Senior Paralegal

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Senior Paralegal
The candidate will prepares and processes a variety of technical legal documents. Reviews incoming material and determines the need for assembly and preparation of a variety of legal documents, e.g., complaints, motions, orders, answers, pleadings, and subpoenas. Obtains needed information from files, law enforcement agencies, or other sources, and submits completed legal documents to the appropriate Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA). In preparation of documents, considers the nature and the status of the case involved. With limited instructions from the AUSA, prepares such legal actions as indictments, criminal complaints, search warrants, judgments, applications, notices, affidavits, summonses, grand jury subpoenas, rules to show cause, proofs of claim, and satisfaction of judgment. Completes variable aspects of recurring legal documents in conformance with the rules governing their style and format. Provides assistance to attorneys in trial preparation by performing duties such as independently compiling trial notebooks, assembling jury instructions, and compiling witness and exhibit lists. Coordinates with the victim/witness specialist to ensure adherence to current Departmental guidelines related to Victim’ rights and services. Notifies appropriate individuals of victim/witness issues. Using original and online legal resources, verifies citations and statutory references. Ensures citations are complete and consistent with source material. Develops tables of contents and indices to briefs in accordance with established format. Lists cited cases, opinions and miscellaneous references in briefs. Composes original letters that do not require legal interpretations, but do require a good working knowledge of legal procedures and specialized terminology, e.g., transmittal of pleadings, requests for extension of time, advising actions taken or developments in cases referred by other federal departments and agencies, and notices to attorneys representing defendants. Reviews documents and other materials produced pursuant to subpoena; maintains inventory of materials produced pursuant to subpoena; and prepares outline of substance of documents/materials produced pursuant to grand jury subpoena. Establishes and maintains a variety of files. Searches legal reference files for information needed by the AUSAs in conducting interviews and preparing correspondence. Assembles exhibits, affidavits and other legal documents from file materials. Separates, screens, selects, assembles and organizes files and records material for disposition or transfer to records depository in accordance with established procedures. 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. Maintains calendar of assigned active cases. Tracks 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. Arranges travel by preparing itinerary, and securing transportation and hotel reservations. Prepares travel authorizations and vouchers for signature by authorized government personnel. Produces a variety of written documents and materials utilizing a wide range of office software applications. For example, assignments may include integrating output from different software types, e.g.; tables produced by database applications and charts and graphs produced by electronic spreadsheet applications, into word processing or desk top publishing text. Products include complicated tables, graphs and charts which may be incorporated into legal documents or courtroom presentations. Ensures proper format, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and grammar. Provides Automated litigation assistance to attorneys in trial preparation and courtroom presentations. Utilizes various software applications and graphics hardware such as scanners. Prepares documents, charts, and visual materials for use in trial. Provides technical support e.g., enlarging charts and photographs, duplicating tapes and videos, and marking exhibits. Must have the ability to use MS Excel, MS Outlook, Access, other databases, and Adobe Acrobat Professional. The applicant must also be able to perform legal research in Lexis and WestLaw. Communication skills are extra important. Works and interacts professionally and effectively with all levels of staff. Ability to meet established deadlines and work as a team player in a professional office. Skill in meeting and dealing with people in courteous and tactful manner. Demonstrated ability to review a wide variety of documents, both legal and non-legal documents including motions and briefs and legal correspondence are required. Performs other related duties as assigned that may be administrative or clerical in nature. Must be able to obtain and maintain a US government security clearance. Requires paralegal certificate. An equivalent level of legal training may be substituted with the approval of the COR. 1 year of litigation paralegal experience required; trial experience very helpful. Automated litigation support experience valued. Must have basic legal knowledge, including knowledge of standard legal citation to cite check legal motions and memorandum and must have sufficient experience with legal research tools such as LEXIS and Westlaw to perform basic legal research. Requires excellent written and oral communication skills, thorough knowledge and hands-on familiarity with a variety of computer applications, including word processing, databases (such as document review and file management systems), spreadsheets, imaging, and hardware systems.

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