Paralegal / Legal Assistant III supporting the DEA

FSA Federal•Arlington, VA

22h

About The Position

FSA Federal is hiring a Paralegal / Legal Assistant III to support the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and its Asset Forfeiture Program. The role supports investigations and case development involving criminal organizations, drug trafficking networks, and the seizure and forfeiture of assets. The position requires U.S. citizenship and a background investigation covering at least seven or ten years. The Paralegal / Legal Assistant III assists attorneys with case review, legal research, probable-cause analysis, pretrial preparation, settlement and disposition documents, pleadings, and trial exhibits. The position also organizes case materials, summarizes proceedings and evidence, uses databases and software to produce reports and exhibits, and may provide training to other personnel. FSA Federal offers a comprehensive benefits package with choices and flexibility intended to support employees’ health, work-life balance, and professional growth.

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.
At least one year of automated litigation support experience, including knowledge of the capabilities and use of automated resources and technology for developing, presenting, and prosecuting federal cases.
Knowledge of the principles, concepts, and methods of legal research and analysis 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; 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.
Ability to undergo a background investigation covering at least seven or ten years.

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 provide review of work performed by Legal Clerk/Paralegal II personnel.
Receive, examine, and evaluate new and complex cases in light of case facts and established standards.
Assist in assessing probable cause by reviewing investigative reports, identifying needs for further evidence or information, and planning how to obtain it.
Advise attorneys about the strengths and weaknesses of probable cause and potential defenses.
Research case facts and law using legal research tools, public information databases, public records, and other automated resources; help 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 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 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.