Paralegal / Legal Assistant III Supporting the USAO

$73,611 - $73,611/Yr

Fsa Federal - New Haven, CT

Full-time - Entry Level

New Haven, CT

Administrative and Support Services

About the position

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 III. 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! As a Paralegal/Legal Assistant III, you will assist attorneys in reviewing case material, which includes gathering and analyzing case material and preparing a digest of selected decisions/opinions, including legal references. You will receive, examine, and evaluate new and complex cases with reference to the facts of the case and established standards. Your role will involve assisting in determining probable cause by reviewing investigative reports, establishing the need for further evidence and information, and planning a comprehensive approach to obtaining that information and evidence. You will advise attorneys of the strengths and weaknesses of probable cause and potential defenses. Additionally, you will investigate facts and laws of cases and search public records and other resources to prepare cases and determine causes of action by using a variety of legal research tools, public information databases, and other automated resources. You will interview federal agents and other law enforcement officers regarding the probable cause for forfeiture and the availability of evidence and witnesses. Your responsibilities will also include assisting attorneys in pretrial preparations by preparing, reviewing, and organizing discovery; notifying, interviewing, and preparing summaries; and managing witnesses. You will prepare legal pleadings, motions, papers, and proposed orders, and organize and manage files, documents, and indexing exhibits. Furthermore, you will summarize documents and proceedings, including depositions, interrogatories, and testimony to assist attorneys, and use various databases and programs to extrapolate data for reports, charts, graphs, and trial exhibits. Training other personnel as needed and performing other duties as assigned will also be part of your role.

Responsibilities

• Assists attorney in reviewing case material to include gathering and analyzing case material and preparing a digest of selected decisions/opinions, including legal references.
• Receives, examines, and evaluates new and complex cases with reference to the facts of the case and established standards.
• Assists in determining probable cause by reviewing investigative reports, establishing the need for further evidence and information, and planning a comprehensive approach to obtaining that information and evidence.
• Advises attorneys of the strengths and weaknesses of probable cause and potential defenses.
• Investigates facts and laws of cases and searches public records and other resources to prepare cases and determine causes of action by using a variety of legal research tools, public information databases, and other automated resources.
• Interviews federal agents and other law enforcement officers regarding the probable cause for forfeiture and the availability of evidence and witnesses.
• Assists attorney in pretrial preparations by preparing, reviewing, and organizing discovery; notifying, interviewing, and preparing summaries; and managing witnesses.
• Prepares legal pleadings, motions, papers, and proposed orders.
• Organizes and manages files, documents, and indexing exhibits.
• Summarizes documents and proceedings, including depositions, interrogatories, and testimony to assist attorneys.
• Uses various databases and programs to extrapolate data for reports, charts, graphs, and trial exhibits.
• Provides training to other personnel as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Paralegal Certificate with at least one-year paralegal/legal assistance experience; or High School Diploma/GED with at least three-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 forfeiture law, policies, and procedures and trial experience preferred.
• Knowledge of the principles, concepts, and methods of legal research and analysis sufficient to perform case development and documentation assignments which are typically covered by established precedents.
• Excellent communication skills; oral and written, to include legal writing skills.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills.
• 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.

Nice-to-haves

• Knowledge of forfeiture law, policies, and procedures and trial experience preferred.

Benefits

• AD&D insurance
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance