Paralegal / Legal Assistant III Supporting the US Attorney's Office

Paralegal/Legal Assistant III

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.

Centre Law & Consulting (Centre) offers the rare blend of legal expertise and practical federal contracting experience necessary to assist government and industry clients in navigating the complex maze of federal rules and regulations and implementing federal market solutions that are timely, efficient, and legally effective. Centre has a vacancy for a Paralegal/Legal Assistant III. In this role, you will be supporting the overall mission of the EOUSA/FOIA.

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. May provide Legal Clerk/Paralegal II review.
• 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.
• Assists attorney in convincing the affected individuals of the correctness of the legal position and appropriateness of the settlement. Also prepares documents for settlement or disposition.
• 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 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

Preferred

• Experience processing Freedom of Information and Privacy Act (FOIA/PA) requests
• Experience with the application of FOIA/PA exemptions with a focus on (b)(4), (B)(5), (b)(6), and (b)(7)(c)
• Experience with the FOIAXpress case management system, Relativity, Adobe, and the Microsoft Office suite of applications (Excel, PowerPoint, Word), and other common software applications, to include databases.

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 Centre Law, 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.