Legal Assistant

Department of Justice

Executive Office for Immigration Review

Office of the Chief Immigration Judge

Summary

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.

This job is open to

Federal employees - Competitive service

Current federal employees whose agencies follow the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's hiring rules and pay scales.

Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

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

Land and base management

Current or former employees of a base management agency.

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

Military spouses

Military spouses of active duty service members or whose spouse is 100 percent disabled or died on active duty.

National Guard and reserves

Current members, those who want to join or transitioning military members.

Individuals with disabilities

Individuals who are eligible under Schedule A.

Family of overseas employees

Family members of a federal employee or uniformed service member who is or was, working overseas.

Native Americans

Native Americans or Alaskan Natives with a tribal affiliation.

Peace Corps & AmeriCorps Vista

Individuals who have served at least 2 years with the Peace Corps or 1 year with AmeriCorps VISTA.

Clarification from the agency

This announcement is open to current or former federal employees and specific hiring authorities.

Duties

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

Conditions of employment

You will be required to complete a pre-employment security investigation and background check which includes a drug screening
You may be required to complete a probationary or trial period. See “Additional Information” for specific details..
Selective Service registration is required for males born on, or after, December 31, 1959. Those not registered should have an approved exemption on file.
You must meet all eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement and continue to meet these requirements throughout the hiring process. Offers can be rescinded if requirements are not met.
Financial Disclosure: If selected, you may be required to disclose financial information in accordance with DOJ and Federal ethics guidelines.
May be required to file a Financial Disclosure.
A USA Hire assessment is required. An email will be sent with additional information after you submit your application. You will have 48 hours from the closing date of this announcement to complete the assessment.
You must be a U.S. Citizen or National.

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 correspondence; 2.) Providing information to visitors; 3) Using various software applications; and 4) Maintaining 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.) Reviewing and processing documents for accuracy; 2.) Responding to written, telephonic, electronic, and personal inquiries; 3.) Assist in the preparation and maintenance of official files; and 4.) Generating and reviewing reports.

(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) Managing a calendar; 2) Examining files to determine sufficiency of documentation; 3) Conducting research for case information through an organized system of record; and 4) Generating, modifying and interpreting computer-generated.

(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 rules, policies and procedures to the work performed; 2) Demonstrated ability to coordinate multiple tasks; 3) Examining and processing documents which are voluminous and complex in format; and 4) Reviewing and assessing incoming document/files to determine next steps; and 5) Experience scheduling meetings and engagements.

(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

Alternative work schedule options may be available. Tour of duty may include Saturdays.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. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.Career Transition Programs (CTAP or ICTAP): These programs apply to Federal and/or DOJ employees who meet the definition of surplus or displaced from a position in the competitive service. To receive selection priority for this position, you must:

Meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria;
Be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 85 or above based on the competencies listed above; and
Submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility.

Probationary or Trial Period (as applicable): As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:1) your performance and conduct;2) the needs and interests of the agency;3) whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and4) whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period or trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

EEO Statement/Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. More information can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/media/1425556/dl?inline.

DOJ Reasonable Accommodation Policy: Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. The DOJ Reasonable Accommodation policy can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/reasonable-accommodation#policy

Selective Service: If you were born male, on or after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. Additional information is found at: www.sss.gov.

Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs: The Fair Chance Act prohibits Federal agencies from requesting an applicant's criminal history information before the agency makes a conditional offer of employment. If you believe a DOJ employee or Federal contractor acting on its behalf has violated your rights under this Act, you may submit a written complaint within 30 days of the date of the alleged non-compliance directly to EOIR.HR_Application_Review@usdoj.gov.

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.

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

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

How You Will be Evaluated
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. You must meet all qualifications, including meeting or exceeding the cut score on the required assessments.

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.

Additionally, we will review your supporting documents and resume to determine if you are in the "Area of Consideration" for this vacancy. Government-Wide Merit Promotion vacancies may only accept applications from a limited audience, pay careful attention to the "Who May Apply" and the "Hiring Paths" information. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), the responses you provide on the application questionnaire, and the result of the online assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):

Legal and Government Jurisprudence
Research
Clerical
Communication
Application of technology to tasks

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.

BASIS OF FINAL RATING: DOJ's Merit Promotion Procedures will be used to evaluate candidates.

If you would like to preview the application questionnaire, please see: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12996333

Required Documents

Please carefully review the list of required documents below and submit the necessary documentation based on your eligibility.

Resume - All Applicants: You must submit a resume (a two page or less resume is required) containing the following pieces of information for each job entry listed in your employment history:

Official position title,
Employer name and contact information,
Start and end dates (including month and year),
Indicate full-time or number of hours worked per week if part-time, and
A list of duties performed and accomplishments.

If you are a current or former Federal employee:

You must submit your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) or equivalent agency form. Do not submit an award SF-50. Your SF-50 should list the full position title, series, grade and step,organization, duty location, service computation date, effective date, and your service type and tenure status.

Due Weight for Performance:

Submit a copy of your most recent performance evaluation or appraisal, signed, showing your final rating. If a performance appraisal is not available submit a statement explaining why one is not available. Note: See USAJOBS Current & Former Employees for more information.
A list of any awards (e.g. superior performance awards, special act or achievement awards, quality step increase, etc.) you received in the last 5 years. Any performance appraisal/evaluation and award documentation you provide will be forwarded to the selecting official.

If you are a Veteran or a qualifying parent or spouse:

When claiming a Veteran's Preference, you must submit your last DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) form, specifically the Member #4 Copy, indicating dates and character of service and discharge type.
If you are a Veteran with a service-connected disability rating, you will need to additionally submit the SF-15 (Application for 10-point Veterans Preference) and a copy of your VA Letter stating your disability rating.
If you are the qualifying parent or spouse of a disabled, deceased, or deployed Veteran, and are seeking a derived preference eligibility, you must submit appropriate supporting documentation such as the Veterans DD-214, SF-15, VA Letter, and/or Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders. See Veteran Family Preference for more information.
For more information see FedsHireVets.

If you are applying for consideration under the Military Spouse Appointing Authority:

Spouse of a member of the armed forces on active duty: documentation showing 1) your spouse's active-duty status and 2) your marriage to the member of the armed forces (i.e., a marriage certificate or other legal documentation verifying marriage).
Spouse of service members who incurred a 100% disability because of the service member's active-duty service: documentation showing 1) the member of the armed forces retired, or was released or discharged from active duty, with a disability rating of 100 percent; and 2) documentation of marriage to the member of the armed forces (i.e., a marriage license or other legal documentation verifying marriage).
Spouse of service members killed while on active duty: documentation showing a) the member was released or discharged from active duty due to his or her death while on active duty; b) the member of the armed forces was killed while serving on active duty; c) proof of the widow or widower's marriage to the member of the armed forces (i.e., a marriage license or other legal documentation verifying marriage); and d) a statement certifying that the individual seeking to use the authority is the un-remarried widow or widower of the service member.

If you are a person with a disability, claiming eligibility under Schedule A:

You must submit "proof of a disability" documentation ("Proof of a disability" is a letter stating that you have an intellectual disability, severe physical disability or psychiatric disability). You must get this letter from your doctor, a licensed medical professional, a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist, or any Federal, state, or local agency that issues or provides disability benefits.
For more information see OPM's Schedule A site.

If you are a displaced Federal employee claiming eligibility under CTAP or ICTAP:

You must submit your separation notice or agency RIF letter from your agency OR if you have not yet been separated, you can provide the letter of intent to separate you from the agency because of reduction-in-force.
Submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal and SF-50 showing current/former position, grade, promotion potential, and duty location OR Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.

If you are using education to qualify for this position, or education is required: See Education Field.

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

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application questionnaire and submit your supporting documentation. Your complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on (07/06/2026) to receive consideration.

The application process is as follows:

To begin the application process, click the Apply Online button.
Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59PM (ET) on (07/06/2026).
After submitting an online application, you will be notified whether or not you are required to take additional online assessments through the USA Hire Competency Based Assessment system. This message will be delivered to you via email notification. The email may be routed to your "Spam" or "Junk" folder.
If you are asked to take the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be presented with a unique URL to access the USA Hire system. Access to USA Hire is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials. Be sure to review all instructions prior to beginning your USA Hire Assessments. Click here for Computer System Requirements (https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=USA_Hire_System_Requirements

Note, set aside at least 3 hours to take these assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue at a later time, you can re-use the URL sent to you via email and also found on the Additional Application Information page that can be located in the application record in your USAJOBS account.
Need Help? If you need help with USAJOBs or the application process, please see the USAJOBS Help or Application Manager Online Help websites which includes information on managing your account, creating an application, uploading documents, etc.

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).You will receive e-mail notifications as your application status is updated. However, you can also see your application status any time by logging in to your USAJOBS account and looking on the "Applications" page.

Click the position title to expand the display for each application in the list. Click here to learn more about checking your application status, or see what each application status means.

We strive to extend a final offer of employment within 90 days from the close of this announcement. Additional selections may be made from this announcement within 90 days.

Additional locations

Adelanto Immigration Court

Adelanto, CA

Concord Immigration Court

Concord, CA

Imperial Immigration Court

Imperial, CA

Los Angeles Immigration Court (N. Los Angeles Street) / West Los Angeles Immigration Court

Los Angeles, CA

Sacramento Immigration Court

Sacramento, CA

Otay Mesa Immigration Court

San Diego, CA

San Diego Immigration Court

San Diego County, CA

San Francisco SPC Immigration Court

San Francisco, CA

Santa Ana Immigration Court

Santa Ana, CA

Los Angeles Immigration Court (Van Nuys Blvd)

Van Nuys, CA

Aurora Immigration Court

Aurora, CO

Denver Immigration Court

Denver, CO

Hartford Immigration Court

Hartford, CT

Miami Immigration Court

Miami, FL

Miami Krome (Detained) Immigration Court

Miami Gardens, FL

Orlando Immigration Court

Orlando, FL

Atlanta Immigration Court (Ted Turner Drive)

Atlanta, GA

Atlanta Immigration Court (W. Peachtree Street)

Atlanta, GA

Stewart Immigration Court

Lumpkin, GA

Honolulu Immigration Court

Honolulu, HI

Chicago Immigration Court

Chicago, IL

Indianapolis Immigration Court

Indianapolis, IN

Baton Rouge Immigration Court

Baton Rouge, LA

LaSalle Immigration Court

Jena, LA

New Orleans Immigration Court

New Orleans, LA

Oakdale Immigration Court

Oakdale, LA

Boston Immigration Court

Boston, MA

Chelmsford Immigration Court

Chelmsford, MA

Baltimore Immigration Court

Baltimore, MD

Hyattsville Immigration Court

Hyattsville, MD

Detroit Immigration Court

Detroit, MI

Fort Snelling Immigration Court

Fort Snelling, MN

Kansas City Immigration Court

Kansas City, MO

Saipan Immigration Court

Saipan, Mariana Island, MP

Charlotte Immigration Court

Charlotte, NC

Omaha Immigration Court

Omaha, NE

Elizabeth Immigration Court

Elizabeth, NJ

Newark Immigration Court

Newark, NJ

Otero Immigration Court

Chaparral, NM

Las Vegas Immigration Court

Las Vegas, NV

Batavia Immigration Court

Batavia, NY

Buffalo Immigration Court

Buffalo, NY

Ulster Immigration Court

Napanoch, NY

New York Immigration Court (Broadway)/ (Federal Plaza) / (Varick)

New York, NY

Cleveland Immigration Court

Cleveland, OH

Portland Immigration Court

Portland, OR

Philadelphia Immigration Court

Philadelphia, PA

Guaynabo (San Juan) Immigration Court

Guaynabo, PR

Memphis Immigration Court

Memphis, TN

Conroe Immigration Court

Conroe, TX

Dallas Immigration Court

Dallas County, TX

El Paso Immigration Court/ El Paso SPC Immigration Court

El Paso County, TX

Fort Worth IAC Immigration Court

Fort Worth, TX

Harlingen Immigration Court

Harlingen, TX

Houston Immigration Court (Jefferson Street)

Houston, TX

Houston Immigration Court (Greenspoint Park)

Houston, TX

Houston Immigration Court (South Gessner Road)

Houston, TX

Laredo Immigration Court

Laredo, TX

Port Isabel Immigration Court

Los Fresnos, TX

Pearsall Immigration Court

Pearsall, TX

San Antonio Immigration Court

San Antonio, TX

Salt Lake City Immigration Court

West Valley City, UT

Annandale Immigration Court

Annandale, VA

Falls Church IAC Immigration Court

Falls Church, VA

Richmond IAC Immigration Court

Richmond, VA

Sterling Immigration Court

Sterling, VA

Seattle Immigration Court

Seattle, WA

Tacoma Immigration Court

Tacoma, WA

Legal Assistant Job

Legal Assistant

Summary

This job is open to

Federal employees - Competitive service

Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

Land and base management

Veterans

Military spouses

National Guard and reserves

Individuals with disabilities

Family of overseas employees

Native Americans

Peace Corps & AmeriCorps Vista

Clarification from the agency

Duties

Requirements

Conditions of employment

Qualifications

Education

Additional information

How you will be evaluated

Required Documents

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

How to Apply

Agency contact information

Next steps

Additional locations