Paralegal Assistant (Litigation)

Cameo Consulting Group LLCa management consulting practice based out of Alexandria VA is seeking several qualified and availableLitigation Support Specialistto support a prospective Federal client in Washington D.C. The positions are full-time long-term and available upon contract award.

SCOPE:To provide Legal Support services to the VA that aids customers in searching and retrieving obtaining case data input of and presenting evidence or materials for legal matters. Services products and solutions include but are not limited to eDiscovery Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) appeals legal hold document acquisition document preparation and organization data extraction from forensic images document analysis technical support EAJA processing records retention processing tasks and general project management.

SCOPE:To provide Legal Support services to the VA that aids customers in searching and retrieving obtaining case data input of and presenting evidence or materials for legal matters. Services products and solutions include but are not limited to eDiscovery Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) appeals legal hold document acquisition document preparation and organization data extraction from forensic images document analysis technical support EAJA processing records retention processing tasks and general project management.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct complex legal analysis and render substantive decisions based on the merits of FOIA and PA appeals for review by the Deputy Chief Counsel for Information Disclosure and Privacy.
• Open and develop a case file for each appeal from an initial agency decision on requests for the release or amendment of agency records.
• Conduct research and coordinate with the custodian of the records to obtain responsive information.
• Analyzes and evaluates FOIA appeals for litigation risk in accordance with the statute agency regulations caselaw and prior final agency decisions.
• Notes and corrects case file deficiencies (e.g. missing documents inconsistent material leads not investigated) before sending the case recommendation for affirmation denial or remand reviews and analyzes available precedents relevant to cases under consideration for use in presenting case summaries to support decisions.
• Gather sort classify and interpret data from various sources including information gathering interviews with persons familiar with the case as necessary to gain a fuller understanding or what has transpired during the original investigation.
• Specifically identify what information/documents were initially requested.
• Provide a chronology of steps taken by the program office to process the request including how the search was conducted (i.e. what systems/records were searched and how they were searched including what terms were used).
• Determine whether the search was reasonable based upon what courts have required in relevant case law.
• Conduct a line-by-line review of the record and determine whether any exemptions/exceptions cited by the VA FOIA/PA Officers were appropriate.
• Audit EAJA cases for accuracy and enter relevant data into databases for subsequent reporting requirements.
• Analyze litigation records to determine record retention requirements. Inventories and prepares litigation records for archives as appropriate coordinating with relevant VA organizations to effectuate disposition.
• Maintains a wide variety of litigation records using computer software applications such as Microsoft Word or Excel to create spreadsheets and perform word processing.
• Enters data in OGC databases and SharePoint pages and maintains lists data and other electronic information.
• Coordinate and support VA Risk Managers in the electronic case database management system for litigation involving Federal Tort Claims and case organization in the electronic case database management system.
• Coordinate and schedule pre-depositions depositions and other meetings as required.
• Receive and scan incoming and outgoing mail for assigned OGC organizational office and embeds communications in the OGC electronic time and case management system.
• Receive processes and records intake on incoming cases and assignments related to VA accreditation and fee matters reviews them for correct form and timeliness enters and edits confidential and sensitive case information using the OGC electronic time and case management system(s) annotates case status records and establishes and tracks case deadlines and follow ups.
• Monitor and update open cases on a regular basis utilizing various electronic systems in accordance with applicable regulations and policies.
• Processing all routine actions and communications involved in case; and closes out tasks and cases when complete.
• Screens for and responds to routine written and verbal communications from customers and stakeholders.
• Complete non-complex routine case assignments including assignments where services can be delivered by following established instructions checklists template or form-based documents and/or guidance.
• Identify and resolve potential conflicts before they occur regarding agency responses.
• Coordinate with supervisors and staff to ensure the end of product meets agency requirements.
• Compiles statistics for management on work areas assigned and compiles data and information from various sources to facilitate and track development and progress.
• IALGs deliverables would be draft administrative decisions on FOIA appeals that are ready for DCC review.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of a Bachelors Degree
• Must have knowledge and experience with the Federal Tort Claims Act
• Experience/familiarity with eDiscovery
• Shall be competent in the Microsoft suite including Word Excel PowerPoint and Adobe Pro.
• Must be able to maintain a Public Trust Security Clearance