Loading...
Loading...
Performs legal support work including document preparation, case file management, and legal research assistance.
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-4 | $30,795 | $31,822 | $32,849 | $33,876 | $34,903 | $35,930 | $36,957 | $37,984 | $39,011 | $40,038 |
| GS-5 | $34,454 | $35,603 | $36,752 | $37,901 | $39,050 | $40,199 | $41,348 | $42,497 | $43,646 | $44,786 |
| GS-6 | $38,407 | $39,687 | $40,967 | $42,247 | $43,527 | $44,807 | $46,087 | $47,367 | $48,647 | $49,927 |
| GS-7 | $42,679 | $44,102 | $45,525 | $46,948 | $48,371 | $49,794 | $51,217 | $52,640 | $54,063 | $55,486 |
| GS-8 | $47,265 | $48,841 | $50,417 | $51,993 | $53,569 | $55,145 | $56,721 | $58,297 | $59,873 | $61,449 |
| GS-9 | $52,205 | $53,945 | $55,685 | $57,425 | $59,165 | $60,905 | $62,645 | $64,385 | $66,125 | $67,865 |
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-0986
Individual Occupational Requirements: There are no Individual Occupational Requirements for this series.
Experience and Education Requirements by Grade Level (Group Standard):
| Grade | General Experience | Specialized Experience | Education |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-1 | None | None | None |
| GS-2 | 3 months | None | High school diploma or equivalent |
| GS-3 | 6 months | None | 1 year above high school |
| GS-4 | 1 year | None | 2 years above high school |
| GS-5 | None | 1 year at GS-4 level | 4 years above high school |
| GS-6+ | None | 1 year at next lower grade | Generally not applicable |
General Experience: Progressively responsible clerical, office, or other work that indicates ability to acquire the particular knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties of the position to be filled.
Specialized Experience: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled.
Education: One year of full-time academic study equals 30 semester hours, 45 quarter hours, or approximately 36 weeks at 20+ classroom hours per week.
Combining Education and Experience: For grades GS-3 through GS-5, applicants may substitute education for experience. Express both as percentages; combined must equal at least 100%.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal legal clerk and technician 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-0986
Air Force Paralegals are trained in legal research and document management, aligning closely with the duties of a Legal Clerk and Technician.
Paralegal Specialists have direct experience with legal document preparation and case file management, making them ideal candidates for the Legal Clerk and Technician role.
Legalmen perform duties similar to civilian legal clerks, including legal research and document preparation, ensuring a smooth transition.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Skill in preparing and processing legal documents.
Ability to organize and maintain legal files and records.
Knowledge of court filing procedures and requirements.
Proficiency in accurate typing and data entry.
Ability to communicate effectively with legal staff and the public.
Skill in coordinating schedules and managing calendars.
Ability to ensure accuracy in legal documents.
Proficiency in word processing and legal software applications.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
GS-0986 Legal Clerks and Technicians provide support in legal offices: preparing documents, managing case files, assisting with research, processing court filings, and maintaining records. They work at DOJ, agency counsel offices, federal courts, and military legal offices.
GS-0986 positions range from GS-4 ($30,795) to GS-9 ($52,205-$67,865). Most positions are GS-5 to GS-7 ($34,454-$55,486). Senior technicians and leads reach GS-8/9. Add locality pay of 15-40% plus federal benefits.
At GS-4, you need 1 year of general clerical experience or 2 years of education. Higher grades require specialized legal support experience. Knowledge of court procedures, legal terminology, and proficiency in word processing are essential.
Yes. Military legal clerk or administrative experience qualifies. If you worked in a JAG office, processed legal documents, or maintained military justice files, that experience translates directly. Your knowledge of legal procedures and document management is valued.
Entry at GS-4/5 with progression to GS-7/8/9. Many use this as a stepping stone to Paralegal Specialist (GS-0950) at higher grades. Some pursue paralegal certification or law degrees for career advancement. DOJ and federal courts offer strong career paths.
Search USAJOBS for 'Legal Clerk,' 'Legal Technician,' or 'Court Clerk.' DOJ, federal courts, and agency counsel are major employers. Emphasize your legal office experience, document preparation skills, and court procedure knowledge. Veterans with JAG office experience have applicable backgrounds.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.