Experienced Criminal Defense Paralegal - Tucson, AZ

Description: Grand Canyon Law Group is seeking an experienced, detail-oriented Criminal Defense Paralegal to support our growing Southern Arizona practice. This role is ideal for someone who understands the pace, pressure, and demands of criminal defense and has experience navigating courts throughout Southern Arizona. The successful candidate will support attorneys handling felony and misdemeanor matters in Pima, Cochise, Graham, Yuma, and La Paz counties. 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. Familiarity with the court procedures, filing practices, prosecutors’ offices, and law enforcement agencies throughout Southern Arizona 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 preparationPrioritize 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 Southern Arizona as assigned Regional Court Focus This Position Will Primarily Support Matters In: Pima CountyCochise CountyGraham CountyYuma CountyLa Paz CountyOther Southern Arizona jurisdictions as the firm’s regional practice continues to grow Candidates with experience in Pima County Superior Court, Tucson City Court, Pima County Justice Courts, or municipal, justice, and superior courts elsewhere in Southern 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 Pima County or other Southern Arizona courts strongly preferredWorking knowledge of Southern Arizona criminal court procedures, filing practices, and local agencies preferredExperience in Pima, Cochise, Graham, Yuma, or La Paz County is highly valuedExperience supporting matters across multiple Arizona counties is a plusBilingual Spanish/English candidates are strongly preferred