Paralegal / Legal Assistant III Supporting the DEA

FSA • Arlington, VA

1d

About The Position

Compass Strategy Solutions (CSS) has a vacancy for a Paralegal/Legal Assistant III supporting the overall mission of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The role supports forfeiture work and judicial forfeiture proceedings through legal research, case evaluation and development, preparation of pleadings and other legal documents, discovery and trial preparation, and assistance to forfeiture attorneys. The position also involves interviewing law enforcement personnel, organizing evidence, preparing deposition summaries, using the CATS database to develop reports and trial materials, and training other contractor paralegals as needed.

The DEA conducts national and international investigations targeting drug-trafficking networks and drug-related terrorism involving controlled substances. Its Asset Forfeiture Program supports investigative strategies against drug networks and cartels through seizure and forfeiture activities.

The position requires U.S. citizenship and a minimum 7- or 10-year background investigation. A Public Trust Security Access must be obtained and maintained. 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

• Paralegal certificate.
• 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, including 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 analytical 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.
• Ability to undergo a 7- or 10-year minimum background investigation.

Nice To Haves

• Trial experience is very helpful.

Responsibilities

• Perform basic legal research in support of forfeiture work, including research of case law and slip opinions, using automated legal research tools, public information databases, and other automated resources.
• Receive, examine, and evaluate new and complex cases referred for judicial forfeiture proceedings, considering case facts, agency litigation-worthiness standards, applicable law, and pertinent case law.
• Review investigative reports for probable cause for forfeiture, identify needs for additional information or evidence, and plan how to obtain it.
• Advise forfeiture attorneys regarding the merits and likelihood of success of potential forfeitures, including strengths and weaknesses of probable cause and potential defenses.
• Assist forfeiture attorneys in communicating the agency’s legal position and proposed settlements to claimants and their attorneys; prepare settlement or disposition documents and, when settlement is not reached, pleadings to seek 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 regarding 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.
• Assist in preparing for court proceedings by compiling, organizing, and indexing evidentiary exhibits.
• Review deposition transcripts and prepare summaries for attorneys.
• Use the CATS database to develop data for reports, charts, graphs, and trial exhibits.
• Provide training to other contractor paralegals as needed.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package with choice and flexibility to support health, work-life balance, and professional growth; specific benefits are not listed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed