Legal Assistant

Summary

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This position is located in the Office of the Chief Immigration Judge , Executive Office for Immigration Review, U. S. Department of Justice. Incumbent serves as Legal Assistant, who processes, analyzes and researches legal documents, generates reports, develops Records of Proceedings, and responds to FOIA requests.

This is a Competitive Service position; additional positions may be filled from this announcement within 90 days of certificate issuance.

Learn more about this agency

This job is open to

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### The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

### Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.

### Veterans

Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces or a spouse, widow, widower or parent of a veteran, who may be eligible for derived preference

### Clarification from the agency

This vacancy announcement is open to all U.S. Citizens.

Duties

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Duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Reviewing correspondence and legal documents/files in an assigned area or case;
• Analyzes documents and utilizes specialized techniques to determine appropriate course of action;
• Develops Records of Proceedings (ROPs);
• Prepares notices to respondents, attorneys, and other concerned parties to advise them of hearing dates; and
• Provides assistance to in\-court services staff with docket preparation and coordination of files and records needed for hearings

Requirements

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### Conditions of employment

• Complete the initial online assessment and USA Hire Assessment, if required
• You must complete a background investigation, credit check, and drug test.
• You must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Selective Service Registration is required, as applicable.
• Probationary period will apply.
• May be required to file a Financial Disclosure.
• Salary payments must be by direct deposit to a financial institution.
• Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

### Qualifications

In order to qualify for the Legal Assistant position, you must meet the following minimum qualifications:

FOR THE GS\-05 LEVEL:

A. Specialized Experience: Applicants must have at least one or more full\-time years (12\-months) of specialized work experience, equivalent to at least the GS\-04 grade level in the Federal service, performing the following duties:

1\) Preparing and processing standard, routine legal correspondence; 2\) Providing information to visitors and telephone callers; 3\) Using word processing software and printing devices to produce a variety of standardized documents such as letters and reports; and 4\) Maintaining legal files.

(Your resume must CLEARLY demonstrate this experience)

OR

B. Education: Applicants must have successfully completed 4 years of education above the high school level in any field for which high school graduation or the equivalent is the normal prerequisite is creditable. This education was obtained in an accredited business, secretarial or technical school, junior college, college or university. One year of full\-time academic study is defined as 30 semester hours, 45 quarter hours, or the equivalent in a college or university, or at least 20 hours of classroom instruction per week for approximately 36 weeks in a business, secretarial, or technical school.

*NOTE: Applicants* *must* *submit a copy of their transcripts for verification.*

OR

C. Combination: Applicant must possess a combination of specialized experience described in letter A above and post high school education described in letter B above in excess of the first 60 semester hours (i.e., beyond the second year) that totals at least one year. One full academic year of study (30 semester hours) beyond the second year is equivalent to 6 months of specialized experience.

*NOTE: Applicants* *must* *submit a copy of their transcripts for verification.*

FOR THE GS\-06 LEVEL:

Specialized Experience: Applicants must have at least one or more full\-time years (12\-months) of specialized work experience, equivalent to at least the GS\-05 grade level in the Federal service, performing the following duties:

1\) Processing motions, petitions and other legal documents; 2\) Responding to written, telephonic, electronic, and personal inquiries regarding legal proceedings and records; 3\) Assist in the preparation of legal case file materials; and 4\) Maintaining and analyzing statistical data.

(Your resume must CLEARLY demonstrate this experience)

FOR THE GS\-07 LEVEL:

Specialized Experience: Applicants must have at least one or more full\-time years (12\-months) of specialized work experience, equivalent to at least the GS\-06 grade level in the Federal service, performing the following duties:

1\) Scheduling hearings, meetings and engagements; 2\) Examining case files to determine sufficiency of documentation and to identify material that may be pertinent to issues or cases; 3\) Conducting research for case information through records, reference and historical material; 4\) Assisting in retiring files; and 5\) Generating, modifying, and interpreting computer\-generated reports.

(Your resume must CLEARLY demonstrate this experience)

FOR THE GS\-08 LEVEL:

Specialized Experience: Applicants must have at least one or more full\-time years (12\-months) of specialized work experience, equivalent to at least the GS\-07 grade level in the Federal service, performing the following duties:

1\) Applying comprehensive legal regulations, techniques, and procedures to perform assistance work requiring extensive searches of records, reference or historical material and comparisons with complex, voluminous or broadly written criteria; 2\) Examining and processing charging documents which are voluminous and complex in format; 3\) Reviewing incoming documents/files and determining the need to create or reassemble a Record of Proceeding (ROP) file and process a variety of legal documents; and 4\) Conducting extensive searches for case information applying comprehensive legal regulations, specialized techniques, and procedures.

(Your resume must CLEARLY demonstrate this experience)

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. If your resume does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s).

For more information on the qualifications for this position, click here.

### Education

ARE YOU USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY? Education must be accredited by an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications (particularly positions with a positive education requirement). You MUST provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. Applicants can verify accreditation by clicking here. All education claimed by applicants will be verified by the appointing agency accordingly. (Note: If you are selected for this position based on education, an official transcript will be required, prior to your first day.) You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

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 accredited U.S. education programs; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, click here.

Translated transcripts are required.

### Additional information

Alternate work schedule options may be available. Tour of duty may include Saturdays and Sundays

Conditions of Employment: Only U.S. Citizens or Nationals are eligible for employment with the Executive Office for Immigration Review. Dual citizens of the U.S. and another country will be considered on a case\-by\-case basis. All DOJ applicants, both U.S. citizens and non\-citizens, whose job location is with the U.S., must meet the residency requirement. For a total of three (not necessarily consecutive years) of the five years immediately prior to applying for a position, the applicant must have: 1\) resided in the U.S., 2\) worked for the U.S. overseas in a Federal or military capacity; or 3\) been a dependent of a Federal or military employee serving oversees.

Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): To be well qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and (for scored examining) score 85 or better on established ranking criteria OR (for category rating criteria) rate equivalent to the Highly Qualified or better category using established category rating criteria and must submit proof of eligibility for the special selection priority. Additional information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibility can be found by clicking here.

Note: Multiple selections may be made from this announcement. Salaries listed above are an approximation and are subject to duty station locality adjustment.

As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service.

Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case\-by\-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full\-time, part\-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How you will be evaluated

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You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your application will be evaluated and rated using Rule of Many procedures under 5 C.F.R. § 332\.402 based on a set number of highest ranked eligibles. Preference eligibles will receive 5 or 10 points added to their score based on the adjudicated preference.

All eligibles at or above the pre\-determined number including any preference eligibles with a service\-connected disability of 10 percent or more, at any score, will be referred to the selecting official for consideration. All eligibles with a tied rating will be referred even if the results exceed the pre\-established number.

The selecting official will receive a sufficient number of names, when available, to consider at least three candidates per vacancy. If fewer than three eligible and available candidates per vacancy result, the referral will be expanded in accordance with DOJ's supplemental strategy. The selecting official will adhere to veterans' preference rules and Rule of Many procedures when making selections.

In order to be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and application questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. Your USAHIRE assessment results will be kept on record for one year and used toward future positions for which you might apply that require the same assessments.

If you would like to preview the application questionnaire, please see: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12934273

Required Documents

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Your complete Application Package (containing the above required documents) must be received no later than 11:59 pm Eastern on 04/20/2026

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

1\. Your Resume showing relevant experience; cover letter optional. (Please see the How You Will Be Evaluated section)

2\. A complete Assessment Questionnaire.

3\. Other Supporting Documents, if applicable to you.

* Transcripts, if qualifying based on education. (Must include your name, college name and address, courses, dates attended, major and degree, cumulative grade point average (GPA), any honors received, and date the degree was awarded/conferred.)

• CTAP/ICTAP documents
(Please see the Additional Information section)

* Veterans' Preference and documents: (DD214 MEMBER\-4 copy, SF\-15, and required documentation that is acceptable proof of your claim for preference.) If you are entitled to veterans' preference, you should indicate the type of veterans' preference you claim on your resume. You must submit a DD214 Member\-4 Copy,"Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," which shows dates of service and separation under honorable conditions. If you are entitled to veterans' preference based on a service\-connected disability, award of the Purple Heart, or derived preference, you must submit an SF15, "Application for 10\-point Veterans' Preference," and required documentation that is acceptable proof of your claim for preference. (e.g. An official statement, dated 1991 or later, from the Department of Veterans Affairs or from a branch of the Armed Forces, certifying the veteran's service\-connected disability and combined disability rating.) For more information on Veterans' Preference click here.

* Veterans eligible for a Veterans' Recruitment Appointment (VRA). You must submit a copy of your DD\-214\. NOTE: VRA only applies to positions at the GS\-11 level and below.

• Any other supporting documentation required for verification as described in the announcement.

* Active Duty Service Members expected to be released or discharged from active duty service may submit a written document from the armed forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions within 120 days after the certification is submitted. The certification letter should be on letterhead of the appropriate military branch of the service and contain (1\) the military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; and (2\) the character of service. Without this documentation, you will not receive tentative veterans' preference and your application will be evaluated based on the job application materials submitted. Veterans' preference must be verified prior to appointment.

### If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

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Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application and submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:

1\. To begin the application process, click the Apply Online button.

2\. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation. Occupational questionnaire can be previewed here:https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12934273

3\. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.

4\. If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice.

5\. Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.

6\. Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.

7\. Set aside at least 3 hours to take the USA Hire assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re\-use your unique assessment link.

8\. Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused.

For more general information, system requirements, reasonable accommodation information, and to request assistance regarding the USA Hire Assessments, review the following resources: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title\=USA\_Hire\_Assessments.

To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.

To view the announcement status or your application status: Click on this: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how\-to/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.

### Agency contact information

EOIR HR Services

Phone

00000000000

Email

EOIR.HR\_Application\_Review@usdoj.gov

Address

Office of the Chief Immigration Judge

5107 Leesburg Pike

Falls Church, VA 22041

US### Next steps

Based on your application and your responses to the application questionnaire, you may be presented with instructions on how to access the USA Hire system to complete the online assessments. The online assessments must be completed within 48 hours following the close of this announcement. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation for the assessment should you have a disability covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).Your assessment results will be kept on record for one year and used toward future positions for which you might apply that require the same assessments.You will be notified of your application status during the hiring process, as applicable. You may check your application status by accessing the USAJOBS website and clicking "Application Status". The process may take up to 6 weeks. The four points of notification are:

• Application Received or Application Incomplete
• Minimum Qualification Requirement Met/Not Met
• Eligible (Application Referred) or Ineligible (Application Not referred)
• Selected or Not Selected
• Based upon your score, you may be referred to the hiring official. If your name is referred to the hiring official, you may be contacted directly by that office for a possible interview. You will receive notice via email once this process is completed (generally 4\-6 weeks).

Overview

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Accepting applications

Open \& closing dates

04/10/2026 to 04/20/2026

This job will close when we have received 300 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more

Salary

$34,799 \- $62,057 per year

Pay scale \& grade

GS 5 \- 8

Locations

many vacancies in the following locations:

Florence Immigration Court

Florence, AZ

Phoenix Immigration Court

Phoenix, AZ

Adelanto Immigration Court

Adelanto, CA

Concord Immigration Court

Concord, CA

Show morefewer locations (32\)

Los Angeles Immigration Court

Los Angeles, CA

Sacramento Immigration Court

Sacramento, CA

San Diego Immigration Court

San Diego, CA

Santa Ana Immigration Court

Santa Ana, CA

Denver Immigration Court

Denver, CO

Miami Immigration Court/Miami Krome Immigration Court

Miami, FL

Atlanta Immigration Court (W. Peachtree Street)

Atlanta, GA

Stewart Immigration Court

Lumpkin, GA

Indianapolis Immigration Court

Indianapolis, IN

Louisville Hearing Location

Louisville, KY

Baton Rouge Immigration Court

Baton Rouge, LA

LaSalle Immigration Court

Jena, LA

New Orleans Immigration Court

New Orleans, LA

Baltimore Immigration Court

Baltimore, MD

Hyattsville Immigration Court

Hyattsville, MD

Fort Snelling Immigration Court

Fort Snelling, MN

Newark Immigration Court

Newark, NJ

Batavia Immigration Court

Batavia, NY

New York (Broadway/ Federal Plaza) Immigration Court

New York, NY

Cleveland Immigration Court

Cleveland, OH

Portland Immigration Court

Portland, OR

Philadelphia Immigration Court

Philadelphia, PA

Memphis Immigration Court

Memphis, TN

Dallas Immigration Court

Dallas, TX

Harlingen Immigration Court

Harlingen, TX

Houston Immigration Court

Houston, TX

Laredo Immigration Court

Laredo, TX

Pearsall Immigration Court

Pearsall, TX

San Antonio Immigration Court

San Antonio, TX

Salt Lake City Immigration Court

Salt Lake City, UT

Annandale Immigration Court

Annandale, VA

Seattle Immigration Court

Seattle, WA

Remote job

No

Telework eligible

No

Travel Required

Not required

Relocation expenses reimbursed

No

Appointment type

Permanent

Work schedule

Full\-time

Service

Competitive

Promotion potential

8

Job family (Series)

• 0986 Legal Assistance

Supervisory status

No

Security clearance

Not Required

Drug test

No

Position sensitivity and risk

Moderate Risk (MR)

Trust determination process

• Credentialing
• Suitability/Fitness

Financial disclosure

No

Bargaining unit status

No

Announcement number

DE\-12934273\-26\-RA

Control number

864848400