Become a Supervisory Paralegal Specialist at OPM
Are you looking to transition from individual legal support to a leadership role within the federal government? The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is currently recruiting a Supervisory Paralegal Specialist to join its Office of the General Counsel. This GS-13 role is designed for seasoned professionals who have mastered litigation support and are ready to mentor others.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will be responsible for the following:
- Team Leadership: Planning, assigning, and reviewing the daily work of paralegal specialists.
- Litigation Support: Managing case files, exhibits, and research required for federal litigation.
- Electronic Discovery: Overseeing the entire discovery lifecycle, including preservation, review, and redaction.
- Legal Compliance: Assisting in ethics reviews, financial disclosure filings, and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) responses.
- Operational Efficiency: Developing and updating templates, workflows, and quality-control standards to improve department performance.
Requirements
To qualify for this GS-13 position, you must have at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level. Your experience should demonstrate proficiency in:
- Reviewing legal documents and exhibits for litigation.
- Drafting discovery requests.
- Applying complex laws to factual scenarios.
- Coordinating between attorneys and stakeholders.
Salary Overview
| Pay Grade | Salary Range (Annual) |
|---|---|
| GS-13 | $121,785 – $158,322 |
Benefits of Federal Employment
Federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package that balances competitive pay with long-term stability:
- Health and Wellness: Access to the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program.
- Retirement: Dual-layered retirement benefits via FERS and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Work-Life Balance: Comprehensive leave programs and telework eligibility.
Application Tips
- Focus on Quality: Since only the first two pages of your resume are reviewed, prioritize your most relevant litigation experience.
- Be Specific: Use concrete metrics when describing your accomplishments.
- Assessments: If invited to the USA Hire assessment, prepare to spend significant time ensuring your responses are accurate, as these results are valid for one year.
What is the security clearance level?
This position is designated as High Risk (HR) and requires a successful suitability/fitness background investigation.
This position offers a rare chance to blend legal expertise with organizational leadership in a high-impact federal setting. If you meet the qualifications, submit your application package before November 2, 2026, to be considered for this vital OPM role.
Why This Supervisory Paralegal Specialist Job Matters
Elevate your legal career by leading paralegal operations at the heart of federal human resources policy. Join the OPM team as a Supervisory Paralegal Specialist.
Supervisory Paralegal Specialist Job Overview
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is seeking a detail-oriented Supervisory Paralegal Specialist to join the Office of the General Counsel in Washington, D.C. In this leadership role, you will oversee paralegal operations supporting high-stakes litigation, administrative proceedings, ethics compliance, and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) matters. You will serve as a technical expert, guiding a team to ensure the highest standards of legal support and records management are met.
Requirements for Supervisory Paralegal Specialist
- U.S. Citizenship or National status
- Registration with the Selective Service (if male and born after 12-31-59)
- Successful completion of a background investigation
- Ability to complete a one-year probationary period if required
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level or equivalent
- Experience in electronic discovery, litigation support, and drafting legal documentation
Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Paralegal Specialist
- Experience developing and implementing paralegal policies and training workflows
- Advanced technical expertise in electronic discovery preservation and redaction
- Proven history of effective leadership and team management in a legal office
- Strong interpersonal skills for coordinating between attorneys and external stakeholders
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal health insurance programs
- ✓Retirement planning through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
- ✓Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
- ✓Life insurance options
- ✓Flexible spending accounts
- ✓Professional development and training opportunities
💡 How to Apply Supervisory Paralegal Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Supervisory Paralegal Specialist Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement thoroughly.
- Prepare your federal-style resume, ensuring it details dates of employment, hours worked, and specific duties.
- Click the Apply Online link to register and complete the initial questionnaire.
- Upload required supporting documentation (SF-50, transcripts, etc.).
- Complete the mandatory USA Hire Assessments if prompted.
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume specifically addresses the five core areas of experience listed in the qualification summary.
- Only the first two pages of your resume will be reviewed for minimum qualification verification.
- Double-check your supporting documentation to prevent an incomplete application package.
- Set aside at least three hours for the USA Hire Assessment to avoid rushing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this role?
The Supervisory Paralegal Specialist oversees day-to-day paralegal operations, including litigation support, discovery, and FOIA responses, while supervising and mentoring staff.
Is this position eligible for telework?
Yes, this position is eligible for telework in accordance with OPM policies.
What documentation is required for current federal employees?
You must submit your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) to verify your current grade, series, and status.
Is relocation support available?
Relocation expenses are not offered for this position.
Job from Office Of Personnel Management
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) serves as the Chief Human Resources Agency for the federal government. By setting policies for workforce management and professional development, OPM ensures the government remains a model employer. Working within the Office of the General Counsel provides unique exposure to how federal agencies navigate complex legal landscapes.