OPLA ENFORCEMENT AND LITIGATION (DOHS)
Paralegal Specialist
OPLA ENFORCEMENT AND LITIGATION (DOHS), Los Angeles, California, United States, 90079
Overview
Summary Join the fast-paced federal litigation practitioners of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA) District Court Litigation Division (DCLD) and leverage your legal experience to protect the homeland. Organizational Location:
These positions are located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA), in multiple locations. Overview Help Accepting applications Open & closing dates 09/13/2025 to 09/26/2025 Duties
OPLA is the largest legal department within DHS, with more than 1,800 attorneys and 260 support staff in 98 locations. DCLD’s paralegals assist OPLA attorneys in federal litigation, including strategy, motion practice, discovery, and settlement negotiations, in cases ranging from tort claims to Bivens actions and class actions. Paralegals and attorneys handle administrative tort claims and related litigation. Collecting, organizing, reviewing, and summarizing facts, law, and special circumstances relating to administrative tort claims filed against ICE. Performing complex legal research using generally accessible sources and databases. Applying law to facts to make recommendations to ICE attorneys and supervisors. Maintaining reporting and electronic recordkeeping systems tracking progress of claims and litigation. Processing vouchers and fees using Treasury system; assisting with discovery, including collection, review, and production of agency records and other documents. Other duties as assigned. Qualifications
You must demonstrate you meet the Minimum Qualification requirements as noted below. Minimum Qualifications for GS-11: Specialized Experience:
At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-09 in the Federal service, including: Assisting in collection, review, and summarization of facts, law, and special circumstances relating to administrative tort claims for attorneys. Receiving, analyzing, and recommending changes to claims processing practices based on research into precedents or legal theories. Preparing responses to discovery requests, dispositive motions, settlements, and disciplinary actions to assist attorneys. Education:
Ph.D or equivalent doctoral degree, or 3 full years of graduate education, or LL.M. in a relevant field. OR Combination of Education and Experience:
A combination of education and experience may qualify. Minimum Qualifications for GS-12: Specialized Experience:
At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-11, including: Collecting, organizing, reviewing, and summarizing facts, law, and special circumstances relating to administrative tort claims. Analyzing and recommending changes to processing practices based on precedents or legal theories. Preparing responses to discovery, dispositive motions, settlements, and disciplinary actions; preparing documents for signature with legal analyses and citations. All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date. Qualification claims are subject to verification. Volunteer experience may be credited. Education
If claiming education, submit official transcripts or an equivalent documentation list with courses and hours. Special Instructions for Foreign Education: If using foreign education, documentation showing equivalence or credit must be provided. See guidance for foreign qualifications. Additional information
Paralegal assignments are fast-paced and high-profile. Applicants should prioritize multiple assignments, produce quality legal analyses, and work well individually and in a team. Promotion potential described but not guaranteed. Background Investigation and Drug Testing: All selected applicants must undergo a background investigation. DHS/DHS drug-free workplace policy applies with potential pre-employment and random testing as applicable. Agency contact information is provided below in the Contact section. Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, Thrift Savings Plan, flexible spending accounts, and paid holidays. Additional benefits may include telework, tuition reimbursement, and more. Information available on the DHS Careers site. Required documents
To apply, submit a complete Application Package including: Resume showing relevant experience, education, and training. Include job title, duties, employer name, location, dates, hours per week, and whether your current supervisor may be contacted. Limit resume to five pages.
Other supporting documents as applicable (education transcripts, veteran documentation, ICTAP/CTAP documentation, SF-50, etc.).
How to Apply To apply, complete the Occupational Questionnaire and submit required documentation outlined in the Required Documents section. Complete initial application must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 09/26/2025. Materials submitted after closing may not receive full consideration. Apply online via USAJOBS. Agency contact information: STAFF ACQUISITION (ASB) — SAG-Mailbox@OPM.GOV; Address: OPLA ENFORCEMENT AND LITIGATION, 500 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20536, US. Next steps
After submission, applications are evaluated for qualifications and referred to the hiring manager. Expect notification by email and updates on USAJOBS. Selection expected within 60 days of closing. Offers follow applicable authorities; authorities may change. Fair and transparent
Federal hiring process guidance includes: criminal history inquiries, EEO policy, financial suitability, privacy act, etc.
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Summary Join the fast-paced federal litigation practitioners of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA) District Court Litigation Division (DCLD) and leverage your legal experience to protect the homeland. Organizational Location:
These positions are located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA), in multiple locations. Overview Help Accepting applications Open & closing dates 09/13/2025 to 09/26/2025 Duties
OPLA is the largest legal department within DHS, with more than 1,800 attorneys and 260 support staff in 98 locations. DCLD’s paralegals assist OPLA attorneys in federal litigation, including strategy, motion practice, discovery, and settlement negotiations, in cases ranging from tort claims to Bivens actions and class actions. Paralegals and attorneys handle administrative tort claims and related litigation. Collecting, organizing, reviewing, and summarizing facts, law, and special circumstances relating to administrative tort claims filed against ICE. Performing complex legal research using generally accessible sources and databases. Applying law to facts to make recommendations to ICE attorneys and supervisors. Maintaining reporting and electronic recordkeeping systems tracking progress of claims and litigation. Processing vouchers and fees using Treasury system; assisting with discovery, including collection, review, and production of agency records and other documents. Other duties as assigned. Qualifications
You must demonstrate you meet the Minimum Qualification requirements as noted below. Minimum Qualifications for GS-11: Specialized Experience:
At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-09 in the Federal service, including: Assisting in collection, review, and summarization of facts, law, and special circumstances relating to administrative tort claims for attorneys. Receiving, analyzing, and recommending changes to claims processing practices based on research into precedents or legal theories. Preparing responses to discovery requests, dispositive motions, settlements, and disciplinary actions to assist attorneys. Education:
Ph.D or equivalent doctoral degree, or 3 full years of graduate education, or LL.M. in a relevant field. OR Combination of Education and Experience:
A combination of education and experience may qualify. Minimum Qualifications for GS-12: Specialized Experience:
At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-11, including: Collecting, organizing, reviewing, and summarizing facts, law, and special circumstances relating to administrative tort claims. Analyzing and recommending changes to processing practices based on precedents or legal theories. Preparing responses to discovery, dispositive motions, settlements, and disciplinary actions; preparing documents for signature with legal analyses and citations. All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date. Qualification claims are subject to verification. Volunteer experience may be credited. Education
If claiming education, submit official transcripts or an equivalent documentation list with courses and hours. Special Instructions for Foreign Education: If using foreign education, documentation showing equivalence or credit must be provided. See guidance for foreign qualifications. Additional information
Paralegal assignments are fast-paced and high-profile. Applicants should prioritize multiple assignments, produce quality legal analyses, and work well individually and in a team. Promotion potential described but not guaranteed. Background Investigation and Drug Testing: All selected applicants must undergo a background investigation. DHS/DHS drug-free workplace policy applies with potential pre-employment and random testing as applicable. Agency contact information is provided below in the Contact section. Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, Thrift Savings Plan, flexible spending accounts, and paid holidays. Additional benefits may include telework, tuition reimbursement, and more. Information available on the DHS Careers site. Required documents
To apply, submit a complete Application Package including: Resume showing relevant experience, education, and training. Include job title, duties, employer name, location, dates, hours per week, and whether your current supervisor may be contacted. Limit resume to five pages.
Other supporting documents as applicable (education transcripts, veteran documentation, ICTAP/CTAP documentation, SF-50, etc.).
How to Apply To apply, complete the Occupational Questionnaire and submit required documentation outlined in the Required Documents section. Complete initial application must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 09/26/2025. Materials submitted after closing may not receive full consideration. Apply online via USAJOBS. Agency contact information: STAFF ACQUISITION (ASB) — SAG-Mailbox@OPM.GOV; Address: OPLA ENFORCEMENT AND LITIGATION, 500 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20536, US. Next steps
After submission, applications are evaluated for qualifications and referred to the hiring manager. Expect notification by email and updates on USAJOBS. Selection expected within 60 days of closing. Offers follow applicable authorities; authorities may change. Fair and transparent
Federal hiring process guidance includes: criminal history inquiries, EEO policy, financial suitability, privacy act, etc.
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