Paralegal I/II – Decarceration Initiative

State of Maryland; Maryland; On-site; USD 42,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Statewide Maryland Office of the Public Defender seeks a Paralegal I/II to support the Decarceration Initiative. The role coordinates referrals, assigns attorneys, and manages case files while performing legal research and drafting pleadings.

Grant-funded for 18 months, the position emphasizes client-centered communication with incarcerated individuals and families, and requires travel across the state for coordination with partner organizations.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or GED; Paralegal studies preferred.
• Experience: Paralegal I – 2 years; Paralegal II – 3 years performing legal research or preparing legal documents.
• Notes: Educ/experience substitutions allowed for paralegal credentials or military service.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate intake and track referrals to determine client eligibility under applicable acts.
• Manage client case files, conflicts checks, and attorney assignments across staff, panel, and pro bono counsel.
• Support litigation with legal research, case law reviews, and drafting pleadings and subpoenas.
• Gather mitigation materials and log data to meet grant reporting requirements.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Legal research

Data entry

Public defense mission

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Paralegal certificate substitute

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Westlaw or similar

Legal case management systems

Job description

Statewide Maryland Office of the Public Defender seeks a Paralegal I/II to support the Decarceration Initiative. The role coordinates referrals, assigns attorneys, and manages case files while performing legal research and drafting pleadings.

Grant-funded for 18 months, the position emphasizes client-centered communication with incarcerated individuals and families, and requires travel across the state for coordination with partner organizations.