Paralegal / Legal Assistant III supporting the DEA

FSA•Arlington, VA

About The Position

FSA Federal is hiring a Paralegal/Legal Assistant III to support the overall mission of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The role contributes to law enforcement initiatives targeting criminal organizations by supporting cases involving proceeds of crime and the infrastructure of criminal enterprises. Work includes reviewing and developing case materials, assessing probable cause, conducting legal research, supporting pretrial preparation and settlements, preparing pleadings and other legal documents, managing case files and exhibits, and producing reports and trial materials. The DEA conducts national and international investigations targeting global drug trafficking networks and drug-related terrorism involving the illegal growing, manufacturing, or distribution of controlled substances. Its Asset Forfeiture Program is a component of its strategic mission and supports investigative strategies against drug networks and cartels through seizure and forfeiture activities. The position requires U.S. citizenship and a minimum seven- or ten-year background investigation. FSA Federal describes its benefits as comprehensive, with choice and flexibility intended to support employee 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 automated resources and technology used in developing, presenting, and prosecuting federal cases.
Knowledge of 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 minimum seven- or ten-year 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 provide review to Legal Clerk/Paralegal II personnel.
Receive, examine, and evaluate new and complex cases against the facts and established standards.
Assist in determining probable cause by reviewing investigative reports, identifying the need for additional evidence or information, and planning how to obtain it; advise attorneys on probable-cause strengths and weaknesses and potential defenses.
Investigate case facts and law, search public records and other resources, and use legal research tools, public-information databases, 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 attorneys with pretrial preparation by preparing, reviewing, and organizing discovery; notifying, interviewing, and preparing summaries; and managing witnesses.
Assist attorneys in explaining 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 extrapolate data for reports, charts, graphs, and trial exhibits.
Provide training to other personnel as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.