Legal Assistant I-III

State of Delaware • Dover, DE

1d

About The Position

The Delaware Office of Defense Services (ODS) is committed to ensuring that every person—regardless of income, background, or circumstance—is treated fairly and respectfully in the justice system. As Delaware’s public defender agency, ODS protects constitutional rights, supports individuals and families during difficult moments, and works to strengthen trust and fairness across our communities. Our mission is zealous advocacy for the people. This simple but powerful commitment guides every aspect of our work and reflects our belief that justice must be accessible, humane, and rooted in dignity for all Delawareans. Our work is carried out by a team of dedicated attorneys and professionals across Central Administration, the Public Defender’s Office, and Office of Conflicts Counsel. More than 200 staff members serve Delawareans with compassion, integrity, and a deep belief that dignity, equity, and justice must be accessible to all. Assistant Public Defenders—together with investigators, forensic social specialists, mitigation specialists, client advocates, legal assistants, and administrative staff—stand beside adults and youth navigating criminal and delinquency charges. They also represent parents in abuse and neglect proceeding in the Family Court, helping protect the fundamental rights of families and ensuring parents have a meaningful voice when facing life-altering decisions. Across all case types, our teams connect clients with needed services, challenge systemic barriers that deepen inequity, and advocate for outcomes that promote healing, stability, and stronger communities. Through this work, ODS strives to ensure that justice in Delaware is not just a principle, but a lived experience for every person we serve. The Office of Defense Services seeks a highly motivated, organized, and enthusiastic Legal Assistant to fill a full-time role within the Kent County Office of Conflicts Counsel. This position will provide the Kent County Managing Attorney with the necessary legal and administrative support in providing quality, constitutionally mandated, indigent defense services.

Requirements

• Three years of employment with the Office of Defense Services in a similar capacity.
• Possession of an Associate’s degree or certificate in Paralegal Studies from an ABA or Department approved program.
• A Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice or a related field.
• Three years’ experience in preparing and maintaining legal documents and case files.
• Three years’ experience in legal research such as researching statutes, regulations, case law and background information.
• Three years’ experience in interpreting laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.
• Two years’ experience in drafting legal documents and such as legal briefs or memoranda of law including presenting facts, setting out and analyzing legal issues and applying legal precedents.
• Two years’ experience in interviewing using structured or unstructured interview techniques to obtain facts, explore issues and identify courses of action.
• Proficient in all internal and external computer programs related to job duties, including but not limited to: Sharepoint, Word, Outlook, JIC, DELJIS, and E-Filing desired not essential.

Responsibilities

• Assists Kent County Managing Attorney with administration of the conflicts program.
• Screens and evaluates conflicts declared by the Office of the Public Defender in Kent County and assigns counsel.
• Monitors and reports on conflict attorney caseloads and assignments.
• Accurately maintains Defender Data and case management records.
• Distributes conflict attorney schedules and maintains Kent County Managing Attorney’s calendar.
• Responds to inquiries from conflict attorneys, PDO, courts, clients, families and other stakeholders regarding conflict cases.
• Acts in liaison capacity between Kent County Managing Attorney and various interested parties to gather, clarify and provide information regarding case facts and status.
• Provides legal support services to Kent County Managing Attorney, including reviewing and summarizing reports and discovery, following up as necessary for additional documents, drafting legal documents and correspondence, and maintaining case files.
• Establishes and maintains case files ensuring that the files contain complete and accurate information essential to each step of the proceedings from pre-hearing and/or pre-trial through trial and sentencing.

Benefits

• Group Health Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, Prescription, Flexible Spending, Long & Short-Term Disability Insurance, Group Universal Life Insurance, Securian Accident & Critical Illness Insurance, Health Management Programs.
• 21 paid vacation days, 15 paid sick days, 12 paid holidays, up to 12 weeks paid Parental Leave.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access to support services such as Professional Counseling Services, Legal Services, Financial Services.
• Employer & Employee Funded Pension Plan as well as an Employee Funded Retirement Savings Plan available.
• Student loan repayment assistance and forgiveness

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees