Litigation Paralegal Criminal

Jacobs & Dow, LLC; New Haven (CT); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Jacobs & Dow, LLC seeks an experienced Criminal Defense Paralegal to support state and federal criminal cases and wrongful conviction matters from investigation through sentencing.

Ideal candidate has federal court matter experience, CM/ECF proficiency, and strong paralegal skills including trial prep and client contact, with a Bachelor's degree or ABA-approved certificate.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years paralegal experience in a legal setting, with criminal work preferred.
• Demonstrated experience navigating court deadlines, timelines, and the CM/ECF filing system.
• Bachelor's degree or ABA-approved Paralegal Certificate is required.
• Proficiency with legal research platforms (Westlaw/LexisNexis) and case management software; billing/invoicing experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• File CM/ECF motions, briefs, and legal documents in state and federal court.
• Organize discovery materials including audio/video surveillance, financial records, and forensics.
• Draft subpoenas, assemble trial binders, manage exhibit lists, and coordinate witness schedules.
• Coordinate payments and approvals for experts and investigators.
• Serve as primary contact for clients, including incarcerated individuals and families.

Skills

Criminal defense experience

Court deadlines & CM/ECF navigation

Client intake & communication

Education

Bachelor's degree or ABA-approved Paralegal Certificate

Tools

Westlaw/LexisNexis

Case management software

Billing/invoicing software

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Criminal Defense Paralegal to join our legal team. In this role, you will provide litigation support on state and federal criminal cases, and wrongful conviction cases, from initial investigation through trial and sentencing. The ideal candidate has experience working on federal court matters, both criminal and civil.

Key Responsibilities

• Filings: File (CM/ECF) motions, briefs, and legal documents in state and federal court.
• Case Management: Organize voluminous discovery materials, including audio/video surveillance, financial records, and forensics.
• Trial Preparation: Draft subpoenas, compile trial binders, manage exhibit lists, and coordinate witness schedules.
• Experts/Investigators: Coordinate necessary payments and approvals for experts and investigators.
• Client Intake: Serve as a primary point of contact for clients, including incarcerated individuals, and their families.

Required Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years of paralegal experience. Experience or, at a minimum, a strong interest in criminal work required.
• Court Expertise: Demonstrated experience navigating court deadlines, timelines, and the CM/ECF filing system.
• Education: Bachelor's degree or an ABA-approved Paralegal Certificate.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with legal research platforms (Westlaw/LexisNexis) and case management software. Also, experience with billing and generating invoices preferred.

Company Description

Jacobs & Dow, LLC, is a small firm comprised of four lawyers, paralegals, and support staff, that handle a range of cases, including personal injury, medical malpractice and criminal matters.