Paralegal / Legal Assistant III supporting the ATF

FSA•Washington, DC

About The Position

Allied Government Solutions, Inc. has a vacancy for a Paralegal / Legal Assistant III supporting the overall mission of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The role supports a nationwide law enforcement initiative focused on removing tools and proceeds of crime from criminal organizations and disrupting criminal enterprises. The position involves reviewing and developing cases, researching legal and factual issues, assisting attorneys with probable-cause assessments and pretrial preparation, preparing legal documents, and managing case materials. The role also includes using databases and software to prepare reports and trial exhibits, training other personnel as needed, and performing other assigned duties. The position requires U.S. citizenship and a minimum 7- or 10-year background investigation. Candidates currently living in a HUBZone are strongly preferred.

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 the 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.
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 environment, deliver high-quality work, and maintain a professional disposition under extreme pressure.
U.S. citizenship.
Ability to undergo a minimum 7- or 10-year 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; may review work performed by Legal Clerk/Paralegal II.
Receive, examine, and evaluate new and complex cases based on case 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 laws, 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 regarding 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 extract data for reports, charts, graphs, and trial exhibits.
Provide training to other personnel as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.