Public Defender Paralegal: Court & Client Liaison

City of Indianapolis and Marion County; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Indianapolis and Marion County’s Public Defender Agency seeks a paralegal to support legal proceedings for clients who cannot afford representation. This role emphasizes clerical tasks and case preparation under attorney supervision.

Responsibilities include interviewing clients, drafting documents, managing files, coordinating with social workers, investigators, and interpreters, and assisting in court preparations while upholding confidentiality.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
• Must be well-organized and work well under pressure; typing and computer skills are required.
• Knowledge of legal terminology, court procedure and legal ethics is required.
• Ability to communicate effectively with employees, clients, and the public.

Responsibilities

• Interviews clients, gathering contact information and information on their case.
• Answers and places phone calls at the attorneys’ directives.
• Maintains case assignments for attorneys for commission standards.
• May be point of contact between client and attorney; relays information to/from attorney to client.
• Explains the process of the client's court procedures.
• Requests for Social Workers, Investigators, Interpreters, and others for case prep.
• May be required to visit clients in office or ADC.
• Drafts and files legal documents including subpoenas, appearances, and other motions at the direction of the attorneys.
• Work up pleadings at the direction of attorney.
• Creates and maintains client files (Quest, PDIS, and OneNote) from initial hearing to disposition of case.
• Aids in securing documents for deposition and trial, including copies of documents, pictures, audio records, 911 calls, CAD reports and other reports.
• Provides backup assistance to other paralegal staff.
• Assist attorney in court by taking notes and helping with clients' family members.
• Operates general office equipment; maintain confidentiality.

Skills

Typing

Computer skills

Legal terminology

Oral & written communication

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree in Paralegal Studies

Tools

Quest

PDIS

OneNote

Job description

The City of Indianapolis and Marion County’s Public Defender Agency seeks a paralegal to support legal proceedings for clients who cannot afford representation. This role emphasizes clerical tasks and case preparation under attorney supervision.

Responsibilities include interviewing clients, drafting documents, managing files, coordinating with social workers, investigators, and interpreters, and assisting in court preparations while upholding confidentiality.