PARALEGAL 2026-04

About the role

The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the District of Connecticut provides legal representation to individuals charged with federal crimes who cannot afford private counsel. We handle cases from arrest through trial and appeal, including representation in the U.S. Supreme Court. Our team includes attorneys, paralegals, investigators, mitigation specialists, office administrators, and IT specialists. We aim to provide compassionate and comprehensive representation, advocating for humane sentences and client-centered approaches.

Responsibilities

• Filing pleadings and bluebooking briefs
• Learning and applying relevant filing standards for appellate and district court filings
• Performing legal research
• Assisting in case preparation
• Paper and electronic file management
• Drafting pleadings such as continuance motions, subpoenas, and orders
• Loading and organizing discovery
• Locating, collecting, compiling, and summarizing material from various sources
• Supporting attorneys and legal personnel in using technological support tools to collect, review, analyze, produce, and present case materials, including during courtroom proceedings
• Contacting clients by phone, letter, and email
• Scheduling prison calls, jail visits, and client visits for attorneys

Qualifications

• A desire and capacity to work collaboratively in a team environment
• Strong legal research and word processing skills
• Strong technological skills, including the ability to review and analyze large volumes of electronic discovery
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Computer fluency in the Microsoft Office suite of programs, including Excel and Adobe Acrobat
• High level of organizational skills to gather, maintain, and manage documents and information for assigned cases
• Knowledge of court rules, local practices, and the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure
• Ability to speak and write clearly and effectively
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret records and legal documents
• Ability to exercise good judgment in a mature and diplomatic manner
• Ability to recognize and analyze problems and recommend practical solutions
• Ability to keep confidences and protect legal privileges
• Desire to work with and on behalf of people from diverse backgrounds
• Strong commitment to providing holistic representational support to indigent persons in proceedings under federal criminal law
• Proficiency in Spanish (preferred)
• Valid driver’s license, insurance, and own/operate a personal vehicle for business purposes (mileage is reimbursable)
• Occasional travel is required, including night and weekend work

Experience/ Education

• Related work experience demonstrating high-level analytical skills

Salary and Benefits

The salary of the successful applicant will be commensurate with the person’s qualifications and experience. The starting salary for this position falls within a range under the Judicial Salary Plan from Grade 11 at $84,260 to Grade 14 at $148,222. The position offers federal employment benefits, including paid vacation, paid sick time, paid holidays, health insurance, life insurance, retirement plan, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (401k). Teleworking is available, consistent with office policy, court obligations, and position duties.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, email a single PDF containing a cover letter, resume, three references, and a writing sample of no more than 5 pages to CTX_Hiring@fd.org. Please include the job announcement number in the subject line of the email. We especially encourage applications from members of the BIPOC community, people affected by the criminal legal system, and people from other underrepresented and historically marginalized groups. We are interested in applicants’ talent, intelligence, dedication, and desire to see that all people are treated fairly and respectfully, no matter the allegation or circumstance.

The Federal Public Defender for the District of Connecticut is an equal opportunity employer.