Paralegal - Lynchburg

DHRM•Lynchburg, VA

13h•Onsite

About The Position

The Virginia Defenders- Indigent Defense Commission (IDC) is seeking a Paralegal for its Lynchburg 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 Lynchburg office and is employed at-will. 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 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 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 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.
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 Lynchburg, 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 social services practices and procedures as well as the laws, regulations, and guidelines governing social services functions in the city of Lynchburg 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.
Candidates who are fluent in both Spanish and English will be strongly considered.

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 but consistently 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, as dictated by the needs of the client.
Assist the Chief and Deputy Public Defender 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.