The Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Pennsylvania is accepting
applications for the position of Paralegal. This position is open to candidates interested
in working in either our Pittsburgh or Erie offices.
The Paralegal performs legal and administrative duties, including researching legal
issues, drafting motions and orders, and maintaining electronic case files and
databases. This position also assists attorneys and investigators at hearings and trials,
with client contact, and with expert and witness interviews.
The role provides critical support by collecting, reviewing, and organizing social history
and related records for use in litigation. This position works closely with attorneys,
other paralegals, and investigators to ensure that all records are accurate, complete,
and readily accessible.
Duties and Responsibilities of the Paralegal:
• Collect, review, and organize social history records and other relevant documentation
• Assist attorneys and investigators in reviewing and organizing records
• Assist attorneys at hearings and trials, with client contact, and with expert and witness interviews
• Draft motions and orders, and maintain electronic case files and databases
Qualifications:
Applicants must be high school graduates or equivalent; with at least three years of general work experience and three years of specialized experience. Education above the high school level may be substituted for experience requirements. Additional education or certification as a Paralegal is preferred but not required.
Qualified candidates should possess:
• A strong legal, administrative, or paralegal background
• Excellent organization, communication, and administrative skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, and legal research tools such as Westlaw and Lexis, and a willingness to learn other programs, as needed
This position requires considerable initiative, resourcefulness, creativity and drive; excellent writing skills, computer proficiency, the ability to communicate and work well with others; and a commitment to obtaining justice for indigent persons.
Application Process:
Interested applicants are invited to apply by submitting a single pdf document that includes a cover letter, resume, and writing sample via email to the attention of: Elisa A. Long, Federal Public Defender, paw_employment@fd.org, Subject: 2026-03