Paralegal (Public Defender)

Southern Arkansas University; Oregon (WI); On-site; USD 28,840 - 41,317; Full time

Job summary

A regional educational institution is seeking a Paralegal to perform tasks related to the Office of the Public Defender. The ideal candidate will conduct legal research, prepare legal documents, and assist attorneys in trial processes. The position requires either an associate degree or related experience in the legal field. Competitive hourly rates ranging from $20.94 to $29.99 depending on experience.

Qualifications

• One year of experience as a Paralegal or Legal Assistant.
• Ability to conduct legal research using Westlaw.
• Proficient in preparing various legal documents.

Responsibilities

• Prepare legal documents for the judicial process.
• Perform legal research and writing assignments.
• Assist attorneys during trials and prepare clients for testimonies.

Skills

Legal research

Document preparation

Client interviews

Education

Associate degree in Paralegal Program or related field

Certificate from an ABA approved program

Job description

Pay Scale

• Starting Pay: $20.9356 Hourly ($43,546)
• Step A: $22.8750 Hourly ($47,580)
• Step B: $26.2558 Hourly ($54,612)
• Step C: $26.9663 Hourly ($56,090)
• Step D: $27.6529 Hourly ($57,518)
• Step E: $28.3933 Hourly ($59,058)
• Step F: $29.1688 Hourly ($60,671)
• Step G: $29.9923 Hourly ($62,384)

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Associate degree in an accredited Paralegal Program, Criminal Justice or other social science field -AND- one (1) year of experience as a Paralegal or Legal Assistant;

-OR-

Certificate as a Paralegal or Legal Assistant from an ABA approved program -AND- three (3) years' experience as a Paralegal or Legal Assistant;

-OR-

Five (5) years' experience as a Paralegal, Legal Secretary or Judicial Secretary.

JOB SUMMARY

Performs paralegal tasks related to the operation of the Office of the Public Defender as assigned by Assistant Public Defenders and supervisor; researches legal questions, prepares initial appearances, motions, and other pleadings and responds to mail inquiries; works under supervision of an attorney or supervisor; performs related duties as required.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS

• Prepares various legal documents necessary to the judicial process with or without clerical assistance;
• Performs extensive legal research using Westlaw and writing assignments as required;
• Drafting and formatting the table of authorities in the briefs and checking legal citations for proper formatting;
• Assists attorneys in the trial process, including gathering witnesses, preparing clients to testify, review pleadings, correspondence and other information required;
• Conducts personal, detailed interviews with clients and potential clients;
• Secures financial information from clients where necessary;
• Ensures that subpoenas are prepared and that they are properly served;
• Assists administration in compiling and analyzing statistical reports as directed;