Paralegal

At Barbieri Law Firm, we believe every case represents a person's future. Our Criminal Defense Paralegals are more than administrative support—they are strategic case managers, trusted client advocates, and essential members of the defense team. Working alongside our attorneys, you will proactively manage cases, prepare for hearings and trial, coordinate investigations, and deliver the exceptional communication and concierge-level service our clients expect. Success in this role requires initiative, organization, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence. Primary Responsibilities Case Management Independently manage an active caseload under attorney supervision. Maintain complete, organized, and audit-ready case files in Clio and Sharepoint. Monitor deadlines, hearings, discovery, and case progression to ensure every matter moves forward efficiently. Conduct regular case reviews to ensure forward movement. Anticipate attorney needs and proactively identify next steps before hearings, trial, and client meetings. Ensure all case documents, evidence, correspondence, and tasks are properly complete and up-to-date. Keep case status and internal workflows current at all times. Client Experience Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned clients. Provide timely, proactive communication while delivering a compassionate, concierge-level client experience. Return all client calls and emails within one business day. Educate clients regarding the legal process without providing legal advice. Schedule meetings, jail visits, Zoom conferences, and attorney calls. Document all client communications and case activity in Clio. Build trust and confidence through consistent communication and responsiveness. Courtroom Support Draft pleadings, motions, discovery requests, subpoenas, affidavits, notices, and correspondence. Prepare exhibits, witness notebooks, trial binders, timelines, and hearing materials. Organize evidence for attorney review. Coordinate witness scheduling. Prepare courtroom materials for hearings and trial. Attend hearings or trial as requested. Assist attorneys with trial preparation and courtroom logistics. Discovery & Investigation Review incoming discovery for completeness. Organize discovery into searchable, logical formats. Coordinate records requests. Work directly with investigators and expert witnesses. Assist with mitigation packet preparation. Review digital evidence and body camera footage when assigned. Legal Research Conduct legal research utilizing LexisNexis, PACER, and other legal databases. Occasionally research statutes, procedural rules, case law, and local court practices. Summarize research for attorney review. Administrative & Team Support File documents electronically with local, state, and federal courts. Coordinate service of subpoenas and legal documents. Enter billable time accurately and daily. Monitor trust balances and communicate concerns to Billing when necessary. Maintain confidential client information in accordance with ethical rules. Assist with file opening and file closing procedures. Collaborate with attorneys, investigators, intake, billing, and operations to ensure seamless case management. Support team members during trial preparation and periods of increased workload. Standards of Excellence Every Paralegal is expected to: Take ownership of assigned cases and proactively move them forward with minimal supervision. Anticipate attorney and client needs by identifying issues, deadlines, and next steps before they become urgent. Deliver exceptional client service through timely, compassionate, and professional communication. Maintain organized, accurate, and court-ready case files at all times. Produce high-quality work with exceptional attention to detail and minimal attorney revisions. Demonstrate sound judgment, professionalism, and discretion when handling confidential and sensitive matters. Prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple competing deadlines. Collaborate respectfully and professionally with attorneys, staff, courts, opposing counsel, investigators, and outside vendors. Embrace continuous learning, accountability, and constructive feedback to support individual and firm growth. Consistently embody the firm's T.O.N.I.C. Core Values in every interaction with clients, colleagues, and the community. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Case Management Zero missed court appearances, filing deadlines, or statutes of limitation. Assigned cases remain current, organized, and actively progressing. Case files maintained accurately and completely in Clio and SharePoint. Tasks, workflows, and case statuses updated in real time. Client Experience Respond to all client communication within one business day. Maintain proactive communication throughout representation. Respond to all client calls and emails within one business day. Maintain proactive communication throughout the life of each case. Document 100% of client communications and case activity in Clio. Consistently demonstrate professionalism, empathy, and responsiveness in all client interactions. Quality & Productivity Average 32.5 billable hours per week. Enter billable time accurately and daily. Maintain 99%+ document accuracy with minimal attorney revisions. Produce court-ready work product that meets firm standards. Teamwork Collaborate effectively with attorneys, investigators, intake, billing, and operations. Communicate professionally with clients, courts, opposing counsel, and vendors. Demonstrate reliability, accountability, and a willingness to support the team during periods of increased workload. Qualifications Required Minimum 2–3 years of paralegal experience; criminal defense experience strongly preferred. Strong knowledge of criminal procedure and legal terminology. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Exceptional organizational skills. Ability to prioritize multiple deadlines simultaneously. High attention to detail. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality. Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office. Experience using Clio or comparable case management software. Experience with electronic filing systems. Preferred Paralegal Certificate or Associate's/Bachelor's Degree. Familiarity with Texas county e-filing systems. Experience preparing felony jury trial materials. Professional Attributes The ideal candidate is: Proactive and solutions-oriented Organized and highly detail-oriented. Calm under pressure and adaptable in a fast-paced environment. Committed to providing exceptional client service. A collaborative team player with a strong work ethic and a positive attitude. Self-motivated, accountable, and able to work independently with minimal supervision. Physical Requirements Ability to sit or stand for extended periods. Ability to lift up to 25 pounds. Occasional travel to courthouses, jails, or client meetings. Ability to work extended hours during trial preparation when necessary. #J-18808-Ljbffr