Paralegal - Alexandria

DHRM•Alexandria, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Virginia Defenders- Indigent Defense Commission (IDC) is seeking a Paralegal for its Alexandria Public Defender Office. This role is crucial in supporting the mission of protecting and defending the rights and dignity of indigent clients through zealous, compassionate, and high-quality legal advocacy. The Paralegal will provide essential support to attorneys, investigators, and mitigation specialists, contributing to the development of resources, client services, and systemic change within the criminal justice system.

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 perform legal research.
Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
Ability to demonstrate initiative in meeting deadlines and goals.
The ability to learn and accept constructive criticism.
Ability to respond quickly and effectively in addressing issues and questions.
Demonstrated proficiency in working with others as a member of a criminal defense team.
A commitment to the office's core 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.

Nice To Haves

Paralegal certification from an ABA-accredited program, or paralegal experience including conducting legal research.
Familiarity with service providers in and around the city of Alexandria, including those 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 social services practices and procedures as well as the laws, regulations, and guidelines governing social services functions in the city of Alexandria or a strong desire and motivation to develop that knowledge.
Strong communication skills and a well-developed ability to assess client needs in a variety of areas including treatment, housing, employment, transportation, medical services, and other areas of social need.
Fluency in both Spanish and English.

Responsibilities

Build and maintain a database of community and criminal justice system resources to access on behalf of clients.
Assist attorneys in preparing bond motions and re-entry plans on behalf of incarcerated clients.
Develop systems and mechanisms to effectively connect clients to services and assist with mitigation.
Communicate with clients and witnesses under tight deadlines in a client-centered way.
Perform legal research and drafting, including drafting legal memos for attorneys.
Creatively work to connect clients to a variety of local and regional resources based on client needs.
Assist the Chief and Deputy Public Defender in identifying gaps in the local support network for court-involved indigent persons and provide support in efforts to drive local systemic change.
Other duties as assigned.