Paralegal

Travis County•Austin, TX

14d•Onsite

About The Position

The Travis County Public Defender's Office (PDO) is committed to providing client-centered, independent, and innovative defense representation. The PDO offers high-quality holistic defense and support services to its clients, representing both youth in Juvenile Court and adults in Criminal Court, including those with serious mental illness or intellectual/developmental disabilities. As an integral part of an interdisciplinary team, paralegals collaborate closely with attorneys to address client needs related to collateral civil proceedings that are impacted by or affect the outcome of criminal matters. Paralegals are responsible for screening, reviewing, and analyzing crucial client and case information to connect clients with resources and organizations that can help them navigate civil legal processes and maintain access to essential services and rights, such as housing, education, public benefits, healthcare, driver's or occupational licenses, and property. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position may be filled before the closing date.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Paralegal Studies, Public Administration, Business Administration or a directly related field AND two (2) years experience as a paralegal; OR, Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job.
Paralegal Certificate from a professionally recognized Paralegal/Legal Assistant program.
Resume to be attached to online application.

Nice To Haves

Cover letter detailing interest in the position, including why you want to work for the Travis County Public Defender’s Office.
Ability to interview indigent clients to assess their legal and social support needs.
Understanding of enmeshed penalties and collateral consequences triggered by criminal-legal system contact, including but not limited to, barriers to obtaining or maintaining access to public and/or disability benefits, housing, parental rights, property, education, driver’s, or occupational licenses.
Ability to fluently speak and write in Spanish.
Mission-aligned experience (work or lived) advocating on behalf of or supporting people/communities directly impacted by the criminal/immigration/indigent civil legal system.

Responsibilities

Meets with clients to obtain detailed information and records about needs as they relate to collateral civil proceedings that are impacted by or have an impact on the outcome of the criminal matter.
Maintains complete and accurate notes related to information discussed with and obtained from clients.
Reviews, screens, and analyzes case-related materials for assigned cases and provides thorough summary of client needs to other team members.
Routinely updates internal case management database to reflect ongoing activity on each assigned case, including tracking deadlines and outcomes.
Under attorney supervision, conducts basic legal research into intersection of civil and criminal law.
Investigates and identifies resources and organizations to refer clients to for assistance with and/or possible representation in collateral administrative matters.
Under supervision of and in consultation with attorneys, assists in helping clients understand administrative hearings and processes and clients’ rights related to those hearings and processes.
Responds to inquiries from counsel representing PDO clients in related collateral proceedings and, after consulting with client and assigned attorney, may provide limited information regarding status of pending criminal cases.
May select, train and supervise clerical support staff, including reviewing prepared files and documents.
Performs other job-related duties as assigned.