FDA Paralegal Program

The FDA Paralegal Program is looking to bring 2-4 new paralegals on board this summer. One of the current paralegals reached out to share information with me—he is part of a group of 4 UMD paralegals who graduated in May 2012. This is part of the Pathways Program and is perfect for students seeking exposure to the law field, possibly before heading on to law school.

Though students will ultimately apply through USAJobs when the positions are posted in a few weeks, they are highly encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter NOW toococcparalegal@fda.hhs.gov to start the process. 

Open to ALL majors. 

• 2 year Paralegal Trainee Pathways program for recent or soon-to-be graduates who are planning to go to law school.
•  Positions are at FDA's White Oak Campus in Silver Spring, Maryland. Info about FDA can be viewed at:www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/CentersOffices/OC/OfficeoftheChiefCounsel/default.htm
•  Trainees must enroll in a paralegal certificate program. (I did mine online and it was reasonably cheap and easy.)
•  U.S. Citizenship required. Candidates should have proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite Programs and excellent research skills.

 The office provides training and requires a 2 year minimum commitment. OCC Paralegal trainees assist OCC attorneys in all phases of providing legal counsel to the FDA. This includes conducting investigations, preparing cases for trial, and providing legal analysis and advice. Under the supervision of OCC attorneys, Paralegal trainees will experience working in a government agency's General Counsel's office through a variety of activities such as:

• Conducting current events and legal research using tools like Lexis and Westlaw
• Research and tracking Congressional legislative action
• Conducting historical regulatory analysis
• Preparing materials for civil and criminal litigation
• General case management, including summarizing transcripts, organizing materials and preparing case summaries
• Verifying citations and legal references
• Assisting with Agency response to Freedom of Information Act requests

The starting grade is GS-7 with the locality increase for Washington D.C. (currently $42,631) and the program offers the complete federal government employee benefits package including annual leave, sick leave, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, life and health insurance, Thrift Savings plan and retirement benefits.