Experienced Criminal Defense Paralegal - Flagstaff, AZ

Description: Grand Canyon Law Group is seeking an experienced, detail-oriented Criminal Defense Paralegal to support our growing Northern Arizona practice. This role is ideal for someone who understands the pace, pressure, and demands of criminal defense and has experience navigating courts throughout Northern Arizona. The successful candidate will support attorneys handling felony and misdemeanor matters in Coconino, Mohave, Navajo, and Apache counties. The Northern Arizona office may also support cases in Yavapai County. The ideal candidate can confidently review and summarize discovery, including body camera footage, identify missing or incomplete disclosure, maintain strong client relationships, and assist attorneys with case preparation from intake through resolution. This position requires someone who is highly organized, adaptable, proactive with follow-up, and comfortable managing significant client communication. Northern Arizona cases frequently involve multiple counties, rural communities, substantial travel distances, and different local court procedures. Familiarity with the courts, prosecutors’ offices, law enforcement agencies, and jurisdictional considerations throughout the region is highly valued. Requirements: Key Responsibilities Review, organize, and summarize criminal case discovery, including police reports, body camera footage, dash camera footage, audio recordings, photographs, laboratory results, interview recordings, and supplemental reportsIdentify missing, incomplete, or outstanding disclosure and follow up as neededDraft and prepare legal documents under attorney supervision, including:Notices of AppearanceRequests for DiscoveryMotions to CompelMotions to Modify Release ConditionsSettlement memorandaSentencing memorandaSubpoenas and records requestsOther criminal pleadings and correspondenceAssist attorneys with felony case preparation and misdemeanor case managementPrepare discovery summaries, case timelines, witness information, and case status updates for attorney reviewCommunicate with clients professionally, promptly, and compassionately by phone, email, and textBuild trust and maintain strong client relationships throughout the life of each caseMaintain accurate, organized, and current electronic case filesCalendar court dates, filing deadlines, hearings, and follow-up tasks accuratelyMonitor court dockets and case activity for assigned mattersCoordinate with attorneys, courts, prosecutors, law enforcement agencies, experts, clients, and internal team membersAssist with hearing, sentencing, and trial preparationCoordinate matters involving clients who live in rural or geographically dispersed communitiesPrioritize assignments, adapt to changing circumstances, and follow through on outstanding matters without constant oversightTrack time accurately and meet the firm’s productivity expectationsSupport criminal matters throughout Northern Arizona as assigned Regional Court Focus This Position Will Primarily Support Matters In: Coconino CountyMohave CountyNavajo CountyApache CountyOther Northern Arizona jurisdictions as the firm’s regional practice continues to grow Experience in Yavapai County is a strong plus, as the Northern Arizona office may also support matters in that region. Candidates with experience in Coconino County Superior Court, Flagstaff Municipal Court, Northern Arizona Justice Courts, or municipal, justice, and superior courts elsewhere in Northern Arizona are strongly encouraged to apply. Performance Expectations Track a minimum of six hours per workdayMeet an annual productivity goal of 1,440 hoursMaintain excellent calendaring and deadline accuracyComplete assignments with urgency, accuracy, and attention to detailCommunicate consistently with clients, attorneys, and internal team membersProactively identify missing information, approaching deadlines, and potential case issuesMaintain ownership of assigned cases and follow-up responsibilities Requirements Certificate of completion from an accredited paralegal programMinimum of two years of paralegal experience in an Arizona law firmDirect criminal defense experience requiredFelony criminal case experience requiredMisdemeanor criminal case experience preferredStrong experience reviewing and summarizing criminal discoveryAbility to identify missing or incomplete disclosure and escalate issues appropriatelyExperience drafting criminal defense pleadings and related case documentsStrong written and verbal communication skillsExceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and sound judgmentAbility to manage significant client communication with professionalism, empathy, and appropriate boundariesAbility to prioritize effectively, adapt to changing circumstances, and consistently follow upProficiency in Microsoft Office 365Experience using legal case management softwareClio experience is a plusExperience working in Coconino County or other Northern Arizona courts strongly preferredWorking knowledge of Northern Arizona criminal court procedures, filing practices, and local agencies preferredExperience in Coconino, Mohave, Navajo, or Apache County is highly valuedExperience in Yavapai County is a strong plusFamiliarity with jurisdictional considerations affecting Northern Arizona cases is preferredExperience supporting matters across multiple Arizona counties is a plusBilingual Spanish/English candidates are strongly preferred