Legal Assistant I -III Fraud Division

Delaware's Attorney General, the State's chief law enforcement officer, has a broad responsibility to combat crime, uphold civil rights, safeguard families, fight fraud, and protect consumers in the First State.

In meeting this mission, Attorney General Kathy Jennings is supported by teams of talented lawyers and staff in the Criminal, Civil, Family, Fraud and Consumer Protection, and Civil Rights and Public Trust Divisions.  Each of the more than 500 staff members who work in the Office of the Attorney General is dedicated to serving all Delawareans with integrity and passion.

Deputy Attorneys General, with critical support from criminal special investigators, victim service specialists, paraprofessionals, and administrative staff, prosecute criminal cases, enforce consumer laws, provide counsel to state agencies, ensure the public's access to open government, protect the abused, and much more.

The Delaware Department of Justice is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Legal Assistant (Paralegal) to support attorneys within the Fraud Division, White Collar Crime Unit in the New Castle County office.  The WCCU is based in New Castle County and prosecutes crimes statewide that involve financial misconduct and such other criminal matters assigned by the Division Director. The WCCU also pursues civil actions under the Delaware False Claims and Reporting Act for fraud committed against the government.

The Legal Assistant will provide comprehensive paralegal support to deputy attorneys general. Responsibilities include providing legal assistant support to the DAG focusing on the criminal investigation and prosecution of worker exploitation and labor-related offenses, including wage theft.  The position contemplates interaction with investigators, witnesses, agency personnel and the public. The legal assistant may also be assigned to other tasks as necessary to assist the WCCU.

As an integral part of the investigative/prosecutive team, the successful applicant would be expected to develop a thorough understanding of the relevant facts and to attend case meetings with law enforcement and interviews with witnesses. The legal assistant is responsible for reviewing, analyzing and drafting legal documents.  The legal assistant will maintain physical and digital files, prepare litigation documents and investigate case-related issues and facts and will coordinate research, investigative reports and case preparation for the deputy attorneys general. The successful applicant must demonstrate strong organizational and computer skills, preferably including experience with LexisNexis e-filing and Concordance (or similar data management software), and proficiency with Excel. In addition, the candidate should have experience working with the public, analytical experience to evaluate cases and an ability to work independently.  The legal assistant must have or be able to develop a good working relationship with deputy attorneys general, support staff and agency personnel. The position is based in New Castle County; however, the WCCU handles cases statewide and travel throughout the state may be required. The applicant will also be able to work accurately and independently within strict time constraints with a minimum of direct guidance and supervision.

This position may be eligible for telework for up to three days a week.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here. 

• Acts in liaison capacity between superior and various interested parties and judicial and/or court staff, clients, defendants, plaintiffs, victims, witnesses, law enforcement agents, elected and/or appointed officials and the public to gather, clarify and provide information regarding case facts and status. 
• Establishes and maintains case files ensuring that the files contain complete and accurate information essential to each step of the proceedings from pre-hearing and/or pre-trial through trial and sentencing. 
• Interviews involved parties such as clients, defendants, plaintiffs, victims, witnesses, arresting officers, or medical personnel to gather discovery material, evidence for case preparation and to complete various legal and/or court documents. 
• Reviews various reports as well as other information such as police reports, medical reports, retail, surveillance, computer files/electronic documents, body worn camera and video/audio; summarizes pertinent details of the case for Deputy Attorney Generals; follows up as necessary for additional documents; drafts answers to litigation complaints and responses to form 30 interrogatories; issue subpoenas to obtain medical, insurance, and employment records; serves and prepares discovery; and makes required redactions for discovery and case preparation. 
• Reviews law sources such as case law, judicial decisions, statute law, codes, regulations, and legal and subject matter articles to ensure issues are properly cited and provides superior with written details of similar cases including findings, judicial decisions, and memorandum/opinions of law. 
• Prepares legal pleadings, e.g. briefs, motions, indictments, information and appeals. 
• Provides reports and recommendations for new/revised operating policies/procedures. 
• Reviews state and federal codes, laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance of legal actions/processes. 

· Please be sure to upload a recent copy of your resume, as you complete the application process for this posting.

· This position is exempt from the State of Delaware Merit System. 

· While not required, applicants featuring proficiency in Spanish will be favorably considered.  

· Employment is contingent upon satisfactory background checks.

· Direct deposit of paychecks is required as a condition of hire.

· Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

· This position is part of a job classification that is represented by an exclusive bargaining representative (labor organization), as elected by employees in accordance with Title 29, Chapter 59 and Title 19, Chapters 13 and 16. While this position is now covered under a bargaining unit, a collective bargaining agreement is currently under negotiation, and terms and conditions of employment may be subject to change upon its ratification.

Department of Justice Benefits Include:

· May be eligible Loan forgiveness (State and Federal).

· State of Delaware healthcare plan.

· State of Delaware pension plan.

· Over 4 weeks of vacation per year.

· 3 weeks of paid sick leave per year.

· 12 weeks of paid parental leave.

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.  To request an auxiliary aid or service please call (302) 739-5458. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance.

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.