Paralegal - Richmond

DHRM • Richmond, VA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Virginia Defenders- Indigent Defense Commission (IDC) is seeking a Paralegal for its Richmond Public Defender Office. This role is crucial in supporting the mission of protecting and defending the rights and dignity of clients through zealous, compassionate, and high-quality legal advocacy. The Paralegal will provide essential support to attorneys, investigators, and mitigation specialists. The position reports to the Chief Public Defender of the Richmond office and is employed at-will. In addition to the base salary, a local salary supplement of $12,000.00 may be provided, subject to annual approval by the City of Richmond. The IDC is committed to inclusive hiring and encourages applicants of all identities, cultures, backgrounds, and experiences.

Requirements

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Strong analytical skills and demonstrated ability to organize and analyze complex information.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent proofreading skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage a large caseload in various stages of the administrative/legal process.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative in meeting deadlines and goals.
• The ability to learn and accept constructive criticism is important as well as the ability to respond quickly and effectively in addressing issues and questions.
• Teamwork is highly valued in this office, and the qualified applicant will have demonstrated proficiency in working with others as a member of a criminal defense team to achieve successful outcomes for clients.
• The qualified applicant will demonstrate a commitment to these values: respect, teamwork and trust, zealous trial lawyering, courage, and passion.
• A valid driver’s license and the means to travel to all courts and regional jails are required.
• Being authorized to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment.
• Applications for this position must be submitted electronically through this website. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand-delivered applications and resumes will not be accepted.
• IDC does not accept “see resume” as a response to any question.

Nice To Haves

• Paralegal certification from an ABA-accredited program, or paralegal experience including conducting legal research will be strongly considered.
• Familiarity with service providers in and around the city of Richmond, including service providers for substance abuse treatment, mental health treatment, medical treatment, homelessness, ID/DD, and other social services, or a strong desire and motivation to develop that familiarity.
• Knowledge of the Richmond Court system, local procedures, laws, and regulations, in the city of Richmond or a strong desire and motivation to develop that knowledge.
• Candidates who are fluent in both Spanish and English will be strongly considered.

Responsibilities

• Assist attorneys in drafting and preparing motions on behalf of clients.
• Assist with records requests. Maintain, digest and organize client records to include school records, medical records, SUD treatment records.
• Review and organize discovery.
• Develop systems and mechanisms to effectively connect clients to services and assist with mitigation.
• Communicate with clients and witnesses under tight deadlines but consistently in a client-centered way.
• Legal research and drafting of legal memoranda for attorneys.
• Creatively work to connect clients to a variety of local and regional resources, as dictated by the needs of the clients.
• Assist the Chief and Deputy Public Defenders in identifying gaps in the local support network for court-involved indigent persons and provide support in the Public Defender’s effort to drive forward local systemic change to serve the needs of our clients.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• State Benefits
• Local Salary Supplement of $12,000.00 may be provided.
• This position qualifies for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) depending on your type of loan.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED