Criminal Defense Paralegal

Apex Staffing, Inc.; Little Rock (AR); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits

Job summary

Apex Staffing, Inc. is seeking an experienced Criminal Defense Paralegal in Little Rock to join a well-established defense team.

You will support attorneys across all stages of criminal proceedings, draft and file motions, manage discovery, and maintain meticulous case files while handling sensitive information with discretion. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, dependable, and able to prioritize multiple cases in a busy law office, collaborating closely with attorneys and clients to

Qualifications

• Strong organizational and detail-oriented capabilities are essential.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple cases, prioritize deadlines, and work independently.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Outlook, and electronic document management.
• Professionalism, discretion, and maintaining strict client confidentiality.
• Ability to work collaboratively with attorneys and staff in a busy law office.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct support to criminal defense attorneys throughout all stages of criminal proceedings.
• Draft, prepare, and file motions, pleadings, discovery requests, subpoenas, and other legal documents.
• Organize, review, and manage discovery materials, including police reports, body camera footage, witness statements, and other evidence.
• Maintain and organize case files, ensuring all documentation and deadlines are accurately tracked.
• Monitor court calendars, hearings, filing deadlines, and attorney schedules.
• Communicate professionally with clients, courts, prosecutors, law enforcement, and other legal professionals.
• Assist attorneys with trial preparation, including exhibits, witness lists, case summaries, and trial notebooks.
• Coordinate client meetings, court appearances, and attorney appointments.
• Monitor case progress and proactively follow up on outstanding discovery, filings, and other pending matters.
• Maintain accurate case information in the firm's case management systems.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Attention to detail

Written and verbal communication

Time management multiple cases

Independence

Microsoft Office / Outlook

Document management

Discretion and confidentiality

Team collaboration in a busy law firm

Education

Paralegal certification

Associate degree in a related field

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Tools

Clio

Job description

Well established criminal defense law firm in Little Rock seeking an experienced, highly organized, and motivated Criminal Defense Paralegal to join our growing team.

Firm handles a wide range of criminal matters, and we are looking for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, takes initiative, and can confidently manage multiple cases while providing exceptional support to our attorneys and clients.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, dependable, and comfortable handling sensitive and confidential information. Criminal defense experience is strongly preferred.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct support to criminal defense attorneys throughout all stages of criminal proceedings.
• Draft, prepare, and file motions, pleadings, discovery requests, subpoenas, and other legal documents.
• Organize, review, and manage discovery materials, including police reports, body camera footage, witness statements, and other evidence.
• Maintain and organize case files, ensuring all documentation and deadlines are accurately tracked.
• Monitor court calendars, hearings, filing deadlines, and attorney schedules.
• Communicate professionally with clients, courts, prosecutors, law enforcement agencies, and other legal professionals.
• Assist attorneys with trial preparation, including exhibits, witness lists, case summaries, and trial notebooks.
• Coordinate client meetings, court appearances, and attorney appointments.
• Monitor case progress and proactively follow up on outstanding discovery, filings, and other pending matters.
• Maintain accurate case information in the firm's case management systems.

Qualifications

Required:

• Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple cases, prioritize competing deadlines, and work independently.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Outlook, and electronic document management.
• Professionalism, discretion, and the ability to maintain strict client confidentiality.
• Ability to work collaboratively with attorneys and other staff in a busy law office.

Preferred:

• Previous experience as a criminal defense paralegal or legal assistant.
• Familiarity with Arkansas state and federal court procedures and electronic filing systems.
• Experience preparing criminal motions, managing discovery, and assisting with trial preparation.
• Experience with Clio or similar legal case management software.
• Paralegal certificate, associate degree, or bachelor's degree in a related field.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for more than someone who can complete assigned tasks. The right candidate will take ownership of their responsibilities, anticipate attorneys' needs, and help keep cases moving forward.

The ability to remain organized under pressure, communicate effectively with clients, and recognize when something needs immediate attention is essential.

• Competitive compensation based on qualifications and experience.
• Full-time position with benefits.
• Opportunity to work alongside experienced criminal defense attorneys.
• Collaborative, fast-paced professional environment.
• Opportunities for professional growth and expanded responsibilities.