Paralegal

Summary

The Paralegal provides essential legal research and analytical support to attorneys within the agency, focusing on interpreting legal developments, administrative rulings, judicial decisions, and legislative actions as they affect agency operations. While this role does not require professional legal competence or a law degree, it demands a high level of legal research proficiency, critical thinking, and the ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment in applying legal principles and agency policies.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Analyze the legal implications of legislative, administrative, and judicial developments on agency programs and operations.
• Identify, research, and summarize significant legal issues; prepare written legal opinions, memoranda, and case summaries for attorney use.
• Perform in-depth research into statutes, legislative intent, case law, regulations, and law review articles relevant to assigned matters.
• Draft legal briefs, memoranda, reports, and correspondence; edit and summarize legal documents for attorney review.
• Prepare proposed orders and decrees for judicial review and signature.
• Evaluate case files to determine compliance with litigation standards; identify the need for additional information, evidence, or witnesses.
• Draft written discovery materials including interrogatories and motions; ensure proper service and compliance with procedural deadlines.
• Review and analyze legal precedents and rulings; prepare digests and summaries of decisions for presentation to AUSAs.
• Assist in the organization and management of discovery, including scheduling and preparing witness interviews.
• Support AUSAs in trial preparation by organizing evidence, preparing exhibits (e.g., statistical charts, timelines), and managing trial logistics.

Experience and/or Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies, Political Science, Public Administration, or related field preferred.
• Completion of a Paralegal Certificate Program is desirable.
• 1–2 years of legal research or litigation support experience in a legal, court, or government setting preferred.
• Experience working in a federal or administrative law environment is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of legal research methods and sources, including statutes, regulations, and case law.
• Ability to analyze legal documents, summarize issues, and synthesize complex information.
• Skilled in drafting legal documents and conducting procedural legal analysis.
• Familiarity with federal court procedures and discovery processes.
• Proficiency in legal research databases and tools (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities, with attention to detail.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and maintain confidentiality in handling sensitive legal matters.