Home / Federal careers / GS-0950
Paralegal Specialist
Performs quasi-legal work supporting attorneys including legal research, document preparation, and case management.
What GS-0950 pays
2025 base rates, before locality. Most federal employees add a locality adjustment on top.
| 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 |
Base pay only. Locality pay adds 15 to 40 percent or more depending on where the job sits. Source: OPM 2025 General Schedule.
Qualification requirements
OPM's standard for GS-0950, as written.
Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Administrative and Management Positions
Individual Occupational Requirements:
Education:
- GS-5: 4-year course of study leading to bachelor's degree
- GS-7: 1 year graduate education OR Superior Academic Achievement OR bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement
- GS-9: Master's degree or equivalent graduate 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):
- Upper third of graduating class in college/university or major subdivision
- GPA of 3.0 or higher out of 4.0 as recorded on official transcript, OR 3.5 or higher in major field
- Election to membership in national scholastic honor society
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.
What this means if you served
- Write the duties, not the billet. OPM credits military experience on the work performed, and does not use rank or pay to judge specialized experience.
- Put the training and certifications you earned in service on the page. They count here.
- Claim your veterans preference on the application. It is not applied for you.
- No positive education requirement here, so qualifying experience can stand in for the education.
How to qualify for GS-0950
1Review Qualification Requirements
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
2Find Your Grade Level
Grade follows the scope and complexity of the work you can document against the announcement, not the rank you held. OPM does not use military rank or pay when it evaluates specialized experience. Roughly: GS-5 entry, GS-7/9 junior, GS-11/12 journey, GS-13 and up senior.
3Gather Documentation
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
4Build Your Federal Resume
Two pages. USAJOBS has enforced that limit since 27 September 2025 and will not accept a longer resume from a Title 5 agency posting, so the space has to answer every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact details, and the accomplishments with numbers on them.
5Apply on USAJOBS
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
Military jobs that map to this series
Legal Services Specialist
Paralegal Specialist. Direct match — legal research, document preparation, case management, and court support. DOJ, federal courts, VA, and agency legal offices.
Skills that carry over: Legal research, Document preparation, Case management, Court procedures, Legal correspondence.
Usually opens at: GS-7, GS-9, GS-11.
Paralegal
Paralegal Specialist series. Direct path to JAG offices, DOJ, federal courts.
Skills that carry over: Legal Research, Document Preparation, Court Proceedings, Administrative Law, Legal Writing.
Usually opens at: GS-7, GS-9, GS-11.
Legalman
Direct translation to paralegal specialist. Legal research and case management skills transfer perfectly.
Skills that carry over: Legal Research, Document Preparation, Case Management, Administrative Law, Client Counseling.
Usually opens at: GS-7, GS-9, GS-11.
Your record can qualify you even when your code is not on this list. The crosswalk is a starting point, not the gate.
Typical duties
- Conduct legal research
- Prepare legal documents and briefs
- Organize case files and evidence
- Interview witnesses
- Assist with discovery processes
- Track case deadlines and filings
Key competencies
Legal Research
Skill in conducting legal research using Westlaw, LexisNexis, and other resources.
Document Preparation
Ability to draft and prepare legal documents and pleadings.
Case Management
Skill in organizing and managing case files and materials.
Legal Writing
Ability to summarize legal issues and prepare correspondence.
Database Management
Proficiency in legal case management systems.
Attention to Detail
Ability to review documents for accuracy and completeness.
Communication
Skill in communicating with attorneys, clients, and court personnel.
Time Management
Ability to manage multiple cases and meet deadlines.
Words the announcement will use
Use the ones your record actually supports. A rater is matching your experience against the specialized experience statement, and a keyword with nothing behind it does not survive that.
Questions about GS-0950
What is a federal Paralegal Specialist?
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.
How much does a federal Paralegal Specialist make?
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%.
What are the requirements for GS-0950 positions?
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.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0950?
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.
What is the career progression for Paralegal Specialists?
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.
How do I apply for GS-0950 jobs on USAJOBS?
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.
Ready to apply for GS-0950?
A rater matches your record against the announcement's specialized experience statement, inside two pages. BMR writes that shape from your own experience: competency headers, real scope, hours per week, and the supervisor detail the rater checks.