Paralegal Specialist (While Actually Employed) Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. COA-2026-0003 Department District of Columbia Courts
Salary $68,405.00 to $88,926.00 Grade 09 to 09
Perm/Temp Temporary FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 5/5/2026 Close Date 5/19/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington, DC


Summary

This position is located in the Office of the Committee on Admissions of the Court of Appeals (COA). The Paralegal Specialist analyzes and reviews character and fitness reports, corresponds with applicants and third parties, conducts research, and creates reports in connection with attorney admissions and licensing. The incumbent is also responsible for preparing statical reports on the bar exam and other admissions processes. 

This job is open to

The public

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

Federal employees - Excepted service

Current federal employees whose agencies have their own hiring rules, pay scales and evaluation criteria.

Clarification from the agency

United States Citizens or individuals lawfully admitted for permanent residency or authorized by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service to work in the United States.

Duties

Major Duties:

  • Gathers and prepares statistical data regarding the bar exam and other admissions processes for review by the Director, Deputy Clerk of the Clerk of the Court, law schools, American Bar Association, and the National Conference of Bar Examiners. 
  • Assists in the design and development of Proctor materials for the bar exam. 
  • Provides assistance to internal and external stakeholders through phone and email. 
  • Conducts second-level reviews of applications for admission to the bar and conducts necessary follow-up on applications with character and fitness concerns. 
  • Monitors and tracks requests for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations on the bar exam, coordinates review by experts, and follows requests through final approval. Manages granted accommodations through the completion of the bar exam.
  • Provides administrative and technical support to the COA Director. 
  • Performs legal research and other duties for the division as assigned.  

Requirements

Conditions of employment

  • Background and security investigation are required.

1. Resume
2. Completed Vacancy Questionnaire
3. Documentation /Proof of Education (e.g. copy of high school diploma, college transcript or diploma)
4. List of three (3) professional references

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma and five (5) years of administrative, clerical or paralegal experience in a court or law agency. A bachelor’s degree and one (1) year of administrative, clerical, or paralegal experience in a court or law agency is preferred.  

Knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

Please note that authorization for the release of your adult criminal record revealing any convictions and forfeitures, and any criminal cases currently pending before the courts is required.  If you are selected for the position, a criminal history records check will be conducted.

The incumbent should be an enthusiastic and engaged professional who enjoys working with a diverse group of Court personnel and customers and lives the DC Courts’ values of Accountability, Excellence, Fairness, Integrity, Respect, and Transparency.

Education

To qualify based on education, upload a copy of your college transcript or degree. The transcript must show the name of the college or university, your name, list of courses with credit hours, major(s), and grade-point average or class ranking.

Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for District of Columbia Courts employment.  You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.  

Foreign Education: If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must upload a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript at time of application to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/

Additional information

This job is being filled by an alternative hiring process and is not in the competitive Federal civil service.

All required information must be received by the vacancy announcement closing date.

This job is a while actually employed (WAE) temporary position and is not eligible for benefits. 

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.

This is not a federal position. This position is not eligible for 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.

To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.  Follow the prompts to complete the vacancy questionnaire. Afterward, click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process.


You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Completed Vacancy Questionnaire
3. Documentation /Proof of Education (e.g. copy of high school diploma, college transcript or diploma)
4. List of three (3) professional references

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 begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.  Follow the prompts to complete the vacancy questionnaire. Afterward, click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process.

Agency contact information

C. Adams
Phone
202-879-4223
Fax
000-000-0000
Email
job@dcsc.gov
Address
District of Columbia Courts
Moultrie Court House
500 Indiana Ave NW
Washington, District of Columbia 20001
United States

Next steps

Once your completed application is received, the qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. All applicants will be notified of the final outcome.

District of Columbia Courts

"Open to All, Trusted by All, Justice for All."  The District of Columbia Courts (the Courts) consist of the Court of Appeals, the Superior Court, and the Court System. The Courts constitute the Judicial Branch of the District of Columbia Government which is separate and distinct from the Executive and Legislative Branches.  The Courts' strong judiciary and workforce are its most important assets in providing high quality justice and service to the public.

Agency contact information

C. Adams
Phone
202-879-4223
Fax
000-000-0000
Email
job@dcsc.gov
Address
District of Columbia Courts
Moultrie Court House
500 Indiana Ave NW
Washington, District of Columbia 20001
United States

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