Paralegal (Public Defender)

Starting Pay: $20.9356 Hourly ($43,546)
Step A: $22.8750 Hourly ($47,580)
Step B: $26.2558 Hourly ($54,612)
Step C: $26.9663 Hourly ($56,090)
Step D: $27.6529 Hourly ($57,518)
Step E: $28.3933 Hourly ($59,058)
Step F: $29.1688 Hourly ($60,671)
Step G: $29.9923 Hourly ($62,384)

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Associate degree in an accredited Paralegal Program, Criminal Justice or other social science field -AND- one (1) year of experience as a Paralegal or Legal Assistant;

-OR-

Certificate as a Paralegal or Legal Assistant from an ABA approved program -AND- three (3) years' experience as a Paralegal or Legal Assistant;

-OR-

Five (5) years' experience as a Paralegal, Legal Secretary or Judicial Secretary.

JOB SUMMARY: Performs paralegal tasks related to the operation of the Office of the Public Defender as assigned by Assistant Public Defenders and supervisor; researches legal questions, prepares initial appearances, motions, and other pleadings and responds to mail inquiries; works under supervision of an attorney or supervisor; performs related duties as required.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS:

• Prepares various legal documents necessary to the judicial process with or without clerical assistance;
• Performs extensive legal research using Westlaw and writing assignments as required;
• Drafting and formatting the table of authorities in the briefs and checking legal citations for proper formatting;
• Assists attorneys in the trial process, including gathering witnesses, preparing clients to testify, review pleadings, correspondence and other information required;
• Conducts personal, detailed interviews with clients and potential clients;
• Secures financial information from clients where necessary;
• Ensures that subpoenas are prepared and that they are properly served;
• Assists administration in compiling and analyzing statistical reports as directed;
• Assists with general office duties.