Paralegal

Maricopa County • Phoenix, AZ

37d • Hybrid

About The Position

Tired of work monotony? Do you thrive in an environment where no day is the same? Do you enjoy working on a team with a common goal? If this describes you, apply now to become a Paralegal with the Maricopa County Public Defender’s Office! Paralegals play a crucial role in maintaining a top-notch representation of our clients by working on all aspects of the defense case, from indictment to sentencing!

Requirements

• Associate’s degree in paralegal studies or legal assistance
• Two years of experience as a paralegal, legal assistant, or work involving legal procedures, terminology, or administration OR Associate's in an unrelated field + Certificate in Paralegal Studies – 2 years of experience needed
• Bachelor’s or higher in paralegal studies, legal assistance, or legal studies – no experience needed
• Bachelor’s or higher in an unrelated field + an Associate or Certification in paralegal studies – no experience needed

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in the criminal justice office

Responsibilities

• Collect, analyze, organize, investigate, and summarize discovery or other materials
• Assist attorneys with preparation for various types of legal proceedings, including but not limited to creating trial notebooks, witness files, trial exhibits, and charts/indices
• Develop and secure discovery, evidence, and other documentation
• Perform specifically delegated substantive legal work for which an attorney is responsible
• Assist attorneys in the development of defense strategies and case theories
• Assist attorneys in jury selection and trial proceedings
• Maintain contact with clients (in and out of custody), clients’ families, or other pertinent individuals regarding legal process, case status, and/or other related information
• Gather, review, and verify case documentation, including making recommendations for further analysis
• Research and retain expert witnesses; provide recommendations on experts based on case facts
• Interview witnesses regarding facts as needed in defense of cases
• Interact with attorneys, management, co-workers, other agencies, and interested parties
• Prepare routine to moderately complex legal or other documents
• Utilize technological software to aid in file management, case synopsis, and presentations in courtroom proceedings
• Perform work in a high-volume, fast-paced, stressful environment
• Maintain current knowledge of statutes, case law, and legal procedures to ensure compliance with court procedures
• Research legal or factual issues and provide findings to attorneys
• Maintain case files and case logs
• Attend legal seminars, training classes, and position-oriented meetings on- and off-site
• Travel to and from court locations, government facilities, and other job-related locations as necessary, which may include periodic travel outside of Maricopa County, subject to County policies regarding vehicle use

Benefits

• Tuition reimbursement
• Exceptional work-life balance, with hybrid or alternative work schedule options
• Opportunities for growth and development within Maricopa County
• Low-cost, high-value healthcare for you and your qualifying dependents
• Child care benefits, including access to our on-site center Maricopa County Kids Club , dedicated to serving Maricopa County families
• Paid vacation, sick time, and parental leave
• Extensive wellness program, including an incentive
• Enrollment in the Arizona State Retirement System, a defined retirement benefit requiring a 12% per paycheck contribution rate that includes a 100% employer match on Day 1

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree