Paralegal / Legal Assistant III supporting ATF

FSA Federal•Washington, DC

About The Position

FSA Federal is hiring a Paralegal/Legal Assistant III to support the mission of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The role supports federal law enforcement efforts involving criminal organizations and proceeds of crime. The position assists attorneys with case development, legal research, probable-cause analysis, pretrial preparation, settlement or disposition documents, pleadings, and trial materials. It may also provide review for Legal Clerk/Paralegal II work and provide training to other personnel as needed.

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.
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 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 (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.
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.
Receive, examine, and evaluate new and complex cases against the facts and established standards.
Assist in determining probable cause by reviewing investigative reports, identifying needs for further evidence or information, and planning how to obtain it.
Advise attorneys on 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 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, including preparing, reviewing, and organizing discovery; notifying, interviewing, and preparing summaries; and managing witnesses.
Assist attorneys in communicating the correctness of legal positions and appropriateness of settlements to affected individuals.
Prepare documents for settlement or disposition.
Prepare legal pleadings, motions, papers, and proposed orders.
Organize and manage files, documents, and indexed 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.