Paralegal / Legal Assistant III Supporting the USAO

FSA Federal•Philadelphia, PA

About The Position

FSA Federal is seeking a Paralegal / Legal Assistant III to support the overall mission of the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO). The role supports the USAO Asset Forfeiture Section, which prosecutes criminal and civil actions involving property used or acquired during illegal activity. The position assists attorneys with case development, legal research, pretrial preparation, document preparation, settlements, and trial exhibits. It may also provide review of work performed by Legal Clerk/Paralegal II personnel and provide training to other personnel as needed.

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 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.
Demonstrated 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 required.
Must undergo a minimum 7- or 10-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.
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 further evidence or information, and planning how to obtain it.
Advise attorneys about the strengths and weaknesses of probable cause and potential defenses.
Investigate case facts and law; search public records and other resources using legal research tools, public information databases, and other automated resources.
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 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.