Paralegal Specialist

For over 25 years, National Experienced Workforce Solutions (NEW Solutions) has specialized in connecting experienced workers (ages 55 ) with full-time and part-time job opportunities that support the critical missions of Federal Agencies across the United States.

NEW Solutions connects experienced workers (ages 55 ) with the Office of Policy, Management, and Budget (PMB). These experienced professionals provide administrative expertise, facilities management, natural and cultural resource planning, and a broad array of other professional skills that support the Office of Policy, Management, and Budget through the Experienced Services Program (ESP).

Positions listed here do not guarantee employment for any definite period. Enrollment in the Experienced Worker Programs administered by NEW Solutions is temporary. The enrollment relationship between NEW Solutions and the Enrollee is an “at-will” relationship. This means that an Enrollee is free to terminate enrollment at any time during the enrollment period, and NEW Solutions and the Agency have the right to terminate the relationship with the Enrollee.

PLEASE NOTE: An “Enrollee” is not a federal employee, nor an employee of NEW Solutions. An “Enrollee” is a participant in a grant program established through a Cooperative Agreement funded by the agency and administered by NEW Solutions.

This opportunity applies to applicants legally eligible to work in the United States.

Hours:

28 hours/week

Duties:

This position will support the Department of the Interior, Office of the Secretary, DAS-Administrative Services, Office of Hearings and Appeals, Probate Hearings Division. Enrollees will use their legal and administrative skills to assist Supervisory Judges in their work probating the estates of Indians who die owning interests in property held in trust by the U.S. government.

Review case files assigned for dockets to ensure completeness and accuracy. If information is missing, initiate action to seek information that will complete the case file. Identify potential complications in the case, including but not limited to discrepancies with family information, inventory issues, and potential will disputes. Research related cases to obtain verified family histories and confirm the information of potential heirs. 40%

Use the docketing system to update and maintain the procedural status of each assigned case, and to schedule hearings in coordination with the assigned judge. 5%

Prepare notices of probate hearings to be sent to all interested parties, as well as combined hearing notices that are posted. Assist the judge at hearings by recording the proceedings, taking attendance and verifying current addresses of participants, handling exhibits and other duties as needed by the judge. 10%

Review case record upon completion of the hearing to assist with the judge’s determination as to the sufficiency of evidence for a final decision. Works with the judge to schedule supplemental hearings if necessary and prepare documents to provide opportunities for a party to renounce interest or to otherwise obtain any necessary additional information. 10%

Draft probate decisions or orders, and review draft decisions and orders prepared by others for errors. 25%

Provide guidance and assistance to legal assistants and back up legal assistants with tasks such as scanning and mailings, as needed. 5%

Prepare case-related correspondence. Assist the office with administrative duties as needed or assigned, including timekeeping, purchasing, and bill-paying. 5%

Qualifications:

Must be 55 years or older.

AA Degree in Paralegal Studies or Paralegal Certificate with minimum additional experience of 5 year(s) in Paralegal work

Experience in probate law is a plus but not required.

Experience required with Windows, MS Word, MS Excel, MS Teams, MS Outlook

Other:

Physical requirements: Job is primarily sedentary and performed in an office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.