Paralegal III Supporting the DEA Office of Chief Counsel

FSA Federal•Arlington, VA

About The Position

Compass Strategy Solutions (CSS) is hiring a Paralegal III to support the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), specifically the Employment and Defense Litigation Section in the Office of Chief Counsel. The position works on tort claims and supports the DEA’s law enforcement mission. The role involves reviewing and developing cases, assisting attorneys with litigation and settlement preparation, conducting legal research, organizing case materials, and supporting trial preparation. It may also include reviewing work by Legal Clerk/Paralegal II personnel, training other personnel as needed, and performing other assigned duties.

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 in the development, presentation, and prosecution of 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 ability to provide excellent customer service; positive and flexible approach; 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.
A 7- or 10-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 completed by Legal Clerk/Paralegal II personnel.
Receive, examine, and evaluate new and complex cases in relation to case facts and established standards.
Assist in determining probable cause by reviewing investigative reports, identifying the need for further evidence or 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 to prepare cases and determine causes of action using legal research tools, public-information databases, and other automated resources.
Interview federal agents and other law enforcement officers about probable cause for forfeiture and the availability of evidence and witnesses.
Assist attorneys with pretrial preparation, including preparing, reviewing, and organizing discovery; notifying, interviewing, and preparing summaries; and managing witnesses.
Assist attorneys in communicating the legal position and settlement appropriateness to affected individuals.
Prepare documents for settlement or disposition.
Prepare legal pleadings, motions, papers, and proposed orders.
Organize and manage files, documents, and exhibit indexes.
Summarize documents and proceedings, including depositions, interrogatories, and testimony, to assist attorneys.
Use databases and programs to extract data for reports, charts, graphs, and trial exhibits.
Provide training to other personnel as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.