILITY SCREENING: The selected candidate will be subject to a background investigation including reference checks.
Residency Preference: Applicants claiming "Residency Preference” will be required to maintain residency in the District of Columbia for a minimum of (7) years. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of employment.
Equal Employment Opportunity: All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, genetic information, or political affiliation.
Notice of Non-Discrimination: In accordance with the D.C. Human Rights Act of 1977, as amended, D.C. Code
Located in the nation’s capital, The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is the chief legal office of the District of Columbia. OAG enforces the District’s laws, works to protect and defend D.C. residents, and provides the highest level of independent legal advice and guidance to District of Columbia government agencies. This position is located in the Family Services Division within the Office of the Division Deputy.
The Family Services Division works on behalf of the District’s most vulnerable citizens—abused and neglected children. The Division has five Child Protection Sections. The attorneys in sections I-IV handle all child abuse and neglect litigation on behalf of the District’s Child and Family Services Agency (“CFSA”), from the initiation of a case through finding a child a permanent placement. Division attorneys also advise CFSA social workers and staff members on compliance with local and federal law. CPS V is a newer section designed to work with CFSA on matters not yet court involved. There is a prevention focus lens to this section and therefore the section works closely with the In-Home administration within CFSA.
HOW TO APPLY: Online Application must be completed in its entirety, along with the following submissions:
- Cover Letter
- Résumé
- Legal Writing Sample
- Unofficial transcripts if the applicant has less than five years of experience (official transcripts may be required if selected)
- A List of Three References
**If experiencing issues uploading attachments through the careers portal, please send the required documents to [email protected]. Failure to submit the required documentation may lead to non-consideration for the position.**
Paralegal Specialist, CS-950-12
Major Duties And Responsibilities
Assisting a team of attorneys with the preparation of case files, including the preparation of discovery materials to be provided to litigants, the preparation of subpoenas and summonses, and requesting and obtaining necessary documents and information from outside agencies.
Maintaining electronic case files and correspondence.
Maintaining and utilizing a variety of computer programs to include: Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe, AbacusLaw, CaseFileXpress, CourtView, and FACES.
Drafting a variety of legal documents, including motions to terminate parental rights, written discovery requests and responses, proposed orders and motions.
Performing legal research, including search of statutes, regulations, legislative history, case law and other legal authorities applicable to child abuse and neglect law.
Requesting drug test results, birth and death certificates, and child support/paternity documents.
Handling sensitive and confidential information, subject to attorney-client privilege, the attorney work product privilege, and various agency privileges.
Assisting the attorneys in the preparation of government and expert witnesses for deposition and/or trial.
Preparing trial notebooks, scheduling witness conferences, preparing and organizing exhibits, and other duties as required.
Attending trials, taking trial notes for motions for review, and assisting the attorneys as needed.
Establishing and maintaining an effective system of monitoring and tracking cases to ensure compliance with all relevant deadlines.
Building and maintaining working relationships with various custodians of record from various hospitals, schools, and other business entities to request and procure records and certifications of records.
Identifying, defining, and analyzing operational problems, and posing options and alternatives to existing procedures.
Performing other duties as assigned.
Knowledge Required By The Position
Knowledge of legal procedures and the judicial system. Knowledge of District/Federal laws and regulations pertinent to office operations. Knowledge of basic legal principles and concepts sufficient to interpret and apply, or explain the application of body of law, regulations, precedents and practices.
Skill in analyzing issues and facts for writing drafts and decisions.
Oral and written communication skills sufficient to prepare draft orders and motions.
Knowledge of, and proficiency in the use of operating a personal computer (PC), utilizing Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, database management and case tracking, etc., editing word and pdf documents, and a willingness to learn new technology associated with assigned work tasks.
Qualifications
Direct experience with child welfare work is not required. Candidates should have at least 3 years of specialized legal experience. Specialized experience is defined as experience performing a variety of analytical paralegal or legal tasks which demonstrates a practical knowledge of the law, the litigation and judicial process, and applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Examples of specialized experience include performing the following duties: 1) analyze and evaluate legal decisions and case files to identify relevant issues and potential evidence; 2) conduct legal research concerning precedents and past court decisions; composing legal briefs, summaries of analysis and decisions, and pre-trial documents for investigations; 3) interview witnesses and various individuals who can provide insight into cases under review; preparing evidence and documents to support recommendations; and 4) utilize a variety of automated legal research tools.
Grade 11
QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must have a least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the CS-09 grade level, or its non-District equivalent gained from either the public or private sector.
Grade 12
QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the CS-11 grade level, or its non-District equivalent gained from either the public or private sector.
There are no Individual Occupational Requirements for this series.
SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION: A paralegal certificate, college degree and at least 3 years of experience, or a law degree, may be substituted for some experience in accordance with established guidelines. Applicants must meet the qualification requirements for the position. In order to receive credit, applicants must submit official proof of education attainment at the time of application.
License and Certification
None
Other Significant Factors;
Pay Plan, Series and Grade: CS-950-11
Salary: $74,893 - $96,547; based on available funding for this position. Pay is administratively determined based, in part, on the number of years of professional experience .
Pay Plan, Series and Grade: CS-950-12
Salary: $92,656 - $98,412
Number Of Vacancies
One (1)
TYPE OF APPOINTMENT: Career Service – Regular Appointment
Tour of Duty: Monday-Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
In-person reporting with limited telework and flexible work schedules available upon eligibility.
Promotion Potential: No known promotion potential.
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING UNIT: This position is in the collective bargaining unit represented by AFSCME Local 2401
GENERAL SUITABILITY SCREENING: The selected candidate will be subject to a background investigation including reference checks.
Residency Preference: Applicants claiming "Residency Preference” will be required to maintain residency in the District of Columbia for a minimum of (7) years. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of employment.
Equal Employment Opportunity: All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, genetic information, or political affiliation.
Notice of Non-Discrimination: In accordance with the D.C. Human Rights Act of 1977, as amended, D.C. Code
- 2-1401.01, et. seq., (the Act) the District of Columbia does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, familial status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, disability, genetic information, source of income, or place of residence or business. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that is also prohibited by the Act. In addition, harassment based on any of the above-protected categories is prohibited by the Act. Discrimination in violation of the Act will not be tolerated. Violators will be subject to disciplinary action.