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

FSA•Portland, OR

About The Position

FSA Federal is hiring a Paralegal/Legal Assistant IV to support the overall mission of the United States Attorney's Office (USAO), including its Asset Forfeiture Section, which prosecutes criminal and civil actions against property used or acquired during illegal activity. The role supports federal judicial forfeiture proceedings and related litigation, from case review and investigation through settlement, trial preparation, and disposition. The position requires U.S. citizenship and a minimum 7- or 10-year background investigation.

Requirements

Meet one of the following education and experience pathways: a bachelor's degree in Paralegal Studies; an undergraduate degree in another field with a Paralegal Certificate; a Paralegal Certificate with at least two years of paralegal experience; or a high school diploma/GED with at least four years of paralegal experience.
At least 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 assigned case-development and documentation work.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including legal writing.
Strong organizational and prioritization skills, and ability to work with minimal supervision.
Experience using Microsoft Office applications (Excel, PowerPoint, and Word) and other common software applications, including databases.
Commitment and expertise in customer service; a positive, flexible approach; and ability to multitask.
Ability to work in a team, produce 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

Trial experience.
Knowledge of forfeiture laws, policies, and procedures.

Responsibilities

Review investigative reports for probable cause, identify the need for additional information or evidence, and plan approaches to obtain it; may review work by Legal Clerk/Paralegal II staff.
Evaluate new and complex cases referred for judicial forfeiture proceedings to assess litigation worthiness, applicable law, and pertinent case law.
Prepare pleadings, motions, papers, proposed orders, and legal memorandum or brief drafts for forfeiture proceedings, settlement, dismissal, and completion of forfeiture.
Consult with the forfeiture attorney regarding case merits, likelihood of success, probable-cause strengths and weaknesses, and potential defenses.
Assist with pretrial preparation, including preparing, reviewing, and organizing discovery; notifying, interviewing, preparing summaries of, and managing witnesses; and researching case law.
Use databases and programs to develop data for reports, charts, graphs, and trial exhibits, and compile, organize, and index evidentiary exhibits for court proceedings.
Conduct specialized legal research using automated legal research tools, public information databases, and other resources, including research into case law and slip opinions.
Participate in assigned areas of criminal or civil proceedings, including electronic discovery, and interview federal agents and other law enforcement officers about probable cause, evidence, and witnesses.
Support the forfeiture attorney in communicating the agency's legal position and proposed settlement to claimants and their attorneys.
Prepare settlement or disposition documents and, when settlement is not reached, prepare pleadings to seek default decrees of forfeiture.
Prepare attorney summaries based on deposition transcripts.
Assist third parties or lien holders seeking remission or mitigation of forfeiture.
Provide training to other paralegals as needed.
Supervise other employees in some offices, if required.
Perform other duties as assigned.