Paralegal - Internal Promotion

City of Indianapolis and Marion County; Indiana (PA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The Marion County Public Defender Agency is seeking an organized clerical/paralegal support professional to assist in legal proceedings for clients who cannot afford representation. Responsibilities include interviewing clients, relaying information to attorneys, drafting documents, and maintaining case files in a fast-paced environment.

Qualified candidates will have a high school diploma, strong typing and computer skills, and familiarity with legal terminology and court procedures.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Typing and computer skills required.
• Knowledge of legal terminology and court procedure.
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients and staff.
• Willingness to handle pressure and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Interviews clients and gathers case information.
• Answers phone calls and relays information to attorneys.
• Maintains case assignments for commission standards.
• Drafts and files legal documents under attorney direction.
• Assists attorneys in court by taking notes and providing basic information.
• Maintains confidential client files.
• Operates general office equipment.

Skills

Typing

Communication skills

Computer skills

Legal terminology

Court procedure

Legal ethics

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Associate Degree or Paralegal certificate

Job description

***INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY***

The Marion County Public Defender Agency provides legal representation for Marion County citizens who cannot afford to hire their own lawyer in matters involving liberty interests, including criminal cases. Our services are provided as a public service. We work with the felony, misdemeanor, Title IV D, civil commitment, and juvenile courts. We also work on cases related to termination of parental rights as well as appeals. Our agency also offers education, services, and programs focused on different ways to serve jail sentences. The agency is able to do this by cultivating a productive, collaborative, and compliant work environment in order for our workforce to meet the needs of the constituents of Indianapolis and Marion County.

Position is responsible for performing a variety of general clerical and office support functions to facilitate legal proceedings and streamline administrative processes in cases where the client has been charged with Non- Major Felony Crime. Position requires the knowledge of established policies and procedures, which controls most of the incumbent(s) actions. Independent judgment may be utilized as long as it is performed at the request of the supervising attorney. Position reports to Administrator, Administrative Services.

All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. We value diversity in perspectives and experiences among colleagues and the residents of this city of whom we serve.

• Interviewsclients,gatheringcontactinformationandinformationontheircase.
• Answersandplacesphonecallsattheattorneys’directives.
• Maintainscaseassignmentsforattorneysforcommissionstandards.
• Maybepointofcontactbetweenclientandattorney.Relaysinformationtoandfromattorneyto client.
• Explaintheprocess of the client's court procedures.
• Request for Social Workers, Investigators, Interpreters, and others specialized assistance for case prep.
• Mayberequiredtovisitclients in officeorADC.
• Draftsandfileslegaldocuments,includingbutnotlimitedtosubpoenas,appearances,andothermotionsatthedirection of the attorneys.
• Workuppleadingsatthedirectionofattorney.
• Createsandmaintainsclientfiles(Quest,PDIS,andOneNote)frominitial hearingtodisposition ofcase
• Aidsinsecuringdocumentsfordepositionandtrial,includingcertifiedcopiesofdocuments,pictures,audiorecords,911 calls, CAD reports and other miscellaneous reports.
• Providesbackupassistancetootherparalegalstaffinday-to-dayduties.
• Assistattorneyincourtbytakingnotes,assistingwithclientfamilymembers,andprovidingbasicinformationatthe direction of the attorneys
• Operatesavarietyofgeneralofficeequipment,includingcomputer,copymachineandfax
• Mustmaintainconfidentialityatalltimes
• This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management may deem necessary from time to time

High School Diploma or equivalent is required. Must be well-organized and work well under pressure. Requires excellent oral and writing skills. Must possess typing and computer skills. Knowledge of legal terminology, court procedure and legal ethics required to perform services for agency. Ability to communicate effectively with other employees, clients and the general public in a professional, courteous, and concise manner required. Must have the ability to interact with people in varying positions and from different walks of life and a strong desire to collaborate with the indigent community, and a willingness to work under pressure and prioritized duties while dealing with unexpected situations and deadlines.

Preferred Job Requirements and Qualifications

Associate Degree, or certificate in Paralegal Studies with one (2) year experience as a paralegal is preferred. Familiarity with research techniques or law enforcement is also a plus.

Work is performed in a standard office/courtroom environment. Occasional visits to the Adult Detention Center 9ADC).

Physical Conditions

1. Sittingat adeskthemajorityof theday
2. Somelifting,carrying, pushing and/orpullingofobjectsandmaterialsoflightweight(5-10)pounds
3. Tasksmayinvolveextendedperiods oftimeatkeyboardorworkstation
4. Tasksrequiretheabilitytoperceiveandhearsoundsandseevisualcuesorsignals
5. Tasks require the ability to communicate orally