Paralegal - Richmond

Virginia Information Technologies Agency • Richmond, VA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Virginia Defenders- Indigent Defense Commission is seeking to fill the Paralegal position with a candidate who will serve our mission of protecting and defending the rights and dignity of our clients through zealous, compassionate, high-quality legal advocacy. The IDC’s Richmond Public Defender Office has an opening for a Paralegal who is committed to advocating on behalf of indigent clients and who is committed to our mission of protecting and defending the rights and dignity of our clients through zealous, compassionate, high-quality legal advocacy. The Paralegal will provide support for attorneys, investigators, and mitigation specialists in the Public Defender’s Office. The paralegal reports to the Chief Public Defender of the Richmond office and is employed at-will. In addition to the listed salary, a local salary supplement of $12,000.00 may be provided. This supplement is discretionary, subject to annual approval by the City of Richmond, and does not impact retirement benefits.

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.
• This office is committed to a core set of values in how we approach our team environment, as well as our client representation: respect, teamwork and trust, zealous trial lawyering, courage, and passion. The qualified applicant will demonstrate a commitment to these values.
• 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.

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