Legal Research & Writing Analyst

Job Description

Job Description

Interested in Applying? I have a few preliminary questions. 

• Do you enjoy complex facts, policies, or regulations and turning them into clear, well-supported written conclusions? 
• Are you a strong writer and editor who notices details others may miss?
• Do you enjoy researching legal, regulatory, or public questions and applying what you find to real-world cases?
• Are you comfortable reviewing financial records, identifying discrepancies, and performing basic calculations when needed?
• Do you thrive in a role where you independently manage multiple cases, deadlines, and written deliverables while collaborating with attorneys and other stakeholders? 

Why is this Different from other Job Opportunities?

This is a unique writing- and research-intensive analytical role supporting the U.S. Department of State. The successful candidate will investigate complex debt-related cases, research applicable federal laws, regulations, and policies, analyze case and financial information, and prepare clear, well-supported written recommendations and decisions for review by senior officials and legal counsel.

The role is ideal for someone who enjoys researching complex issues, identifying relevant facts, interpreting authoritative guidance, and translating that analysis into concise, defensible professional writing. Candidates may come from legal support, paralegal, regulatory compliance, claims analysis, policy research, professional or technical writing, case review, government contracting, or related analytical backgrounds.

All contractors supporting this Department are required to successfully complete or obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance as a condition of employment.

You Must Meet these Minimum Requirements:

• Excellent professional writing, editing, and proofreading skills
• Strong reading comprehension, research, critical thinking, and analytical capabilities
• Demonstrated ability to locate, interpret, and apply laws, regulations, policies, procedures, or other authoritative guidance
• Legal and/or professional writing experience
• Strong attention to detail and a high level of accuracy
• Ability to evaluate facts and supporting documentation and develop a well-reasoned recommendation or conclusion
• Ability to review financial information, identify discrepancies, and perform basic calculations involving debt, payroll, benefits, payments, or related records
• Ability to manage multiple cases, assignments, and competing deadlines while maintaining quality and productivity
• Strong organizational, oral, and written communication skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, attorneys, customers, executives, and other stakeholders
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Microsoft Outlook, Teams and PowerPoint

We are also Looking for:

• Experience in paralegal work, legal research, regulatory compliance, claims, policy, case analysis, professional writing, or technical writing
• Experience applying policies, laws, regulations, or procedures to specific fact patterns
• Experience conducting interviews, gathering evidence, and documenting findings
• Experience reviewing payroll, benefits, debt, accounts receivable, claims, or other records
• Experience working in a federal government, government contracting, legal, financial, compliance, or regulated environment

Our most Successful Employees in this Position Demonstrate:

• Curiosity and persistence when researching complex issues
• The ability to distinguish relevant facts from background information
• Sound judgment when interpreting policies and regulations
• The ability to explain complex issues in clear, concise language
• Comfort working with both written information and basic financial data
• The ability to learn new, complex concepts quickly
• Strong organization and independent case-management skills

Overview of the Department:

The U.S. Department of State, Comptroller and Global Financial Services, Debt Analysis and Review Team (DART), supports the Department's review and resolution of debt-related matters involving Department employees and U.S. civilians. DART conducts administrative reviews, waiver considerations, compromises, suspensions, terminations, and Administrative Wage Garnishment hearings and provides analytical and written decision support to delegated officials and legal counsel.

Day-to-day Job Responsibilities include:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Manage assigned debt cases from intake through recommendation or decision, including waivers, administrative reviews, Administrative Wage Garnishment matters, and other debt-related actions. 
• Review debtor requests, case records, and supporting documentation to identify relevant facts, information gaps, and additional evidence needed. 
• Conduct factual investigations, interviews, and evidence gathering in coordination with Department offices, outside agencies, and overseas locations. 
• Conduct legal and regulatory research using applicable federal statutes, regulations, Department policies, personnel guidance, and authoritative sources such as the USC, CFR, OPM, DSSR, FAM, FAH, and FEHB guidance. 
• Research and analyze Department processes involving personnel actions, pay and benefits, accounts receivable, travel claims, retirement/annuity matters, consular activities, and overseas functions. 
• Review and summarize financial records and perform calculations necessary to support debt-related determinations and case analysis. 
• Draft clear, concise, and well-supported decision memorandums, decision letters, correspondence, congressional responses, case summaries, and other analytical documents. 
• Apply statutory, regulatory, and policy standards to case facts and clearly present findings and recommendations for review by delegated officials. 
• Consult with and present findings to Attorney Advisers, team leadership, and other designated officials while maintaining accurate and complete case records. 
• Review workload and performance metrics and support process improvements by identifying recurring issues, documentation gaps, trends, and opportunities to improve consistency and efficiency.

Work Schedule:

The employee will work an 8-hour shift between the hours of 6:15 am to 6:00 pm with a non-compensated 45-minute lunch (See your Project Manager for work schedule and department policies). Additional hours may be required and must be authorized by your Project Manager and DoS Management. This is an 100% on-site position 

Software Systems Utilized: 

• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Teams
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Microsoft Outlook
• Global Financial Management System (GFMS)
• Global Foreign Affairs Compensation System (GFACS)
• Regional Financial Management System / Disbursing (RFMS-D)
• Employee Express (EEX)
• eOPF Authorized User Console
• Treasury Cross-Servicing System
• PCS Travel Claims Systems
• E2 Solutions