Position Summary
The Office of the District Public Defender is seeking an exceptional Legal Assistant to become an integral member of our defense team. This position is substantially more than a traditional administrative or clerical role. The successful candidate will work hand-in-hand with assigned attorneys, providing litigation support that extends well beyond scheduling and file management.
Responsibilities include trial preparation, discovery review and organization, attorney-directed drafting of correspondence and legal documents, client communication, and proactive case management. We are looking for someone who anticipates needs, takes ownership of responsibilities, and thrives in a fast-paced environment where priorities can change quickly. Every task—whether preparing for trial, organizing discovery, communicating with clients, or managing deadlines—plays an important role in ensuring our clients receive outstanding legal representation.
Essential Responsibilities
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Work in close partnership with assigned attorneys throughout every stage of criminal cases, from appointment through final disposition.
Assist with trial preparation by organizing exhibits, witness materials, subpoenas, trial notebooks, demonstrative evidence, and other litigation materials.
Review, organize, index, and summarize discovery materials, including reports, recordings, digital evidence, body-worn camera footage, and other case materials to assist attorneys in preparing for hearings, negotiations, and trial.
Perform attorney-directed drafting of correspondence, pleadings, motions, memoranda, discovery requests and responses, and other legal documents for attorney review and approval.
Proofread and finalize legal documents to ensure accuracy, consistency, proper grammar, formatting, and compliance with applicable court rules.
Anticipate the needs of assigned attorneys and proactively identify tasks that require attention to keep cases moving efficiently.
Maintain organized electronic and physical case files that allow attorneys to quickly locate critical information.
Track deadlines, schedule appointments, coordinate client meetings, and assist in managing attorney calendars.
Obtain records, coordinate with outside agencies, and gather documentation necessary for case preparation.
Communicate professionally, respectfully, and compassionately with clients, family members, court personnel, law enforcement agencies, treatment providers, and other stakeholders.
Answer telephone calls and assist visitors in a courteous, professional, and service-oriented manner.
Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Office's mission.
Qualifications
The successful candidate will possess:
Exceptional organizational and time-management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple cases and competing deadlines.
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent grammar, spelling, proofreading, and document formatting abilities.
Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing accurate, high-quality work.
Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
The initiative to recognize what needs to be done without waiting for detailed instruction.
The ability to work independently while functioning as a trusted partner to assigned attorneys.
Professionalism, sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
A positive attitude and genuine commitment to providing exceptional service to clients and coworkers.
Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to quickly learn legal case management software.
Preferred Qualifications
Preference may be given to candidates with:
Experience as a legal assistant, litigation legal assistant, paralegal, or legal secretary.
Experience working in criminal law, a court system, prosecutor's office, public defender's office, or another criminal justice setting.
Familiarity with criminal court procedures and legal terminology.
Experience organizing and managing large volumes of discovery and digital evidence.
What We're Looking For
We are seeking someone who enjoys becoming an indispensable member of a litigation team. The ideal candidate is dependable, organized, adaptable, and takes pride in producing exceptional work. This person should view themselves not simply as administrative support, but as a trusted partner who helps attorneys prepare thoroughly, stay organized, and provide outstanding representation to every client.
Success in this position requires initiative, sound judgment, intellectual curiosity, excellent writing skills, and the ability to anticipate the needs of assigned attorneys. The successful candidate will take ownership of responsibilities, communicate effectively with clients and colleagues, and contribute meaningfully to the preparation of every case.
Our Mission
The Office of the District Public Defender is committed to protecting constitutional rights through diligent, ethical, and compassionate representation. Our legal assistants are valued members of the defense team whose work directly contributes to the quality of representation our clients receive. We believe that excellent legal representation is built on preparation, teamwork, professionalism, and a shared commitment to serving our clients with excellence.
The Office of the District Public Defender is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds who are committed to public service and the fair administration of justice.
Pay: $44,784.00 - $63,600.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
