The Role
Supports DEA attorneys in employment and defense litigation involving tort claims. Reviews and analyzes case materials, conducts legal research, investigates facts, evaluates probable cause, prepares pleadings and discovery, manages witnesses and exhibits, summarizes proceedings, develops trial materials, and assists with settlements. The role also organizes case files, creates reports and exhibits using databases and software, and provides training as needed.
Summary Generated by Built In
Job Summary & Responsibilities Preferred Qualifications
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.
Compass Strategy Solutions (CSS) specializes in cultivating tactical and strategic intelligence personnel, financial analysts, and forensic accountants, to support law enforcement efforts domestically and overseas. CSS has a vacancy for a Paralegal III. In this role, you will be supporting the overall mission of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). This position supports the Employment and Defense Litigation Section in the Office of Chief Counsel by working on tort claims.
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/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.
Skills Required
- Paralegal certificate and at least one year of paralegal or legal assistance experience, or a high school diploma/GED and at least three years of paralegal experience
- One year of automated litigation support experience
- Knowledge of automated resources and technology used for federal case development, presentation, and prosecution
- Knowledge of legal research and analysis principles, concepts, and methods
- Excellent oral, written, and legal writing skills
- Strong organizational and prioritization skills
- Experience with Microsoft Office, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word, and database applications
- Ability to provide excellent customer service, remain positive and flexible, and multitask
- Ability to work in a team environment and maintain a professional disposition under extreme pressure
- U.S. citizenship
- Seven- or ten-year minimum background investigation
- Knowledge of employment law
FSA Federal Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about FSA Federal and has not been reviewed or approved by FSA Federal.
-
Affordable Benefits — Employee-only coverage is often described as strong, with no-cost basic medical, dental, and vision plus life, AD&D, and short-term disability for eligible employees. Feedback suggests these offerings compare well for a federal-services contractor.
-
Retirement Support — 401(k) contributions begin at hire with a company match and traditional or Roth options. Feedback suggests this is a reliable pillar of the total rewards package.
-
Leave & Time Off Breadth — Paid time off is paired with 11 paid holidays, along with sick, bereavement, and jury/witness-duty leave. These programs are highlighted as part of a comprehensive package.
FSA Federal Insights
Am I A Good Fit?
Get Personalized Job Insights.
Our AI-powered fit analysis compares your resume with a job listing so you know if your skills & experience align.
Success! Refresh the page to see how your skills align with this role.
The Company
What We Do
FSA Federal provides high-quality legal, litigation, investigative, and administrative support services to the U.S. federal law enforcement and national security communities. A joint venture of SAIC and Amentum, the company specializes in record management, program operations, and audit support, delivering professional results within a high ethical framework to support critical national security missions across the United States, Guam, and Puerto Rico.
