
Paralegal III Supporting the DEA Office of Chief Counsel
Required skills
- legal assistance
- automated litigation support
- legal research
- legal analysis
- legal writing
- communication skills
- prioritization skills
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Excel
- PowerPoint
Nice to have
- employment law
- tort claims
- Drug Enforcement Administration
- DEA
- Office of Chief Counsel
- Asset Forfeiture Program
Role summary
Compass Strategy Solutions (CSS) seeks a Paralegal III to support the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Office of Chief Counsel, specifically within the Employment and Defense Litigation Section. This role involves assisting attorneys with case material review, legal research, investigation, and document preparation for tort claims. Responsibilities include analyzing case facts, determining probable cause, managing discovery, preparing legal documents, and organizing case files. The position requires a Paralegal Certificate or High School Diploma with significant paralegal experience, proficiency in legal research tools and Microsoft Office, and strong organizational and communication skills. U.S. Citizenship and a background investigation are mandatory.
- 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/legal assistance experience; or High School Diploma/GED with at least three-years' paralegal experience
- Knowledge of employment law helpful
- 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 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.
Agency Overview The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is responsible for conducting national and international investigations targeting global drug trafficking networks and drug-related terrorism involved in the illegal growing, manufacturing, or distribution of controlled substances appearing in or destined for illicit traffic in the United States. A component of DEA's strategic mission is the use of the Asset Forfeiture Program, implementing major investigative strategies against drug networks and cartels, resulting in significant seizure and forfeiture activities. Benefits Overview At Compass, 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.