Paralegal III Supporting the DEA Office of Chief Counsel

FSA•Arlington, VA

About The Position

Compass Strategy Solutions (CSS) is hiring a Paralegal III to support the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Office of Chief Counsel, specifically the Employment and Defense Litigation Section, working on tort claims. The role supports the DEA’s law enforcement mission and involves case development, litigation support, legal research, and preparation of litigation materials. The position requires U.S. citizenship and a seven- or ten-year minimum background investigation. The DEA conducts national and international investigations targeting global drug trafficking networks and drug-related terrorism involving the illegal growing, manufacturing, or distribution of controlled substances in or destined for illicit traffic in the United States. Its Asset Forfeiture Program uses investigative strategies against drug networks and cartels, resulting in seizure and forfeiture activities. Compass states that it offers a comprehensive benefits package with choice and flexibility intended to support employees’ health, work-life balance, and professional growth; specific benefits are not listed.

Requirements

Paralegal certificate and at least one year of paralegal or legal-assistance experience, or a high school diploma/GED and at least three years of paralegal experience.
One year of automated litigation support experience, including knowledge of automated resources and technology used to develop, present, and prosecute federal cases.
Knowledge of legal research and analysis principles, concepts, and methods sufficient to perform case-development and documentation assignments typically covered by established precedents.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including legal writing skills.
Strong organizational and prioritization skills.
Experience with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word, and other common software applications, including databases.
Commitment and expertise in providing excellent customer service; a positive and flexible approach; and ability to multitask.
Ability to work in a team environment, deliver high-quality work, and maintain a professional disposition under extreme pressure.
U.S. citizenship.
Ability to undergo a seven- or ten-year minimum background investigation.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of employment law.

Responsibilities

Assist attorneys in reviewing case materials, gathering and analyzing information, and preparing digests of selected decisions and opinions with legal references; may review work of Legal Clerk/Paralegal II personnel.
Receive, examine, and evaluate new and complex cases against the facts and established standards.
Assist in determining probable cause by reviewing investigative reports, identifying the need for additional evidence and information, and planning how to obtain it; advise attorneys about probable-cause strengths and weaknesses and potential defenses.
Investigate case facts and law, search public records and other resources, and use legal research tools, public information databases, and automated resources to prepare cases and determine causes of action.
Interview federal agents and other law enforcement officers about probable cause for forfeiture and the availability of evidence and witnesses.
Assist with pretrial preparation by preparing, reviewing, and organizing discovery; notifying, interviewing, and preparing summaries; and managing witnesses.
Assist attorneys in explaining the legal position and settlement appropriateness to affected individuals; prepare settlement or disposition documents.
Prepare legal pleadings, motions, papers, and proposed orders.
Organize and manage files and documents and index exhibits.
Summarize documents and proceedings, including depositions, interrogatories, and testimony, to assist attorneys.
Use databases and programs to extrapolate data for reports, charts, graphs, and trial exhibits.
Provide training to other personnel as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.