Federal Paralegal Job Description

'A federal paralegal is a paralegal who does paralegal work within a federal agency or who works for an attorney who specializes in federal law. A federal paralegal who specializes in criminal law might work for the Federal Public Defender (helping attorneys defend people accused of federal crimes) or for the United States Attorney (helping attorneys prosecute people accused of federal crimes). Other federal paralegals might work in federal government agencies in Washington, D.C. or elsewhere, assisting with the legal matters handled by those agencies. Federal paralegals handle a wide variety of tasks to assist attorneys in their practices. However, because federal paralegals are not attorneys and have not been admitted to the bars of any state, federal paralegals must always work under the direction of a practicing attorney.

Here are a few sample Federal Paralegal job descriptions:


Federal Litigation Paralegal

The candidate will manage the responsibilities that include a mix of work including client intake and guidance, legal work including drafting, research, and communications with the court, clients, and opposing counsel, and limited office management. Must have 1 year of experience as a litigation paralegal. Federal litigation experience is a plus.


Federal Litigation Paralegal

The candidate will learn in detail about a niche litigation field, namely federal consumer litigation with a particular focus on litigation credit report errors caused by either or both credit bureaus and creditors. Will have a mix of work including client intake and guidance, legal work including drafting, research, and communications with the court, clients, and opposing counsel, and limited office management. Must have 1 full year as a litigation paralegal. Federal litigation experience is a plus.

Federal Sector Labor Employment Department - Paralegal

The candidate will manage case files, which are generally voluminous and often involve hundreds of client-employees. Will perform damage calculations in Federal Labor Standards Act (FLSA) violation and other back pay cases, review time and attendance records to determine value of pay errors, and maintain database of payees when recovered funds are distributed. Create and upload forms for electronic sign-ups, and field calls from clients with questions about sign-up forms. Assist in online research, prepare graphs, charts and other explanatory materials for cases in various stages of investigation and litigation. Other duties include editing and formatting documents and court filings; organizing materials for attorneys; helping attorneys with document review and arbitration, deposition preparation; and offering general office support, as needed. Must have a Bachelor's degree. Should have 2+ years of office experience, and superior organization skills. Must be proficient with computer systems, word processing, Internet research, and other related information technologies. Microsoft Excel experience and math skills are essential.
Note: A two-year commitment to the law firm is preferred.

Federal Litigation Paralegal

The candidate will particular focus on litigation credit report errors caused by either or both credit bureaus and creditors. The consumer practice also involves class action and state court litigation. Must have 1 year of experience as a litigation paralegal. Federal litigation experience is a plus. Responsibilities will include a mix of work including client intake and guidance, legal work including drafting, research, and communications with the court, clients, and opposing counsel, and limited office management.'