Paralegal - Prince William

Indigent Defense Commission; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 53,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Job summary

Indigent Defense Commission in Prince William, VA seeks a Paralegal to support attorneys, investigators, and mitigation specialists in the Public Defender’s Office. You will help with legal research, discovery review, and trial preparation while maintaining client-centered communication and adherence to IDC policies.

The role includes handling human-facing tasks, organizing files, and coordinating with the defense team to advocate for indigent clients.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to organize and analyze complex information.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent proofreading skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage a large caseload in various stages of the administrative/legal process.
• Ability to perform legal research.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative in meeting deadlines and goals.
• Teamwork is highly valued in this office.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to all courts and regional jails.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research using Lexis/Nexis and draft basic legal memorandums, motions and other pleadings.
• Assist with trial preparation such as social media research, witness preparation and creation of demonstrable evidence for trials.
• Download, review and transcribe discovery provided by the Commonwealth and review and summarize other records relevant to cases.
• Review and catalog Body Worn Camera footage, in office and in the jail, with clients and memorialize work for attorneys’ review.
• Review other video/media discovery for attorney review.
• Utilize different systems and tools to digest large volumes of discovery and other materials effectively and consistent with VIDC policies and requirements.
• Assist defense expert witnesses to navigate court expenses and billing procedures.
• Assist with initial client interviews and bond hearings, to include securing substance use and mental health placements and communicating with client support networks to facilitate attorney arguments for bond before the courts.
• Maintain a file organization structure which includes legal research, motions, and other details of defense team work product.
• Communicate with clients and witnesses under tight deadlines but consistently in a client-centered way.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Analytical skills

Legal research

Written and verbal communication

Spanish-English bilingual

Independent work

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Lexis/Nexis

Job description

Title: Paralegal - Prince William

State Role Title: Investig and Legal Support I

Hiring Range: $58,519.00 + Local Salary Supplement + State Benefits

Agency: Indigent Defense Commission

Location: PRINCE WILLIAM 311

Agency Website: www.vadefenders.org

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Virginia Defenders- Indigent Defense Commission is seeking to fill the Paralegal position with a candidate who will serve our mission of protecting and defending the rights and dignity of our clients through zealous, compassionate, high-quality legal advocacy. The IDC’s Prince William Public Defender Office has an opening for a Paralegal who is committed to advocating on behalf of indigent clients and who is committed to our mission of protecting and defending the rights and dignity of our clients through zealous, compassionate, high-quality legal advocacy. The Paralegal will provide support for attorneys, investigators, and mitigation specialists in the Public Defender’s Office. The paralegal reports to the Chief Public Defender of the Prince William office and is employed at-will. This position includes a local salary supplement.

• Conduct legal research using Lexis/Nexis and draft basic legal memorandums, motions and other pleadings.
• Assist with trial preparation such as social media research, witness preparation and creation of demonstrable evidence for trials.
• Download, review and transcribe discovery provided by the Commonwealth and review and summarize other records relevant to cases.
• Review and catalog Body Worn Camera footage, in office and in the jail, with clients and memorialize work for attorneys’ review.
• Review other video/media discovery for attorney review.
• Utilize different systems and tools to digest large volumes of discovery and other materials effectively and consistent with VIDC policies and requirements.
• Assist defense expert witnesses to navigate court expenses and billing procedures.
• Assist with initial client interviews and bond hearings, to include securing substance use and mental health placements and communicating with client support networks to facilitate attorney arguments for bond before the courts.
• Maintain a file organization structure which includes legal research, motions, and other details of defense team work product.
• Communicate with clients and witnesses under tight deadlines but consistently in a client-centered way.
• Other duties as assigned.

The IDC is committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in our workforce. We encourage and welcome qualified applicants of all identities, cultures, backgrounds, and experiences.

Minimum Qualifications

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Strong analytical skills and demonstrated ability to organize and analyze complex information.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent proofreading skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage a large caseload in various stages of the administrative/legal process.
• Ability to perform legal research.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative in meeting deadlines and goals.
• The ability to learn and accept constructive criticism is important as well as the ability to respond quickly and effectively in addressing issues and questions.
• Teamwork is highly valued in this office, and the qualified applicant will have demonstrated proficiency in working with others as a member of a criminal defense team to achieve successful outcomes for clients.
• This office is committed to a core set of values in how we approach our team environment, as well as our client representation: respect, teamwork and trust, zealous trial lawyering, courage, and passion.
• The qualified applicant will demonstrate a commitment to these values.
• A valid driver’s license and the means to travel to all courts and regional jails are required.

Additional Considerations

• Paralegal certification from an ABA-accredited program, or paralegal experience including conducting legal research will be strongly considered.
• Familiarity with service providers in and around the county of Prince William, including service providers for substance abuse treatment, mental health treatment, medical treatment, homelessness, ID/DD, and other social services, or a strong desire and motivation to develop that familiarity.
• Knowledge of social services practices and procedures as well as the laws, regulations, and guidelines governing social services functions in the county of Prince William or a strong desire and motivation to develop that knowledge.
• Strong communication skills and a well-developed ability to assess client needs in a variety of areas including treatment, housing, employment, transportation, medical services, and other areas of social need.
• Candidates who are fluent in both Spanish and English will be strongly considered.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a fingerprint-based criminal background check.

Being authorized to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment. IDC uses the E-Verify system and does not provide sponsorship.

This position qualifies for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) depending on your type of loan.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Contact Information

Name: Ashley Washington

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.