Paralegal - Wrongful Convictions Unit

State of Iowa - Executive Branch; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

On-the-job training

Professional development

IPERS retirement program

Employee Assistance Program

Employee discounts

Job summary

The State of Iowa - Executive Branch is seeking a Paralegal for the Wrongful Convictions Unit in Polk County. This role supports attorneys by preparing and proofreading briefs, compiling appendices, and conducting legal research using Westlaw and other resources.

Ideal candidates are highly organized, deadline-driven, and able to communicate effectively with diverse clients and staff. Proficiency in Google Workspace, MS Office, and case management systems is required.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited paralegal program.
• Two years of full-time work experience as a paralegal or in a similar support capacity under attorney supervision.
• Experience with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and legal case management systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication and ability to work under deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Prepares legal documents and correspondence; reviews/proofs briefs; compiles documents for appendices and final briefs; conducts legal research as directed.
• Monitors EDMS; files documents; tracks case information and deadlines; maintains case statistics.
• Performs office duties including answering calls, assisting clients, and coordinating with courts and staff.
• Manage fiscal matters such as reviewing claims and invoices; handles purchasing and reporting.

Skills

Strong written and verbalcommunication

Team collaboration

Customer-focused attitude

Legal research methods

Education

Graduation from an accredited paralegal program

Tools

Google Workspace

Microsoft Office

Legal case management systems

Job description

Job Description

Do you enjoy helping others and want to make a significant impact in what you do? If yes, look no further!

The Iowa State Public Defender’s Office is seeking a highly motivated, skilled, and experienced Paralegal to assist our Wrongful Convictions Unit located in Polk County, Iowa.

Who We Are

The mission of the Office of the State Public Defender is to ensure that all indigent persons in Iowa are provided high quality legal representation in criminal, juvenile, and other eligible proceedings in the most efficient and fiscally responsible manner.

What You’ll Do

• Prepares legal documents and correspondence; reviews/proofreads legal briefs; reviews and compiles documents for appendices; completes appendices; completes final briefs; conducts legal research as directed.
• Monitors EDMS (electronic filing system); files legal documents in EDMS; reviews EDMS docket for complete access to the district court record; locates missing documents and exhibits; orders court record; enters case information into case management system; conducts conflict checks; tracks attorney work including monitoring new case assignments and appellate due dates, incoming state's briefs, court opinions, and miscellaneous Supreme Court filings; prepares and monitors attorneys' monthly case statistics; maintains office calendar.
• Performs other duties such as answering telephone calls, answering routine questions from clients, family members, and attorneys, copying documents, transmitting printing, preparing mail, closing case files; communicates with court reporters, clerks of court, appellate court personnel, and department of corrections personnel.
• Performs fiscal matters including reviewing court reporter claims and other billing invoices for supervisor approval; prepares purchase invoices; prepares items for surplus; delivers, tracks and reports checks received.
• Serves as primary point of contact person for purchasing, project coordination, personnel, and information management system issues; for State Appellate Defender's Office programs and projects.
• Communicate effectively both in writing and verbally, with a diverse population.
• Conduct legal research with books and other printed materials and online using a computer and Westlaw.
• Review files, determine conflicts, and take appropriate action based on file contents.
• Write and edit motions, briefs, and conform to the proper format necessary for appellate requirements.
• Manage administrative duties effectively, including following proper procedures to check out client files and other materials, and return them in a timely manner so they are available to other office staff.
• Have high standards of ethical conduct; respond appropriately to supervision; ability to understand and apply work rules; ability to interact appropriately with all manner of individuals and officials.
• Able to operate office equipment including computers (including using keyboard and mouse), telephones, photocopiers, and fax machines; basic PC skills, including word processing, e-mail, Internet and searching electronic databases.
• Preparing correspondence in Microsoft Word/Google Docs and designing and using Microsoft Excel/Google Sheets spreadsheets for data analysis and tracking.

What We’re Seeking

The successful candidate for this fast-paced position is a motivated, organized, and a detail-focused individual. Applicants should have a proven track record of completing tasks on a strict deadline, experience working with diverse populations, and work well in a team environment.

Desired Skills And Abilities Include

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Good computer skills – preference given to those with experience in Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, databases, spreadsheets, and legal case management systems.
• Customer-centric attitude and demeanor.
• Displays high standards of professional and ethical conduct.
• Good people skills – this position requires regular contact with Public Defender clients, clerks, judges, county attorneys and service providers, good people skills are necessary.
• Knowledge of legal principles and legal research methods desired.

What We Offer

• Robust benefits, including excellent health, dental, life and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, paid holidays, and sick leave accrual.
• On the job training by dedicated, experienced professionals.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care.
• Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) Retirement Package.
• Retirement Investors Club (Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan).
• Employee Assistance Program for support when you need it most.
• Employee Discount Programs from a variety of vendors (vision, cellular, fitness, and more)
• Access to an on-site employee fitness center (6200 Park Avenue location only).

Benefits

For additional information on benefits click here .

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov .

Minimum Qualification Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited paralegal program;
• Two years of full-time work experience as a paralegal or in a similar support capacity under the supervision of a practicing attorney.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description .