Paralegal: Litigation & Trial Prep (Hybrid)

State of Minnesota Board of Public Defense; Chaska (MN); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Minnesota Board of Public Defense seeks a qualified paralegal under administrative direction to assist staff attorneys with preliminary or specialized legal tasks. The role offers a hybrid schedule after a 12-month probationary period.

Key duties include discovery, file organization, legal research, drafting motions and memoranda, witness coordination, and trial support. Strong written and oral communication, and knowledge of juvenile/criminal justice systems are essential.

Qualifications

• Four year paralegal degree or equivalent combination of education/experience.
• Two year paralegal certificate plus two years of approved experience or equivalent.
• Proficient in researching legal information and using statutes/digests.
• Ability to organize, index, and summarize files and materials.

Responsibilities

• Composes substantive legal correspondence.
• Organizes, indexes, and summarizes files and materials.
• Obtains discovery, conducts legal research; drafts motions, memoranda, notices, demands, jury instructions, and other documents.
• Interviews clients and witnesses; discusses case status and preparation.
• Assists attorneys with analyzing cases, defenses, and trial strategies.
• Assists at hearings and trials; drafts questions and coordinates witnesses.
• Examines evidence, photographs and exhibits; prepares trial notebooks.
• Locates and consults with expert witnesses and resource people.
• Maintains brief bank, law library, and interns/law clerks; may design statewide training content.
• Performs related duties as required.

Skills

Interviewing

Written communications

Organizing materials

Data analysis

Education

Four year paralegal degree

Paralegal certificate + experience

Tools

Legal research tools

Job description

State of Minnesota Board of Public Defense seeks a qualified paralegal under administrative direction to assist staff attorneys with preliminary or specialized legal tasks. The role offers a hybrid schedule after a 12-month probationary period.

Key duties include discovery, file organization, legal research, drafting motions and memoranda, witness coordination, and trial support. Strong written and oral communication, and knowledge of juvenile/criminal justice systems are essential.