Paralegal / Legal Assistant III supporting the ATF

FSA Federal•Washington, DC

About The Position

Allied Government Solutions, Inc. is seeking a Paralegal/Legal Assistant III to support the overall mission of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The position supports federal case development and prosecution, including matters involving asset forfeiture. Candidates currently living in a HUBZone are strongly preferred. The position requires U.S. citizenship and a 7- or 10-year minimum background investigation. ATF enforces federal laws and regulations relating to alcohol, tobacco, firearms, explosives, and arson, working directly and in cooperation with other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. ATF may seize and forfeit firearms, ammunition, explosives, alcohol, tobacco, currency, conveyances, and certain real property involved in violations of law. Allied Government Solutions describes its benefits as comprehensive, with choice and flexibility intended to support employees’ health, work-life balance, and professional growth.

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.
At least one year of automated litigation support experience, including knowledge of the capabilities and use of automated resources and technology for 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 the 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 7- or 10-year minimum background investigation.

Nice To Haves

Current residence in a HUBZone is strongly preferred.
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; may provide review of Legal Clerk/Paralegal II work.
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 about the strengths and weaknesses of probable cause 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 develop 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 by 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 settlement or disposition documents.
Prepare legal pleadings, motions, papers, and proposed orders.
Organize and manage files, documents, and exhibit indexes.
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.