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Performs quasi-legal work supporting attorneys including legal research, document preparation, and case management.
2025 Base Pay (before locality adjustment)
| Grade | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 | Step 8 | Step 9 | Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | $34,454 | $35,603 | $36,752 | $37,901 | $39,050 | $40,199 | $41,348 | $42,497 | $43,646 | $44,786 |
| GS-7 | $42,679 | $44,102 | $45,525 | $46,948 | $48,371 | $49,794 | $51,217 | $52,640 | $54,063 | $55,486 |
| GS-9 | $52,205 | $53,945 | $55,685 | $57,425 | $59,165 | $60,905 | $62,645 | $64,385 | $66,125 | $67,865 |
| GS-11 | $63,163 | $65,268 | $67,373 | $69,478 | $71,583 | $73,688 | $75,793 | $77,898 | $80,003 | $82,108 |
| GS-12 | $75,706 | $78,229 | $80,752 | $83,275 | $85,798 | $88,321 | $90,844 | $93,367 | $95,890 | $98,422 |
Note: These are 2025 base pay rates. Most federal employees receive locality pay adjustments of 15-40%+ depending on location.
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-0950
Individual Occupational Requirements:
Education:
OR
Experience: Progressively responsible experience in legal support work, legal research, or related administrative work that demonstrates ability to perform paralegal duties.
Education and Experience Requirements (Group Standard):
This is a two-grade interval series. Positions follow the GS-5, GS-7, GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 progression pattern.
| Grade | Education | Experience | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | Bachelor's degree in any field from accredited college/university | 3 years progressively responsible experience, 1 year equivalent to GS-4 | Equivalent combinations qualifying |
| GS-7 | 1 full year graduate education OR Superior Academic Achievement | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-5 | Combinations of graduate education and experience |
| GS-9 | 2 years graduate education or master's degree | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-7 | Combinations of graduate education (excess of GS-7 requirement) and experience |
| GS-11 | 3 years graduate education or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-9 | Combinations of graduate education (excess of GS-9 requirement) and experience |
| GS-12+ | Not applicable | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to next lower grade | N/A |
Superior Academic Achievement (for GS-7):
Graduate Education: One year of full-time graduate education is the number of credit hours the school determines represents 1 year of full-time study. If unavailable, 18 semester hours satisfies the 1-year requirement.
Specialized Experience: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal paralegal specialist position
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
Match your years of experience and education to the appropriate GS grade. Generally: GS-5 (entry), GS-7/9 (junior), GS-11/12 (journey), GS-13+ (senior).
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
Create a detailed federal resume (2-5 pages) that addresses every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact info, and specific accomplishments.
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
Military jobs that transition to GS-0950
Paralegal Specialist series. Direct path to JAG offices, DOJ, federal courts.
Direct translation. JAG Corps paralegal experience is highly valued. ABA-approved paralegal certification strengthens candidacy.
Direct translation to paralegal specialist. Legal research and case management skills transfer perfectly.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Skill in conducting legal research using Westlaw, LexisNexis, and other resources.
Ability to draft and prepare legal documents and pleadings.
Skill in organizing and managing case files and materials.
Ability to summarize legal issues and prepare correspondence.
Proficiency in legal case management systems.
Ability to review documents for accuracy and completeness.
Skill in communicating with attorneys, clients, and court personnel.
Ability to manage multiple cases and meet deadlines.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
GS-0950 Paralegal Specialists support attorneys with legal research, document preparation, case file organization, discovery, witness interviews, and deadline tracking. They work at DOJ, agency counsel offices, military legal offices, and federal courts.
GS-0950 positions range from GS-5 ($34,454) at entry to GS-12 ($75,706-$98,422) for senior paralegals. Most positions are GS-7 to GS-11 ($42,679-$82,108). Lead paralegals and specialists reach GS-11/12. Add locality pay of 15-40%.
At GS-5, you need a bachelor's degree or 3 years of general experience. Higher grades require specialized paralegal experience. Paralegal certificate from an ABA-approved program strengthens applications. Proficiency in Westlaw/LexisNexis and case management systems is essential.
Yes. Military paralegal or legal specialist experience (27D, Legalman) directly qualifies. Your experience with legal research, document preparation, and case management translates directly. Veterans with military legal office backgrounds are highly valued at DOD and VA legal offices.
Entry at GS-5/7 with progression to GS-9/11. Senior paralegals reach GS-11/12. Some pursue law degrees to transition to Attorney (GS-0905). DOJ, military legal offices, and agency counsel provide strong paralegal career paths.
Search USAJOBS for 'Paralegal Specialist' or 'Legal Assistant.' DOJ, military JAG offices, and agency counsel are major employers. Highlight your paralegal training, research skills, and legal software proficiency. Veterans with military legal backgrounds have directly applicable experience.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.