75% Remote Position: Paralegal

This is a Contractor (1099) position in providing paralegal services for the Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, in its Ewing, New Jersey office. The paralegal will assist the Office of Chief Counsel by effectively communicating the results of inspections and investigations through well-edited written correspondence, reports, enforcement case preparation, and other forms of communication.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED
Paralegal Must Possess:

• Ability to communicate to the general public and the pipeline safety audience a complex story through plain language.
• Demonstrated organizational and time management skills.
• Associate’s degree in paralegal studies, or a bachelor's degree in another field and a certificate in paralegal studies.
• Ability to perform legal research, knowledge of rules of civil procedure, rules of evidence and of computerized information retrieval systems and research systems.
• Ability to understand and analyze legal issues.
• Ability to write clearly and concisely.
• Knowledge of interview and investigation techniques.
• Possess ability to explain the agency’s position in plain language and support a legal position.
• Ability to recognize and use correct English grammar to effectively
• communicate information orally and in writing.
• Ability to determine whether the agency has sufficient evidence of probable violation(s) and effectively engage in evidence gathering.
• Ability to quickly adapt a practical working knowledge of pipeline safety laws and regulations, interpretations and advisory bulletins to apply the appropriate regulations to the investigative findings.
• Experience in legal research and writing, critical thinking and the preparation of documents germane to enforcement cases.
• Ability to assimilate technical subject matters, as well as provide support and guidance on technical matters, pipeline industry standards, engineering reports, blueprints, and metallurgic reports.
• Possess demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and work in a supportive and professional manner with others.

II. PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Compose and edit written incident reports, public complaint reports, and documents that are part of an enforcement case file. Presents a unified and consistent tone and message in all communications. Works closely with the appropriate Region staff and Region attorney to create clear, concise, and legally sufficient documents. Conducts research to ensure that the content is technically and legally correct.
• Prepare legal supporting documents, such as legal correspondence, and organize and maintain documents in paper and electronic filing system.
• Organize exhibits.
• Gather and analyze research data, such as statutes, regulations, decisions, and legal articles, codes, and documents.
• Attend and prepare summaries of inter-agency meetings.
• Compose and edit written incident reports, letters of deficiency, reports, enforcement actions, and violation reports. Present a unified and consistent tone and message in all communications. Work closely with the appropriate staff and conduct research to ensure that the content is technically correct and aligned with Division objectives.
• Prepare affidavits or other documents, such as legal correspondence, and organize and maintain documents in a paper or electronic filing system.
• Organize documents into files, case files, and exhibits.
• Gather and analyze data, such as statutes, decisions, and legal articles, codes, and documents.
• Investigate facts, other agency regulations, case law, and search other pertinent sources, such as public records, to determine causes of action and to prepare cases.
• Mark Oil Spill Response Plans for redaction using internal guidelines.
• Coordinate with PHMSA’s Office of Chief Counsel regarding recommended redactions.
• Work closely with PHMSA FOIA Program Manager to ensure timely responses to FOIA requests.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $58,000.00 - $62,000.00 per year

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $58,000 - $62,000