Paralegal / Legal Assistant III supporting the DEA

FSA Federal; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Compass Strategy Solutions (CSS) is seeking a Paralegal/Legal Assistant III to support DEA operations nationwide from the Arlington VA area. The role involves case material review, discovery management, legal research, and assisting attorneys with pretrial preparations and settlement work.

The position requires U.S. Citizenship and a 7- to 10-year background investigation, with experience in forfeiture law and federal case workflow.

Qualifications

• 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 automated resources and technology for 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 to perform case development
• Excellent communication skills; oral and written, including legal writing
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills
• Experience with Microsoft Office suite and databases

Responsibilities

• Assists attorney in reviewing case material including digesting decisions/opinions with legal references
• Receives, examines, and evaluates new and complex cases with reference to facts and standards
• Assists in determining probable cause by reviewing investigative reports and planning evidence collection
• Investigates facts and laws of cases using legal research tools and public records
• Assists attorney in pretrial preparations by organizing discovery and managing witnesses
• Assists attorney in settlement preparation and disposition documents
• Prepares legal pleadings, motions, papers, and proposed orders
• Organizes and manages files, documents, and exhibits
• Summarizes depositions, interrogatories, and testimony for attorneys
• Provides training to other personnel as needed
• Performs other duties as assigned

Skills

Paralegal

Legal research

Case management

Microsoft Office

Documentation

Education

Paralegal certificate

High school diploma

Tools

Legal databases

Job description

Paralegal / Legal Assistant III supporting the DEA

#26-569

Requisition

26-569

DEA

Position Schedule

Full-time

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.

Compass Strategy Solutions (CSS) specializes in cultivating tactical and strategic intelligence personnel, financial analysts, and forensic accountants, to support law enforcement efforts domestically and overseas. CSS has a vacancy for a Paralegal/Legal Assistant III. In this role, you will be supporting the overall mission of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

• 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

Preference will be given to qualified applicants who are familiar with the specific policies, processes, procedures, and practices of this customer office, and who are cleared to commence work immediately.

• 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.

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.

At Compass, 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. A package providing employee only coverage can be built around our basic plans at $0 employee cost for: Medical, Dental, Vision, Term Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Employee Assistance Program.