Paralegal / Legal Assistant III supporting the DEA

FSA; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

FSA Federal is seeking a Paralegal/Legal Assistant III to support the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The role requires paralegal certification or a high school diploma with 3+ years of paralegal experience, and familiarity with automated litigation support and legal research tools.

Responsibilities include reviewing case material, conducting legal research, preparing discovery and motions, and organizing exhibits.

Qualifications

• Paralegal certificate or HS diploma with 3+ years paralegal experience.
• One year of automated litigation support experience.
• Knowledge of forfeiture law, policies, and procedures preferred.
• Strong legal writing and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Review case material and prepare a digest with legal references.
• Evaluate new cases with facts and established standards.
• Assist in determining probable cause by reviewing investigations and evidence needs.
• Conduct legal research using databases and public records.
• Prepare discovery materials, summaries, and manage witnesses.
• Draft pleadings, motions, and proposed orders.
• Organize files and indexing exhibits for cases.
• Summarize depositions, interrogatories, and testimony for attorneys.
• Provide training to other personnel as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

MS Office

Team player

Customer service

Legal writing

Education

Paralegal Certificate

HS Diploma/GED + 3+ years paralegal experience

Tools

Legal research databases

Public information databases

Automated litigation support tools

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 Paralegal/Legal Assistant III. In this role, you will be supporting the overall mission of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Responsibilities

• Assists attorney in reviewing case material to include gathering and analyzing case material and preparing a digest of selected decisions/opinions, including legal references. May provide Legal Clerk/Paralegal II review.
• Receives, examines, and evaluates new and complex cases with reference to the facts of the case and established standards.
• Assists in determining probable cause by reviewing investigative reports, establishing the need for further evidence and information, and planning a comprehensive approach to obtaining that information and evidence. Advises attorneys of the strengths and weaknesses of probable cause and potential defenses.
• Investigates facts and laws of cases and searches public records and other resources to prepare cases and determine causes of action by using a variety of legal research tools, public information databases, and other automated resources. Interviews federal agents and other law enforcement officers regarding the probable cause for forfeiture and the availability of evidence and witnesses.
• Assists attorney in pretrial preparations by preparing, reviewing, and organizing discovery; notifying, interviewing, and preparing summaries; and managing witnesses.
• Assists attorney in convincing the affected individuals of the correctness of the legal position and appropriateness of the settlement. Also prepares documents for settlement or disposition.
• Prepares legal pleadings, motions, papers, and proposed orders.
• Organizes and manages files, documents, and indexing exhibits.
• Summarizes documents and proceedings, including depositions, interrogatories, and testimony to assist attorneys.
• Uses various databases and programs to extrapolate data for reports, charts, graphs, and trial exhibits.
• Provides training to other personnel as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Paralegal Certificate with at least one-year paralegal/legal assistance experience; or High School Diploma/GED with at least three-years' paralegal experience
• One-year of automated litigation support experience with knowledge of the capabilities and use of automated resources and technology for the development, presentation, and prosecution of federal cases
• Knowledge of forfeiture law, policies, and procedures and trial experience preferred
• Knowledge of the principles, concepts, and methods of legal research and analysis sufficient to perform case development and documentation assignments which are typically covered by established precedents
• Excellent communication skills; oral and written, to include legal writing skills
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills
• Experience with the Microsoft Office suite of applications (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and other common software applications, to include databases
• Proven commitment and expertise to provide excellent customer service; positive and flexible; ability to multi-task
• 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.
Consistent with our goal of empowering people, FSA is committed to providing all employees and employment candidates the right to equal employment opportunities and a harassment-free work environment free from retaliation. FSA's employment practices are based on an individual\'s capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including transgender status, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law. Equal employment opportunity applies to all policies and procedures including recruitment and hiring, promotions, transfers, and terminations, as well as compensation, benefits, and other terms and conditions of employment. Our long-term success depends upon our ability to attract, retain, and develop a workforce with the knowledge and skills needed to support the vital missions of our customers. FSA is proud to maintain a drug-free workplace. Satisfactory completion of a post-offer drug screening is a condition of employment. As a supplier of services to federal government agencies, such as DEA, FBI, USCIS, USPIS, etc., we also adhere to agency standards with respect to prior drug usage.