Paralegal (6+ months)

Ardelle Associates is seeking a Paralegal to support the United States Department of Justice - Trustee Program in Houston, TX. Candidate should have experience in case management software, strong communication skills, the ability to collaborate effectively with clients, attorneys, and staff in a fast‑paced environment. This position is for 6 months + 3 month option periods. Base Pay Range $28.58/yr - $33.51/yr Duties Work closely with the assigned attorney or government official to provide required assistance and be readily available. Consult prescribed sources of information for facts relating to matters of interest to the Program. Review documents to extract selected data and information relating to specific items. Review cases for specific indicia and make recommendations concerning additional information which should be requested. Attend hearings or court appearances to become informed on administrative and/or court procedures and the status of cases and prepare written reports concerning observations. Communicate orally and in writing in a professional manner with attorneys, parties, court personnel and others. Timely and accurately enter information into systems, including calendars, files, and program system databases (ACMS, SARS, etc.). Review, sort, deliver and save electronic and paper mail and other communications. Assist with file creation, preparation, and organization; and Assist with preparation for hearings, including the preparation and organization of pleadings, exhibits, witnesses, and other related matters. Reviews case materials to become familiar with questions under consideration. Review and analyze cases and make recommendations concerning possible enforcement activity. Analyze cases and gather information from parties that may be necessary to determine whether enforcement action is appropriate. Make recommendations concerning discovery for enforcement activity and prepare drafts of discovery requests and pleadings for attorney review. Prepares digests of selected decisions or opinions which incorporate legal references and analyses of precedents involved in areas of well‑defined and settled points of law. Interviews potential witnesses and prepares summary interview reports for the attorney's review. Participates in pre‑trial witness conferences, notes possible deficiencies in case materials (e.g., missing documents, conflicting statements) and additional issues or other questionable matters, and personally conducts limited investigations at the pre‑trial stage. Prepares and organizes trial exhibits, as required and verifies citations and legal references on prepared legal documents. Prepares summaries of testimony and depositions. Drafts and edits legal and non‑legal memoranda, research reports and correspondence relating to cases. Proofreads pleadings, correspondence and other documents for spelling, grammar, organization, and clarity in accordance with applicable legal requirements. Requirements Bachelor's degree plus 2 years of paralegal experience, or high school certificate plus 4 years of experience. Case file analysis & evaluation Ability to identify discrepancies Review precedents Data management Pre‑trial preparation Interviewing clients Candidates with active federal clearances may be given special consideration. Benefits 401(k) 401(k) matching Health insurance Life insurance Medical insurance Vision insurance Job Types: Full‑time, Contract Ability to Commute: Houston, TX 77001 (Required) Ability to Relocate: Houston, TX 77001 - Relocate before starting work (Required) Seniority Level Associate Employment Type Contract Job Function Legal Industries: Legal Services #J-18808-Ljbffr