Paralegal II Supporting the USAO in Debt Collection

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.

FSA Federal (FSA) is focused on delivering unsurpassed services in support of law enforcement and homeland security. We currently have a vacancy for a Paralegal II for Collections of civil and criminal monetary penalties in the Criminal Division. In this role, you will be Supporting the overall mission of the United States Attorney's Office (USAO). If you are looking for a meaningful, mission driven career, Join FSA!

A Paralegal II performs the following duties:

• Examines, prepares and processes a variety of technical legal and financial documents which are characteristically voluminous and complex in format. Reviews incoming material and independently determines the need for assembly and preparation of a variety of legal documents, e.g., motions, orders, pleadings, and subpoenas. Obtains needed information from files, law enforcement agencies, or other sources, and submits completed legal documents to the appropriate AUSA or, in limited cases, directly to the court. 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 garnishments, writs of execution, subpoenas, notices, affidavits, proofs of claim, and notices of satisfaction of judgment. Completes variable aspects of recurring legal documents in conformance with the rules governing their style and format
•  Provides litigation assistance to AUSAs by performing duties such as independently requesting financial statements and records from defendants, drafting discovery requests, filing government liens on real and personal property, drafting motions, applications, proposed orders and compiling witness and exhibit lists. Coordinates with the victim/witness specialist to ensure adherence to current Departmental guidelines relating to victims' rights and services responsibilities. Notifies appropriate individuals of victim/witness issues.
• Using original and online legal resources, verifies citations and statutory references contained in legal documents. Ensures citations are complete and consistent with source material.
• 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 extensions of time in certain cases, advising of actions taken or developments in cases referred by other federal departments and agencies, and notices to attorneys representing defendants.
• Reviews financial information and records of defendants to determine ability to pay and collection possibilities, including deposition and court transcripts of testimony, pleadings in related cases, defendant's criminal history, records obtained by subpoenas and financial information obtained through computer searches of government records, contracted sources and open sources. Provides to AUSAs analysis and recommendations as to the defendant's ability to pay from the data reviewed.
• Communicates regularly with debtors to obtain information needed to determine ability to pay and to reinforce obligation to pay debt.
• Maintains confidentiality of government records, including financial information provided by debtors or obtained from other sources.
• Provides a variety of direct clerical and administrative support assistance services to AUSA staff. Typical assignments include:
•  Receives visitors and telephone callers. Furnishes requested information concerning pending and closed matters and cases, functions and general procedures of the office. Determines which matters should be referred to the AUSA and the urgency of the matter.
•  Establishes and maintains a variety of files. Searches legal reference files for information needed by AUSAs in conducting case reviews, debtor interviews and preparing correspondence. Assembles exhibits, affidavits, and other legal documents from file material. 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.
• Enters information into various databases and monitors for continued necessity. Reviews bills and invoices and submits to budget office for payment..
• 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. Utilizes various software applications and graphics hardware such as scanners and plotters. Prepares documents, charts, and visual materials for use in motion practice and courtroom proceedings. Provides technical support e.g., enlarging charts and photographs, duplicating tapes and videos, and marking exhibits.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Paralegal Certificate; or High School Diploma/GED with at least three-years' paralegal experience
• At least 2 years litigation experience.
• At least 1 year Debt Collection or default services experience very helpful.
• Basic paralegal knowledge, including knowledge of standard legal citation system sufficient to perform basic legal research.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and thorough knowledge of legal research tools.
• Hands-on familiarity with a variety of computer applications, including word processing, database, spreadsheet, and telecommunications.
• Ability to consistently deliver highest quality work under extreme pressure.
• Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate

This position requires U.S. Citizenship and a 7 (or 10) year minimum background investigation.

Agency Overview

The Criminal Division (CD) of the US Attorney's Office (USAO) advances and protects the financial and program interests of the United States and its citizens through enforcement actions. Cases pursued may present schemes to defraud characterized by deceit, concealment, and/or violations of trust, and are not typically dependent upon the application or threat of physical force or violence. Effective law enforcement against such practices requires efficient, flexible, and timely use of the full range of criminal and civil legal remedies.

Benefits Overview

At FSA Federal, 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. A package providing employee only coverage can be built around our basic plans at $0 employee cost for: Medical, Dental, Vision, Term Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Employee Assistance Program. For more information, click here.