Public Defense Paralegal Supervisor

King County•Seattle, WA

17h•Hybrid

About The Position

King County’s Department of Public Defense is hiring a Paralegal Supervisor in the Society of Counsel Representing Accused Persons Division (SCRAPD), who will oversee and coordinate the work of paralegal staff, ensuring compliance with legal standards and effective workflow management. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated interest in management and supervision of staff, strong conflict resolution skills, and the ability to implement and enforce policies and procedures. This role requires a deep understanding of criminal defense guidelines, legal research methods, and the ability to handle multiple priorities under pressure while supporting a diverse team. The King County Department of Public Defense represents indigent adults and children facing a loss of liberty. Our department is an independent voice that promotes fairness and equity for our clients and advocates for their objectives, interests, and dignity. DPD provides high quality legal representation to indigent clients in felonies, misdemeanors, juvenile defense, family defense (dependency cases), involuntary commitment (mental illness), and sex offender commitment proceedings. DPD advocates to reduce the harm and reach of the criminal and civil legal systems that restrict our clients’ liberty, and advances policy reforms to reduce systemic racism. We strive to create a flexible workplace culture that is inclusive, respectful, and supportive, premised on a shared anti-oppression framework.

Requirements

Hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited university, or a certification from an accredited paralegal training institution, plus three years of related experience.
Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's License, or ability to travel throughout the county in a timely manner to attend meetings and appointments.
Must be 21 years of age to enter facilities where clients may be held.
Must be able to lift 20lb
Understand the guidelines adopted by the Washington State Bar Association.
Comprehend the role and adhere to the Washington State Bar Association Rules of Professional Conduct.
Knowledge of civil and criminal law, legal terminology, court rules, and procedures.
Knowledge of legal research methods and practices.
Knowledge of effective interviewing techniques.
Knowledge of general office procedures, equipment, and administrative practices.
Ability to provide excellent customer service, including communicating with people of diverse backgrounds, who may be experiencing stress, trauma, and/or suffering from mental illness.
Demonstrate supervisory experience and the ability to effectively coach, counsel, and mentor paralegal staff.
Exhibit strong team management capabilities, including conflict resolution.
Lead and implement policies and procedures as directed by management and Human Resources.
Hold difficult conversations with supervisees, offering constructive and timely feedback.
Demonstrate professional and effective communication and listening skills.
Provide essential support in building and maintaining a strong attorney-client relationship.
Write advanced pleadings, motions, and briefs.
Ensure all work performed meets professional standards and complies with relevant statutes and county policy.
Handle multiple competing priorities, sensitive situations, and crisis effectively, functioning well under time pressure.
Accurately interpret complex legal documents, regulations, and laws.
Collaborate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Quickly adapt to new situations and work well under pressure, exercising good judgment in stressful situations.
Have regular, reliable, and predictable attendance to support timeliness and follow-through on legal items and scheduling affecting our clients.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated interest in management and supervision of staff
Strong conflict resolution skills
Ability to implement and enforce policies and procedures
Deep understanding of criminal defense guidelines
Ability to handle multiple priorities under pressure while supporting a diverse team

Responsibilities

Be available to work onsite at least three days or more a week in any of DPD’s office locations in Seattle and Kent as required
Assign and coordinate daily work activities, prioritize work, manage conflicts, and analyze workflow and standard operating procedures.
Develop, evaluate, train, mentor, and coach assigned staff.
Conduct performance evaluations and develop performance measures and standards; participate in the hiring process.
Mediate and resolve complaints related to Public Defense Paralegal services and serve as the final escalation point.
Demonstrates and practices cultural sensitivity when engaging with a diverse population.
Uses professional communication skills and demonstrates empathy with DPD’s clients many of whom suffer from trauma and/or mental illness, via the phone and in-person.
Develop and administer procedures and processes that support established guidelines and rules and regulations; ensure compliance with applicable local, state, and federal laws.
Reliably answers and returns calls, providing the DPD community with authentic support and demonstrating a willingness to assist them.
Serve as a backup for coverage as needed.
Perform other duties in support of DPD’s mission as assigned.