Paralegal

About the role

The Maricopa County Public Defender’s Office seeks a Paralegal to join our dynamic team. This position plays a crucial role in ensuring our clients receive top-notch legal representation.

Responsibilities

• Collect, analyze, organize, investigate, and summarize discovery or other materials
• Aid attorneys with preparation for various types of legal proceedings
• Develop and secure discovery, evidence, and other documentation
• Absorb and execute specific legal tasks assigned by attorneys
• Assist attorneys in developing defense strategies and case theories
• Avoid and resolve conflicts between attorneys and clients
• Maintain contact with clients, their families, or other relevant individuals regarding legal processes, case statuses, and other related information
• Gather, review, and verify case documentation, including making recommendations for further analysis
• Research and retain expert witnesses; provide recommendations on experts based on case facts
• Interview witnesses regarding facts as needed in defense of cases
• Interact with attorneys, management, co-workers, other agencies, and interested parties
• Prepare routine to moderately complex legal or other documents
• Utilize technological software to aid in file management, case synopsis, and presentations in courtroom proceedings
• Maintain current knowledge of statutes, case law, and legal procedures to ensure compliance with court procedures
• Research legal or factual issues and provide findings to attorneys
• Maintain case files and case logs
• Attend legal seminars, training classes, and position-oriented meetings on- and off-site
• Travel to and from court locations, government facilities, and other job-related locations as necessary, which may include periodic travel outside of Maricopa County, subject to County policies regarding vehicle use

Requirements

• Associate’s degree in paralegal studies or legal assistance
• Two years of experience as a paralegal, legal assistant, or work involving legal procedures, terminology, or administration
• Or
• Associate's in an unrelated field + Certificate in Paralegal Studies – 2 years of experience needed
• Or
• Bachelor’s or higher in paralegal studies, legal assistance, or legal studies – no experience needed
• Or
• Bachelor’s or higher in an unrelated field + an Associate or Certification in paralegal studies – no experience needed

Qualifications

• Experience working in the criminal justice office

Skills

• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Strong attention to detail and ability to handle confidential information
• Proficiency in legal research and document preparation
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment

Benefits

• Paid vacation, sick time, and parental leave
• Extensive wellness program
• Enrollment in the Arizona State Retirement System
• Tuition reimbursement
• Child care benefits, including access to our on-site center Maricopa County Kids Club
• Opportunities for growth and development within Maricopa County
• Low-cost, high-value healthcare for you and your qualifying dependents

Pay

Anticipated hiring range: $23.40 - $27.61 hourly
Full pay range: $23.40 - $40.25 hourly
Salary offers are based on the candidate's equivalent experience and internal equity with other employees within the same job classification.

Schedule

This position offers a hybrid or alternative work schedule option.