Criminal Paralegal

Ardelle Associates, a veteran-owned company providing Consulting and Support Services to government agencies and contractors, is seeking a dedicated Paralegal with experience in Criminal cases to join our team in order to support the DOJ/U.S. Attorneys Office (USAO) in Newark, NJ. This position offers an opportunity to work in a dynamic environment that values quality service and professionalism. Responsibilities Independently support pending investigations and cases within the Criminal Division by performing a wide variety of administrative and case-support functions, including document management and review, searches within various data and document sets, analysis and summary of various data sets, case file organization and management. Communication skills are extremely important. The position requires working and interacting professionally and effectively with all levels of staff, including legal support staff, document management teams, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys (AUSAs). Examines, prepares, and processes a variety of technical legal, financial, and other documents. Reviews incoming material and organizes such materials according to custodian and category. Determines the need for organization, document management, assembly and preparation of documents and data sets. Assists in the preparation of a variety of legal documents, e.g., indictments, complaints, affidavits, applications, notices, motions, orders, subpoenas, search warrants, briefs, and memoranda. In preparing legal documents, considers the nature and the status of the case. Assist with interviews of agents and potential witnesses to assist the AUSA in preparation for charging or trial. Reviews, summarizes, and outlines grand jury and/or trial testimony to assist the AUSA in preparation for charging or trial. Researches, analyzes, and summarizes relevant legal precedents for applicability to assigned cases; and prepares digests of points of law involved; analyzes appellate records to isolate facts pertinent to distinct legal issues. Utilizes a variety of automated legal research tools as well as public information databases and other automated resources to research factual and/or legal matters related to cases or programs, and to participate in electronic discovery and other assigned areas of criminal proceedings. Reviews documents and other materials produced pursuant to subpoena, maintains inventory of materials produced pursuant to subpoena; reviews and summarizes documents and data produced pursuant to subpoena; and prepares outline of substance of documents/materials produced pursuant to subpoena. Provides litigative case management and organizes cases for presentation either in court, or to attorneys by preparing and organizing exhibits containing a variety of visual material, e.g., statistical charts and photographs. Note’s deficiencies in case materials, e.g., missing documents, conflicting statements, and request further investigation by investigative personnel to correct deficiencies, or personally conducts limited investigations at the pre-trial stage. Monitors the progress of pending cases and initiates action to ensure that legal pleadings, forms, reports, correspondence, and other documents are prepared and submitted within established deadlines. Keeps appropriate staff members informed about the status of cases. Compiles, organizes, and indexes various discovery and evidence exhibits for trial, witness testimony as it relates to specific criminal charge evidence, and develops and compiles jury instructions to assist AUSA in preparing for trial. Works closely with assigned attorney(s) to ensure material is efficiently arranged. Produces and provides to the attorney the appropriate legal documents, information, exhibits, or witnesses at the appropriate time during those court proceedings. Performs docketing duties such as opening, updating, and closing cases through use of the automated case tracking system. As necessary, searches database for required information. Using established databases, performs data searches, report design, and other data retrieval assignments. Reports may be of a recurring nature or of a special, one-time nature based on user information requirements. Maintains calendar of assigned active cases. Track’s filing, hearing, and trial dates, and scheduling conferences and interviews. Develops and maintains suspense system for ongoing cases and informs the AUSA of pending dates and deadlines. Maintains calendar(s) of the AUSA(s), scheduling appointments, interviews, and conferences, and provides reminders of commitments and court appearances. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of training/ paralegal certification Two (2) to four (4) years’ related experience providing assistance to attorneys and preparing legal documents. Excellent Communications Skills Deadline Driven U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain adjudication for the requisite background investigation Must have valid State driver’s license Be proficient in Microsoft Office software programs (i.e., Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook). #J-18808-Ljbffr