About the Colorado State Public Defender
Colorado’s Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD) maintains a reputation as one of the top organizations in the nation specializing in the delivery of indigent criminal defense. We operate as an independent agency within the Judicial Branch of Colorado State Government with nearly 1,000 dedicated employees assigned to twenty-one Regional Trial Offices, a centralized Appellate Division, and a centralized Administrative Office. The mission of OSPD is to defend and protect the rights, liberties and dignity of those accused of crimes who cannot afford to retain counsel. We do so by providing constitutionally and statutorily mandated representation that is effective, zealous, inspired and compassionate. We seek to hire professionals who are dedicated to furthering our mission and demonstrate compassion in their service to our clients. We are a fast paced, team-oriented environment, where self-motivation and a personal commitment to high performance are important attributes for success.
Job Description
We are seeking to hire one or more paralegals for our appellate division, which represents clients in the Colorado Court of Appeals and Colorado Supreme Court.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
- Under the attorney’s direction and review, draft routine and standard motions, briefs and legal memoranda. Proofread and edit motions prepared by attorneys. File pleadings and motions. For example, paralegals may help with preparing and filing notices of appeal, reviewing appellate records for completeness and preparing motions to supplement the record, and/or preparing draft motions for sentence reconsideration.
- Keep attorneys and defense teams updated as new information is added to the case files.
- Request and review client records, court records, and transcripts to complete case files.
- Track and monitor case status and critical timelines on assigned cases to ensure court filings are processed in a timely way and in accordance with criminal procedures, rules, and laws. Keep attorneys and clients apprised, as appropriate.
- Manage and organize documents in spreadsheets and databases for easy reference and access by the attorneys and defense team. Convert electronic files to PDF and other formats.
- Review client charges, pleadings, and court orders and research legal issues as requested by the attorney such as: searching and reviewing statutes, case law, and legal articles for legal precedent, mitigation, and sentencing considerations. May assist attorneys in identifying potential conflicts of interest.
- Draft and respond to correspondence from clients, client family members, and representatives from collateral agencies, to obtain and exchange pertinent information in accordance with policy and procedure.
- Perform a variety of administrative tasks as needed to support the defense team and client, which requires the processing of forms, documents, and transactions in accordance with office policy and procedure.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements
Education and Qualifications:
- Paralegal certificate from an ABA approved paralegal studies program or accredited institutionOR
- Two year of a combination of education, training or experience performing legal support functions such as organizing and preparing large legal case files for review by an attorney or presentation in court; legal research; preparing drafts of legal documents; and, compiling and analyzing records and data from legal sources
Preferred Qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies or related field
- Strong legal writing skills
- Experience in a criminal justice or criminal defense environment
- Experience working with indigent populations
- Spanish fluency
Knowledge:
- English language, grammar and punctuation
- Basic understanding of legal terminology
- General understanding of court and legal processes
Skills:
- Strong client service focus
- High degree of professionalism, discretion and confidentiality
- Strong attention to detail
- Research skills
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Ability to learn and apply relevant criminal procedures, rules and laws
- Ability to complete tasks and assignments with frequent interruptions
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Ability to establish positive and respectful working relationships with clients, client families and persons of diverse backgrounds
- Ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships with members of the Public Defense system, court personnel, witnesses, and representatives of collateral agencies
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
- Proficiency in standard software applications such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power-Point), internet browsers, and e-mail
- Ability to learn and utilize Adobe Acrobat and audio/visual software and equipment
- Ability to process and organize large amounts of information
Position Pages
Learn more about this role beyond the specific opening, including typical responsibilities, training, and how the position supports our clients and offices across Colorado.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must apply through the Colorado State Public Defender’s online application system.
You will be taken to our official application system (UKG Ready) to submit your application. Applicants may be prompted to create an account.
Cover letter is required. Please upload your cover letter and resume as one combined document. Failure to do so may result in immediate disqualification or the rejection of the application.
Apply for the Paralegal – Appellate Position (opens in a new tab)
Benefits of Working for the OSPD
- Medical Insurance
- Basic Vision Insurance – included with medical plans
- Dental Insurance
- State Paid Life Insurance
- State Paid Short-Term Disability
- FSA – Healthcare and Dependent Care
- HSA Plan with Employer Contribution
- Generous Paid Time Off & Sick Leave
- Flexible Schedules
- 11 paid holidays
- Access to Mental Health and Well-Being Resources
- Colorado PERA
- 401(k) and 457 Supplemental Retirement Plans
For more information on benefits please visit https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-of-colorado-employee-benefits. For additional information on PERA visit www.copera.org.
Summary
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
JOB APPLICATION FAIRNESS ACT
Resumes must include dates of employment but, you may redact or remove any information that will identify your age, date of birth or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
STATEMENT OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION & BELONGING:
OSPD is committed to maintaining a workplace where everyone feels respected, accepted, and valued. With this in mind, we strive to create an inclusive workplace that embraces different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives. We will continuously review our company policies and hiring practices to foster a fair and equitable work culture.
NON-DISCRIMINATION
The Office of the Colorado State Public Defender provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, marital status, or other protected status, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.
Consistent with this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including the application and selection process.
If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation, please contact us at ADARequest@coloradodefenders.us.