Attorney / Senior Law Clerk supporting the DEA

FSA Federal; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

FSA Federal seeks a Senior Law Clerk to support the Drug Enforcement Administration in Arlington, VA. The role requires a J.D., bar admission, and federal service experience, with strong research and writing skills and the ability to work under pressure.

The position emphasizes quality legal analysis, memoranda, and coordination with agency staff. U.S. citizenship and a 7- or 10-year background investigation are required, with a mission-driven, team-oriented environment.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Active bar admission in good standing.
• Two years' post-JD experience in legal research/writing.
• Experience with LexisNexis and Westlaw.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work under pressure in a government environment.

Responsibilities

• Provides attorney support while reviewing paralegal work.
• Performs expert legal research and high-level writing.
• Reviews investigations and prepares summaries.
• Conducts high-level factual and legal analysis for investigations.
• Creates persuasive memoranda, motions, and briefs.
• Drafts reports, develops training curricula, and responds to Congress and citizens.
• Coordinates with other offices to complete work.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Bar admission

Tools

LexisNexis

Westlaw

Microsoft Office

Databases

Job description

Be a part of the nationwide law enforcement initiative that removes the tools of crime from criminal organizations, depriving wrongdoers of proceeds from their crime and impacting the infrastructure of criminal enterprises.

FSA Federal (FSA) is focused on delivering unsurpassed services in support of law enforcement and homeland security. We currently have a vacancy for a Senior Law Clerk. In this role, you will be supporting the overall mission of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). If you are looking for a meaningful, mission driven career, Join FSA!

Responsibilities

• Provides assistance to the attorney while reviewing the work of paralegals and clerks.
• Performs expert legal research and writing at a high level on extremely sophisticated issues.
• Reviews investigative reports from various agencies, prepares summaries of those reports, and notes matters requiring close department review.
• Conducts high-level analysis of facts, evidence, and legal authorities in connection with domestic and international investigations.
• Uses facts, evidence, and legal authorities to create persuasive legal memoranda, motions, and briefs.
• Drafts reports, develops training curricula, and prepares responses to Congressional and citizen correspondence. Analyzes and drafts comments regarding legislative proposals.
• Prepares correspondence for a variety of issues that require a government official signature.
• Coordinates with other support components in order to complete work requirements.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bar Certified with Law degree
• Two years' post-JD experience
• Experience conducting legal research using various research tools and law library resources, to include Lexis-Nexis and West Law
• Excellent communication skills; oral and written, to include legal writing skills
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills, and ability to work with minimal supervision
• Experience with the Microsoft Office suite of applications (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and other common software applications, to include databases
• Ability to work in a team environment, deliver the highest quality of work, and maintain a professional disposition under extreme pressure

This position requires U.S. Citizenship and a 7 (or 10) year minimum background investigation.

Agency Overview

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is responsible for conducting national and international investigations targeting global drug trafficking networks and drug-related terrorism involved in the illegal growing, manufacturing, or distribution of controlled substances appearing in or destined for illicit traffic in the United States. A component of DEA's strategic mission is the use of the Asset Forfeiture Program, implementing major investigative strategies against drug networks and cartels, resulting in significant seizure and forfeiture activities.

Benefits Overview

At FSA Federal, we recognize the diverse needs of our employees and strive to provide an excellent package to help meet those needs. Comprehensive benefits are offered with greater choice and flexibility to support your health, work-life balance, and professional growth. For more information, click here.