Paralegal / Legal Assistant III Supporting the USAO

FSA•Philadelphia, PA

About The Position

FSA Federal is hiring a Paralegal/Legal Assistant III to support the overall mission of the United States Attorney's Office (USAO), particularly its Asset Forfeiture Section, which prosecutes criminal and civil actions against property used or acquired during illegal activity. The role supports attorneys with case review and development, probable-cause assessments, legal research, pretrial preparation, settlements, court filings, case-file management, and trial exhibits. The position requires U.S. citizenship and a 7- or 10-year minimum background investigation.

Requirements

Paralegal certificate and at least one year of paralegal/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 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, deliver high-quality work, and maintain a professional disposition under extreme pressure.
U.S. citizenship.
Ability to meet a minimum 7- or 10-year background investigation requirement.

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 performed at the Legal Clerk/Paralegal II level.
Receive, examine, and evaluate new and complex cases in light of case facts and established standards.
Help determine probable cause by reviewing investigative reports, identifying needs for additional evidence and information, and planning how to obtain it; advise attorneys about probable-cause strengths and weaknesses and potential defenses.
Investigate case facts and law using legal research tools, public records, public-information databases, and other automated resources; interview federal agents and other law enforcement officers about forfeiture probable cause and available 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, 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.