Paralegal: Public Defender Advocacy & Research

Commonwealth of Virginia; Virginia; On-site; USD 48,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Virginia seeks a Paralegal for the Chesterfield office to support attorneys, investigators, and mitigation specialists in the Public Defender’s Office. The Paralegal handles research, drafting, and resource coordination while working under the Chief Public Defender.

The role requires a high school diploma, strong organizational and communication skills, the ability to manage a large caseload, and the willingness to travel as needed. Employment is at-will and eligible for PSLF.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent proofreading and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage a large caseload in various stages.
• Ability to perform legal research.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• Demonstrated initiative in meeting deadlines and goals.
• Teamwork is highly valued in this office.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain a database of community and criminal justice resources for clients.
• Assist attorneys in preparing bond motions and re-entry plans for incarcerated clients.
• Develop systems to connect clients to services and assist with mitigation.
• Communicate with clients and witnesses under tight deadlines in a client-centered manner.
• Perform legal research and draft memos for attorneys.
• Connect clients to local and regional resources per client needs.
• Support the Chief and Deputy Public Defender to identify gaps in the local support network.

Skills

Analytical skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Proofreading

Caseload management

Legal research

Independent work

Initiative

Teamwork

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Paralegal certification (ABA-accredited)

Job description

Commonwealth of Virginia seeks a Paralegal for the Chesterfield office to support attorneys, investigators, and mitigation specialists in the Public Defender’s Office. The Paralegal handles research, drafting, and resource coordination while working under the Chief Public Defender.

The role requires a high school diploma, strong organizational and communication skills, the ability to manage a large caseload, and the willingness to travel as needed. Employment is at-will and eligible for PSLF.