Role Summary
The Administrative Paralegal supports the attorney directly on all legal aspects of case management. This person works in close partnership with the Client Services Director who serves as the operational backbone behind the attorney's casework.
The right person is organized, discreet, and deeply reliable. They understand that criminal defense requires both precision and humanity: deadlines are non-negotiable, confidentiality is paramount, and clients are navigating some of the hardest moments of their lives. This role requires someone who can hold those realities at the same time and do excellent work inside of them.
Legal & Case Support
- Draft, proof, and file legal documents including motions, discovery requests, subpoenas, and correspondence; ensure all citations are researched and accurate.
- Maintain complete and well-organized case files, both digital and physical, with disciplined attention to data integrity.
- Prepare parole packets, exhibit binders, trial binders, and client-facing case materials under the attorney’s direction.
- Coordinate with courts, opposing counsel, clerks, prosecutors, and municipal offices for scheduling, filings, settings, and administrative requests.
- Track case milestones, hearing dates, deadlines, and action items in the firm’s case management system (MyCase); keep records current at all times.
- Conduct legal research and summarize findings clearly to support the attorney’s preparation.
- Assist with discovery: organize materials, manage document requests, and track production deadlines.
- Serve as a secondary point of contact for client updates and case progress communications; support Client Services Director in ensuring clients are informed and never left waiting.
- Handle document requests from clients and third parties with professionalism and appropriate confidentiality.
- Perform general administrative duties to support efficient office operations.
Compliance & Firm Culture
- Uphold strict confidentiality across all case materials, client communications, and firm operations; criminal defense work demands a higher standard of discretion.
- Ensure all administrative practices comply with applicable ethical, legal, and record-keeping requirements.
- Support the attorney and Client Services Director in process improvement, policy documentation, and systems development.
- Contribute to a collaborative, grounded firm culture that reflects Hawk Criminal Law’s values.
Who Will Thrive Here
- You are organized to the bone and genuinely enjoy bringing order to complexity.
- You take confidentiality seriously, not as a policy, but as a professional standard.
- You communicate clearly and proactively; the attorney and Client Services Director never have to wonder where things stand.
- You are calm under pressure and do not require hand-holding to get things done.
- You have high standards for your own work and take pride in the quality of what you produce.
- You understand that behind every case file is a person whose life is significantly affected by the outcome.
Qualifications Required
- 2+ years of Paralegal certificate or equivalent legal experience-criminal defense or litigation experience is a plus.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and comfort learning new software systems.
- Working knowledge of or ability to quickly learn MyCase or similar case management platforms.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Proven ability to manage competing deadlines without dropping details.
Preferred
- Experience in a small or solo law firm where wearing multiple hats is the norm.
- Familiarity with Texas court filing procedures and local court rules.
- Bilingual English-Spanish fluency
Reporting Structure
Reports to: Susan Hawk, Attorney
Works closely with: Stacy Huston, Client Services Director
Employment type: Part-time; hybrid work- remote & in-office, Dallas, TX
Pay: $25.00 per hour
Experience:
- Paralegal: 2 years (Required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Dallas, TX 75205
