Paralegal / Legal Assistant III Supporting the DEA

FSA Federal•Arlington, VA

About The Position

Compass Strategy Solutions (CSS) is hiring a Paralegal/Legal Assistant III to support the DEA’s mission and asset forfeiture work. The role supports judicial forfeiture proceedings and related criminal or civil matters through legal research, case evaluation and development, discovery, document preparation, and trial preparation. The position also uses automated legal research and litigation-support resources, including the CATS database, and may provide training to other contractor paralegals. The Drug Enforcement Administration conducts national and international investigations targeting global drug trafficking networks and drug-related terrorism involving controlled substances. 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 to support employees’ health, work-life balance, and professional growth; specific benefits are not listed.

Requirements

Possess a paralegal certificate.
Have at least two years of paralegal litigation experience; trial experience is described as very helpful.
Knowledge of forfeiture laws, policies, and procedures.
Knowledge of automated resources and technology used to develop, present, and prosecute federal cases.
At least one year of automated litigation support experience.
Knowledge of legal research and analysis principles, concepts, and methods sufficient to perform assigned case development and documentation work typically covered by established precedents.
Excellent written and oral communication skills and analytic ability.
Thorough knowledge of legal research tools.
Hands-on familiarity with computer applications including word processing, databases, spreadsheets, and telecommunications equipment.
Ability to obtain and maintain Public Trust Security Access.
U.S. citizenship.
A 7- or 10-year minimum background investigation.

Nice To Haves

Trial experience.

Responsibilities

Perform basic legal research for forfeiture work, including research of case law and slip opinions, using automated legal research tools, public information databases, and other automated resources.
Participate in assigned areas of criminal or civil proceedings, such as electronic discovery.
Receive, examine, and evaluate cases referred for judicial forfeiture, considering case facts, agency litigation-worthiness standards, applicable law, and pertinent case law.
Review investigative reports for probable cause for forfeiture, identify additional information or evidence needed, and plan how to obtain it.
Advise the forfeiture attorney on the merits and likelihood of success of potential forfeitures, including the strengths and weaknesses of probable cause and potential defenses.
Assist the forfeiture attorney in communicating the agency’s legal position and proposed settlements to claimants and their attorneys; prepare documents for settlement or other disposition.
If settlement is not reached, prepare pleadings needed to obtain default decrees of forfeiture.
Assist with pretrial preparation by preparing, reviewing, and organizing discovery; notifying, interviewing, preparing summaries of, and managing witnesses; and researching case law.
Interview federal agents and other local law enforcement officers about probable cause for forfeiture and the availability of evidence and witnesses.
Prepare pleadings to commence judicial forfeiture proceedings and subsequent motions, papers, and proposed orders to accomplish forfeiture, settlement, or dismissal.
Prepare for court proceedings by compiling, organizing, and indexing evidentiary exhibits.
Summarize deposition transcripts to assist attorneys.
Use the CATS database to produce data for reports, charts, graphs, and trial exhibits.
Provide training to other contractor paralegals as needed.