Paralegal / Legal Assistant III supporting ATF

FSA • Washington, DC

61d

About The Position

FSA Federal is hiring a Paralegal/Legal Assistant III to support the overall mission of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The role supports a nationwide law enforcement initiative focused on removing the tools of crime from criminal organizations, depriving wrongdoers of crime proceeds, and disrupting criminal enterprises.

The position assists attorneys with case review and development, probable-cause assessments, legal research, pretrial preparation, settlements, pleadings, document management, and trial materials. It also includes training other personnel as needed and performing other assigned duties.

The position requires U.S. citizenship and a minimum 7- or 10-year background investigation. FSA Federal states that it offers a comprehensive benefits package with choice and flexibility to support employees’ health, work-life balance, and professional growth; specific benefits are not listed in the posting.

Requirements

• Paralegal certificate and at least one year of paralegal experience, or a high school diploma/GED and at least three years of paralegal experience.
• At least one year of automated litigation support experience, including knowledge of automated resources and technology used in developing, presenting, and prosecuting 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 pass a 7- or 10-year minimum background investigation.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of forfeiture law, policies, and procedures.
• Trial experience.

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 by Legal Clerk/Paralegal II personnel.
• Receive, examine, and evaluate new and complex cases against the facts and established standards.
• Help determine probable cause by reviewing investigative reports, identifying needs for additional evidence and information, and planning how to obtain them; advise attorneys about probable-cause strengths and weaknesses and potential defenses.
• Investigate case facts and laws; search public records and other resources using 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 presenting the legal position and settlement rationale to affected individuals, and 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 extract data for reports, charts, graphs, and trial exhibits.
• Provide training to other personnel as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package with choice and flexibility to support health, work-life balance, and professional growth; specific benefits are not detailed in the posting.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED