Litigation Paralegal / Legal Assistant IV Supporting US Attorney's Office

FSA Federal•Sacramento, CA

About The Position

FSA Federal is hiring a Paralegal/Legal Assistant IV to support Affirmative Civil Enforcement (ACE) and the overall mission of the United States Attorney's Office (USAO). The role supports federal civil enforcement and forfeiture matters, from assessing investigative referrals and developing evidence to preparing litigation documents, assisting with discovery and trial preparation, and supporting settlements or other case dispositions. The position may include reviewing work of Legal Clerk/Paralegal II staff, training other paralegals, and, in some offices, supervising employees.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in Paralegal Studies; or an undergraduate degree in another field with a Paralegal Certificate; or a Paralegal Certificate and at least two years of paralegal experience; or a high school diploma/GED and at least four years of paralegal experience.
One year of automated litigation support experience, including knowledge of automated resources and technology used to develop, present, and prosecute federal cases.
Knowledge of legal research and analysis principles, concepts, and methods for case-development and documentation assignments typically covered by established precedents.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including legal writing.
Strong organizational and prioritization skills, with the ability to work with minimal supervision.
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, deliver high-quality work, and maintain a professional disposition under extreme pressure.
U.S. citizenship.
A minimum seven- or ten-year background investigation.

Nice To Haves

Litigation, high-volume eDiscovery, and trial experience are strongly preferred.
Knowledge of forfeiture laws, policies, and procedures, and trial experience are preferred.

Responsibilities

Review investigative reports for probable cause, identify the need for additional information or evidence, and plan how to obtain it.
May review work prepared by Legal Clerk/Paralegal II staff.
Examine and evaluate new and complex cases referred for judicial proceedings to assess litigation worthiness and identify applicable laws and case law.
Prepare pleadings to initiate judicial proceedings and motions, papers and proposed orders for forfeiture, settlement, or dismissal, and draft legal memoranda or briefs for attorneys.
Consult with attorneys about the merits and prospects of potential forfeitures, including the strengths and weaknesses of probable cause and possible defenses.
Assist attorneys with pretrial preparation.
Prepare, review, and organize discovery; notify, interview, prepare summaries of, and manage witnesses; and research case law.
Use databases and software to develop data for reports, charts, graphs, and trial exhibits.
Compile, organize, and index evidentiary exhibits for court proceedings.
Use automated legal research tools, public-information databases, and other resources to research specialized legal matters, including case law and slip opinions.
Participate in assigned areas of criminal or civil proceedings, such as electronic discovery.
Interview federal agents and other law enforcement officers about probable cause for forfeiture and the availability of evidence and witnesses.
Support attorneys in explaining the agency's legal position and proposed settlements to claimants and their attorneys.
Prepare documents for settlement or other appropriate disposition; if settlement is not reached, prepare pleadings needed to seek default forfeiture decrees.
Prepare summaries for attorneys using deposition transcripts.
Assist third parties or lien holders seeking remission or mitigation of forfeiture.
Provide training to other paralegals as necessary and, in some offices, supervise other employees.
Perform other duties as assigned.