Paralegal

Paralegal Position

We are recruiting to fill a Paralegal position in Colorado State Public Defender's regional trial offices. This classification describes the first level within the series wherein employees learn and apply criminal procedures, rules and laws guiding legal practice in criminal defense; and, apply the principles and practices of a paralegal nature to support and assist with a variety of litigation needs. Positions perform duties and assume responsibility for supporting divisions, units, cases and clients under the specific direction, instruction and guidance of a defense attorney. Public Defender paralegals serve as part of the defense team, and as such, are bound by the Colorado Rules of Professional Conduct including rules regarding the attorney-client privilege and client confidentiality.

Primary duties and responsibilities include:

• Managing and organizing discovery. Converting electronic files to PDF and other formats. Building trial notebooks, creating digital bookmarks and indexes for easy reference and access by the attorneys and defense team. Creating spreadsheets to manage and organize case records and information including, but not limited to, discovery, witnesses, evidence and exhibits.
• Reviewing and summarizing discovery, videos, and witness interviews. Ordering transcripts. Identifying matters of significance and bringing them to the attention of the defense team. Reviewing discovery with the client. Requesting and reviewing client records, court records and transcripts to complete case files.
• Reviewing client charges, pleadings, and court orders and researching legal issues as requested by the attorney such as, searching and reviewing statutes, case law, and legal articles for legal precedent, mitigation and sentencing considerations. May assist attorneys in identifying potential conflicts of interest.
• Searching case-related information as requested by the attorney such as, trending media, news publications, and anything referencing the case, client, codefendants or witnesses that may assist in the preparation of the case, hearing, trial, juror selection or defense strategies.
• Keeping attorneys and defense teams updated as new information is added to the case files.
• Under the attorney's direction and review, drafting routine and standard motions, briefs and legal memoranda. Proofreading and editing motions prepared by attorneys. Filing pleadings and motions. Redacting documents.
• Paralegals in the trial offices may prepare appellate packets and coordinate with the Appellate office to ensure timely provision of materials. Paralegals in Appellate, review appellate packets and communicate with the trial offices and other counsel about additional materials needed to timely file Notices of Appeal or complete the record.
• Tracking and monitoring case status and critical timelines on assigned cases to ensure court filings are processed in accordance with established criminal procedures, rules and laws. Keeping attorneys and clients apprised, as appropriate.
• Providing support for hearings or trials as requested by the attorney including, but not limited to, jury selection; tracking of witnesses; tracking of exhibits; client communication; note taking and documentation of events; coordination of trial materials; and, providing technical assistance with audio/visual platforms for evidence and develops Power-Point presentations.
• Drafting and responding to correspondence from clients, client family members, and representatives from collateral agencies, to obtain and exchange pertinent information in accordance with policy and procedure.
• Performing a variety of administrative tasks as needed to support the defense team and client, which requires the processing of forms, documents and transactions in accordance with State Office policy and procedure.
• Performing all duties to ensure compliance with applicable laws and practices to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Performing other duties as assigned.