Legal Research & Writing Analyst
About The Position
The Legal Research & Writing Analyst is a writing- and research-intensive analytical role supporting the U.S. Department of State Comptroller and Global Financial Services, Debt Analysis and Review Team (DART). The role investigates complex debt-related cases involving Department employees and U.S. civilians, researches applicable federal laws, regulations, and policies, analyzes case and financial information, and prepares well-supported written recommendations and decisions for review by senior officials and legal counsel. DART supports administrative reviews, waiver considerations, compromises, suspensions, terminations, and Administrative Wage Garnishment hearings. The analyst manages assigned cases from intake through recommendation or decision. Work includes reviewing requests and supporting records, investigating facts, researching authoritative guidance, analyzing financial information, performing calculations, drafting decision memorandums and correspondence, and presenting findings to Attorney Advisers, team leadership, and designated officials. The position also supports workload and performance review and process improvements. Contractors supporting the Department must successfully complete or obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance as a condition of employment. This is a 100% on-site position. The employee works an 8-hour shift scheduled between 6:15 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., with a non-compensated 45-minute lunch. Additional hours may be required and must be authorized by the Project Manager and Department of State Management.
Requirements
- Excellent professional writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
- Strong reading comprehension, research, critical thinking, and analytical capabilities.
- Demonstrated ability to locate, interpret, and apply laws, regulations, policies, procedures, or other authoritative guidance.
- Legal and/or professional writing experience.
- Strong attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.
- Ability to evaluate facts and supporting documentation and develop a well-reasoned recommendation or conclusion.
- Ability to review financial information, identify discrepancies, and perform basic calculations involving debt, payroll, benefits, payments, or related records.
- Ability to manage multiple cases, assignments, and competing deadlines while maintaining quality and productivity.
- Strong organizational, oral, and written communication skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, attorneys, customers, executives, and other stakeholders.
- Intermediate to advanced proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and PowerPoint.
- Must successfully complete or obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance as a condition of employment.
- Ability to work an 8-hour shift between 6:15 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in paralegal work, legal research, regulatory compliance, claims, policy, case analysis, professional writing, or technical writing.
- Experience applying policies, laws, regulations, or procedures to specific fact patterns.
- Experience conducting interviews, gathering evidence, and documenting findings.
- Experience reviewing payroll, benefits, debt, accounts receivable, claims, or other records.
- Experience working in a federal government, government contracting, legal, financial, compliance, or regulated environment.
- Curiosity and persistence when researching complex issues.
- Ability to distinguish relevant facts from background information.
- Sound judgment when interpreting policies and regulations.
- Ability to explain complex issues in clear, concise language.
- Comfort working with written information and basic financial data.
- Ability to learn new, complex concepts quickly.
- Strong organization and independent case-management skills.
Responsibilities
- Manage assigned debt cases from intake through recommendation or decision, including waivers, administrative reviews, Administrative Wage Garnishment matters, and other debt-related actions.
- Review debtor requests, case records, and supporting documentation to identify relevant facts, information gaps, and additional evidence needed.
- Conduct factual investigations, interviews, and evidence gathering in coordination with Department offices, outside agencies, and overseas locations.
- Conduct legal and regulatory research using applicable federal statutes, regulations, Department policies, personnel guidance, and authoritative sources.
- Research and analyze Department processes involving personnel actions, pay and benefits, accounts receivable, travel claims, retirement and annuity matters, consular activities, and overseas functions.
- Review and summarize financial records and perform calculations necessary to support debt-related determinations and case analysis.
- Draft decision memorandums, decision letters, correspondence, congressional responses, case summaries, and other analytical documents.
- Apply statutory, regulatory, and policy standards to case facts and present findings and recommendations for review by delegated officials.
- Consult with and present findings to Attorney Advisers, team leadership, and other designated officials while maintaining accurate and complete case records.
- Review workload and performance metrics and support process improvements by identifying recurring issues, documentation gaps, trends, and opportunities to improve consistency and efficiency.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
No Education Listed
