Launch Your Career as a Legal Assistant with the U.S. Navy

Are you a detail-oriented professional looking to make a meaningful impact? The Office of the Judge Advocate General (OJAG) at the Department of the Navy is currently hiring a Legal Assistant to serve in the Claims and Tort Litigation Division. This role is essential for maintaining the operational integrity of naval legal services and provides an exceptional pathway for a career in federal service.

About the Office of the Judge Advocate General (OJAG)

The OJAG provides professional legal services to the Department of the Navy, ensuring that the service operates within the bounds of law and ethics. Working within the Claims and Tort Litigation Division, the Legal Assistant plays a pivotal role in handling administrative processes that support attorneys, military personnel, and civilians alike. This agency is known for fostering a professional environment where purpose and patriotism unite.

Key Job Responsibilities

The Legal Assistant serves as the primary administrative support for complex legal operations. Your duties will include:

Records Maintenance: Managing and tracking time-sensitive case records, investigative files, and litigation documentation.
Claims Management: Conducting intake and initial review of high-visibility tort claims, ensuring they meet strict legal requirements.
Communication: Acting as a point of contact for external stakeholders, including the Department of Justice, Navy commands, and private attorneys.
Administrative Support: Proofreading and editing legal correspondence, maintaining databases, and ensuring the office runs with optimal efficiency.

Comparison: Standard Administrative vs. Federal Legal Assistant

Feature	Standard Admin Role	Federal Legal Assistant (OJAG)
Focus	General Office Duties	Legal/Litigation Support
Regulation	Company Policy	Federal Law/DoD Regulations
Security	Standard Office Security	Secret Security Clearance Required
Career Growth	Limited	High (Internal Training/Career Path)

Requirements for Success

To be considered for this GS-8 position, candidates must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-07 level. You must be proficient in:

Electronic database management.
Legal and administrative correspondence formatting.
Interacting with diverse individuals in high-pressure situations.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens and able to obtain a Secret security clearance. Veterans are encouraged to apply and must submit appropriate documentation, such as a DD-214, to claim preference.

Salary and Benefits Overview

The position offers a competitive salary range of $63,940 to $83,119 per year. Beyond the base salary, federal employees enjoy a comprehensive suite of benefits, including:

Health Insurance: Access to a variety of top-tier medical, dental, and vision plans.
Retirement: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Work-Life Balance: Generous paid leave, including federal holidays and telework opportunities.
Professional Development: Endless opportunities for training and upward mobility.

Application Tips

The 2-Page Rule: Your resume must not exceed 2 pages. This is a hard limit; exceeding it may disqualify you.
Highlight Competencies: Use your resume to specifically address the competencies listed in the job posting, such as "Legal Support" and "Customer Service."
Complete the Assessment: You will likely be asked to complete the USA Hire assessment. Don't delay—ensure you have 2 hours dedicated to this task shortly after submitting your application.
Documentation: Organize your SF-50, transcripts, and any certificates before you start the application process.

Working for the Department of the Navy as a Legal Assistant offers more than just a paycheck; it provides an opportunity to support the men and women protecting our nation. If you meet the qualifications and are ready for a challenging, rewarding legal administrative career, submit your application today.

Why This Legal Assistant Job Matters

Launch your career in federal law by providing mission-critical administrative support to the Department of the Navy's Office of the Judge Advocate General.

Legal Assistant Job Overview

The Office of the Judge Advocate General (OJAG) is seeking a meticulous and professional Legal Assistant to join the Claims and Tort Litigation Division at the Washington Navy Yard. In this vital role, you will be the backbone of our legal administrative operations, managing case records, facilitating high-visibility tort claims, and ensuring procedural compliance across the department. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to national security missions while working within an elite team of legal professionals and military commands.

Requirements for Legal Assistant

One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 grade level.
Ability to manage, file, and retrieve time-sensitive legal or litigation records.
Proficiency in office automation tools, word processing software, and digital case databases.
Experience in proofreading and editing administrative correspondence for accuracy and compliance.
Demonstrated ability to handle initial intake of claims and identify procedural deficiencies.
Excellent customer service skills with the ability to interact tactfully with attorneys, government officials, and the public.
U.S. Citizenship.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications for Legal Assistant

Demonstrated experience within the Federal service.
High level of proficiency in electronic records management systems.
Advanced skills in written communication and legal documentation formatting.
Strong judgment in handling high-visibility or sensitive information.
Demonstrated capability to prioritize multiple taskers in a fast-paced environment.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary structure
✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options
✓Federal retirement benefits, including Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
✓Generous annual and sick leave accrual
✓Opportunities for professional development and career training
✓Work-life balance with telework eligibility
✓Potential for relocation incentive reimbursement

💡 How to Apply Legal Assistant Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Legal Assistant Job

Create or update your account on the USAJOBS portal.
Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to 2 pages.
Click the 'Apply Online' link in the job announcement.
Complete the online questionnaire and attach required supporting documentation (SF-50, transcripts, etc.).
Submit your application package prior to 11:59 PM ET on the closing date.
Monitor your email for a unique link to complete the USA Hire competency-based assessments.
Complete the required assessments within the provided 48-hour window.

💡 General Tips

Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all required fields are included.
Keep your resume concise; any submission over 2 pages will not be accepted.
Be specific about your work hours and grade levels for each past position to prove time-in-grade eligibility.
Submit all required documents (transcripts, SF-50, veteran preference documents) simultaneously to avoid disqualification.
Check your email and the USAJOBS status page frequently for assessment notifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the security clearance level required for this role?

This position requires a Secret security clearance.

Is this position eligible for telework?

Yes, the position is telework eligible, subject to organizational policy.

What happens if I forget to submit my SF-50?

Failure to provide all required supporting documentation, such as the SF-50, will result in your application being ineligible for referral to the hiring manager.

Can I work remotely?

While the position has telework eligibility, it is primarily based at the Washington Navy Yard and adheres to the agency's current telework and on-site attendance policies.

Is a degree required?

While specialized experience is the primary requirement, education can often be substituted if it aligns with federal requirements. Review the OPM classification standards linked in the job posting for details.

Legal Assistant Job

Immediate Office Of The Chief Of Naval Operations