Paralegal - Richmond

Indigent Defense Commission; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local salary supplement

State benefits

Job summary

Indigent Defense Commission seeks a Paralegal in Richmond to support attorneys, investigators, and mitigation specialists in the Public Defender’s Office. The role emphasizes zealous, compassionate advocacy and client-centered service, reporting to the Chief Public Defender.

The position includes a discretionary local salary supplement of $12,000, subject to annual City of Richmond approval, plus eligibility for state benefits and PSLF considerations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to organize and analyze complex information.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent proofreading and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage a large caseload and work independently.

Responsibilities

• Assist attorneys in drafting and preparing motions for clients.
• Manage and organize client records (school, medical, treatment, etc.).
• Review and organize discovery materials.
• Develop systems to connect clients with services and mitigation resources.
• Communicate with clients and witnesses under deadlines in a client-centered manner.
• Conduct legal research and draft memoranda for attorneys.

Skills

Analytical skills

Written & verbal communication

Proofreading

Independent work

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Title: Paralegal - Richmond

State Role Title: Investig and Legal Support I

Hiring Range: $53,687.00 + Local Salary Supplement + State Benefits

Agency: Indigent Defense Commission

Location: RICHMOND 306

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 Richmond 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 Richmond office and is employed at-will. In addition to the listed salary, a local salary supplement of $12,000.00 may be provided. This supplement is discretionary, subject to annual approval by the City of Richmond, and does not impact retirement benefits.

• Assist attorneys in drafting and preparing motions on behalf of clients.
• Assist with records requests. Maintain, digest and organize client records to include school records, medical records, SUD treatment records.
• Review and organize discovery.
• Develop systems and mechanisms to effectively connect clients to services and assist with mitigation.
• Communicate with clients and witnesses under tight deadlines but consistently in a client-centered way.
• Legal research and drafting of legal memoranda for attorneys.
• Creatively work to connect clients to a variety of local and regional resources, as dictated by the needs of the clients.
• Assist the Chief and Deputy Public Defenders in identifying gaps in the local support network for court-involved indigent persons and provide support in the Public Defender’s effort to drive forward local systemic change to serve the needs of our clients.
• 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 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 city of Richmond, 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 the Richmond Court system, local procedures, laws, and regulations, in the city of Richmond or a strong desire and motivation to develop that knowledge.
• Candidates who are fluent in both Spanish and English will be strongly considered.

Application Requirements

Applications for this position require a cover letter and resume. Failure to submit both may disqualify you from further consideration.

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.

Reasonable accommodations are available to applicants if requested, during the application and/or interview process.

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

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.

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.