Paralegal / Legal Assistant IV Supporting USAO FOIA - FSA Federal
Washington, DC 20002
About the Job
Be a part of the nationwide law enforcement initiative that removes the tools of crime from criminal organizations, depriving wrongdoers of proceeds from their crime and impacting the infrastructure of criminal enterprises.
FSA Federal (FSA) is focused on delivering unsurpassed services in support of law enforcement and homeland security. We currently have a vacancy for a Paralegal/Legal Assistant IV. In this role, you will be supporting the overall mission of the United States Attorney's Office (USAO). If you are looking for a meaningful, mission driven career, Join FSA!
Responsibilities
- Reviews investigative reports for probable cause, determines the need for additional information and evidence, and plans a comprehensive approach to obtain needed information and evidence. May provide Legal Clerk/Paralegal II review.
- Receives, examines, and evaluates new and complex cases referred for judicial forfeiture proceedings with reference to the facts of the case and agency standards to determine case litigation worthiness, appropriate titles of law, and pertinent case law.
- Prepares legal pleadings to start judicial forfeiture proceedings and motions; papers and proposed orders to complete forfeiture, settlement, or dismissal; and drafts of legal memoranda/briefs for the forfeiture attorney.
- Confers with the forfeiture attorney regarding the merits of the potential forfeiture and the probabilities of success of the forfeiture while considering the strengths and weaknesses of probable cause and potential defenses.
- Assists forfeiture attorney in pretrial preparations. Prepares, reviews, and organizes discovery; notifies, interviews, prepares summaries of, and manages witnesses; and researches case law.
- Uses various databases and programs to extrapolate data for reports, charts, graphs, and trial exhibits. Assists in preparing court proceedings by compiling, organizing, and indexing various evidentiary exhibits.
- Utilizes various automated legal research tools, as well as public information databases and other resources, to research specialized case or program-specific legal matters including research of case law, slip opinions, etc. Participates in assigned areas of criminal or civil proceedings, e.g. electronic discovery. Interviews federal agents and other law enforcement officers regarding the probable cause for forfeiture and the availability of evidence and witnesses.
- Supports forfeiture attorney in influencing claimants and claimants' attorneys of the accuracy of the agency's legal position and the appropriateness of the agency's proposed settlement.
- Prepares appropriate documents for settlement or other appropriate disposition. If settlements cannot be agreed upon, prepares all necessary pleadings for the court in order to attain the issuance of default decrees of forfeiture.
- Prepares summaries for attorneys using transcripts of depositions.
- Assists third parties or lien holders seeking remission or mitigation of forfeiture.
- As necessary, provides training to other paralegals.
- In some offices, may be required to supervise other employees.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree in Paralegal Studies; or an Undergraduate Degree in another field with a Paralegal Certificate; or a Paralegal Certificate with at least two-years' paralegal experience; or High School Diploma/GED with at least four-years' paralegal experience
- One-year of automated litigation support experience with knowledge of the capabilities and use of automated resources and technology for the development, presentation, and prosecution of federal cases
- Knowledge of the principles, concepts, and methods of legal research and analysis to perform assigned case development and documentation assignments which are typically covered by established precedents
- Knowledge of forfeiture laws, policies, and procedures, and trial experience preferred
- Excellent communication skills; oral and written, to include legal writing skills
- Strong organizational and prioritization skills, and ability to work with minimal supervision
- Experience with the Microsoft Office suite of applications (Excel, PowerPoint, Word), and other common software applications, to include databases
- Proven commitment and expertise to provide excellent customer service; positive and flexible; ability to multi-task
- Ability to work in a team environment, deliver the highest quality of work, and maintain a professional disposition under extreme pressure
This position requires U.S. Citizenship and a 7 (or 10) year minimum background investigation.
Agency Overview
The United States Attorney's Office (USAO) serves as the nation's principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. The Asset Forfeiture Section at the USAO is responsible for the prosecution of both criminal and civil actions against property used or acquired during illegal activity.
Benefits Overview
At FSA Federal, we recognize the diverse needs of our employees and strive to provide an excellent package to help meet those needs. Comprehensive benefits are offered with greater choice and flexibility to support your health, work-life balance, and professional growth. A package providing employee only coverage can be built around our basic plans at $0 employee cost for: Medical, Dental, Vision, Term Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Employee Assistance Program. For more information, click here.