Ardelle Associates is seeking paralegals with experience in healthcare fraud and criminal and civil cases to support the U.S. Attorney's Office (USAO) located in Cedar Rpaids.
Duties & Experience
Based on cases or broad legal issues assigned to one or more Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) and at the AUSA’s direction, the Paralegal will assist in the investigations of civil matters specializing in healthcare fraud (HCF). Cases may concern sensitive matters and involve prominent individuals, organizations or corporations within a U.S. Attorney’s district.
1. Researches background information using various databases and sources; identifies subjects to investigate and develops leads; conducts interviews; collects and processes evidence; prepares reports, charts and exhibits; and helps build financial investigations regarding the subjects and their conduct.
2. Develops an understanding of all applicable federal, state, or local law to the extent necessary to make sound decisions on direction and scope of investigations.
3. Works with the assigned AUSAs, Paralegal Specialists, and supervisory attorneys to determine applicable statutory and regulatory law and identify possible violations.
4. Performs a variety of ancillary services in direct support of assigned cases and matters.
5. Uses electronic databases to identify assets, documents, and other physical evidence.
6. Prepares interim and final reports on progress of investigations for use by AUSAs and supervisory attorneys. Includes significant findings and conclusions, recommendations for additional investigative actions, and candid assessments of strengths and weaknesses of witnesses, documentary evidence, and other aspects of case.
7. Arranges for secure storage, preservation, organization, and indexing of voluminous documentary evidence.
8. Assists in compilation and analysis of documents and physical evidence, and creation of charts, graphs, videotapes, and other audio-visual materials for use in motions and at trial.
9. Initiates contacts with federal, state, and local officials, and other organizations and individuals related to subject of investigation for the purpose of gathering facts, obtaining statements, learning sequences of events, obtaining explanations, and otherwise advancing investigative objectives. Examines books, ledgers, payroll records, cost reports, billing statements, invoices, correspondence, computer data and other records pertaining to the transactions, events, or allegations under investigation. Establishes and verifies relationships among all facts and evidence obtained or presented to confirm authenticity of documents, corroborate witness statements, and otherwise build proof necessary to successful case resolution.
10. Conducts preliminary inquiry into allegations and drafts memoranda recommending whether to open a full health civil investigation. For full investigations, responsible for planning and conducting the investigation independently and assessing the specific nature of the allegations.
11. Reviews allegations and supporting materials; conducts preliminary audits and investigations in computerized databases, and contacts complainants, advocates, and others with relevant information.
12. Plans, coordinates, conducts and evaluates in-depth HCF audits and/or investigations at locations throughout the District.
13. Drafts documents and data requests designed to obtain all relevant information.
14. In consultation with HCF AUSA's, effects financial accounting examination of the books, records, computer tapes, data processing material, and activities of government contractors or of other persons. In the absence of records, obtains detailed financial information from other sources to include interviews of business associates, firm employees, and competitors. Reconstructs partial or inadequate records to the extent necessary for the purpose of investigation.
15. When appropriate, utilizes Concordance, Casemap and/or Sanction software to plan and develop timelines or documentation that compile and present information gathered from the investigation in a manner allowing for full and complete analysis.
16. When appropriate, plans and manages databases cataloging voluminous evidence and investigative reports relating to allegations of federal HCF violations. Extracts and categorizes material obtained from the audit and investigation for inclusion in database.
17. Makes necessary support arrangements with information system personnel and, in conjunction with HCF AUSAs, arranges for necessary litigation support.
18. Analyzes information contained in applicable databases. Identifies and focuses on supporting facts and evidence that may become apparent. Prepares reports for review by HCF AUSAs, USAO management, and the HCF Division.
19. Supports HCF Attorney in court proceedings by briefing attorney on pertinent facts, issues and case law, and by compiling, organizing, and indexing exhibits. When necessary, obtains information, confers, and coordinates with HCF Division and other Department of Justice components.
20. Assists HCF Attorney in pretrial preparations by preparing scheduling, reviewing, and organizing discovery; notifying, interviewing, and managing witnesses; and researching case law.
21. Prepares factual summary and evaluation based on audit and investigations, in conjunction with HCF AUSAs, develops recommendations as to action that may be justified against particular jurisdictions or agencies.
22. Performs other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
· 2 or more years as a Paralegal - Work experience from government agencies will be given special consideration
· Experience with healthcare fraud and civil and criminal litigation will be given special consideration.
· Associate’s Degree or Higher
· Ability to pass a DOJ background investigation
· Must be a U.S. Citizen
Terms
Full Time (40 hours/week) Monday – Friday
Job Types: Full-time, Contract
Pay: $24.27 - $29.20 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Education:
Experience:
- Fraud: 2 years (Preferred)
- Paralegal: 2 years (Required)
Work Location: In person
