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 recruiting to fill a Paralegal position Colorado State Public Defender’s regional trial offices. This classification describes the first level within the series wherein employees learn and apply criminal procedures, rules and laws guiding legal practice in criminal defense; and, apply the principles and practices of a paralegal nature to support and assist with a variety of litigation needs. Positions perform duties and assume responsibility for supporting divisions, units, cases and clients under the specific direction, instruction and guidance of a defense attorney. Public Defender paralegals serve as part of the defense team, and as such, are bound by the Colorado Rules of Professional Conduct including rules regarding the attorney-client privilege and client confidentiality.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
- Manages and organizes discovery. Converts electronic files to PDF and other formats. Builds trial notebooks, creates digital bookmarks and indexes for easy reference and access by the attorneys and defense team. Creates spreadsheets to manage and organize case records and information including, but not limited to, discovery, witnesses, evidence and exhibits.
- Reviews and summarizes discovery, videos, and witness interviews. Orders transcripts. Identifies matters of significance and brings to the attention of the defense team. Reviews discovery with the client. Requests and reviews client records, court records and transcripts to complete case files.
- Reviews client charges, pleadings, and court orders and researches 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.
- Searches case-related information as requested by the attorney such as, trending media, news publications, and anything referencing the case, client, codefendants or witnesses that may assist in the preparation of the case, hearing, trial, juror selection or defense strategies.
- Keeps attorneys and defense teams updated as new information is added to the case files.
- Under the attorney’s direction and review, drafts routine and standard motions, briefs and legal memoranda. Proofreads and edits motions prepared by attorneys. Files pleadings and motions. Redacts documents.
- Paralegals in the trial offices may prepare appellate packets and coordinate with the Appellate office to ensure timely provision of materials. Paralegals in Appellate, review appellate packets and communicate with the trial offices and other counsel about additional materials needed to timely file Notices of Appeal or complete the record.
- Tracks and monitors case status and critical timelines on assigned cases to ensure court filings are processed in accordance with established criminal procedures, rules and laws. Keeps attorneys and clients apprised, as appropriate.
- Provides support for hearings or trials as requested by the attorney including, but not limited to, jury selection; tracking of witnesses; tracking of exhibits; client communication; note taking and documentation of events; coordination of trial materials; and, providing technical assistance with audio/visual platforms for evidence and develops Power-Point presentations.
- Drafts and responds to correspondence from clients, client family members, and representatives from collateral agencies, to obtain and exchange pertinent information in accordance with policy and procedure.
- Performs 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 State Office policy and procedure.
- Performs all duties to ensure compliance with applicable laws and practices to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Paralegal certificate from an ABA approved paralegal studies program or accredited institution
-OR-
- Two years of a combination of training and 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, may substitute for the required education. Equivalent education, training, or experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to perform at this level may substitute for the stated minimum qualifications.
Preferred Qualifications):
- Bilingual Spanish Speaker
Skills (position requirements at entry):
- 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
- Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Ability to process and organize large amounts of information
Physical Requirements
Employees must be able to meet the physical demands of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Involves sitting most of the time, but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Requires talking, hearing, seeing, and using electronic devices such as computers.
- Occasionally required to stoop and kneel;
- Ability to sit for extended periods of time;
- Talking and hearing;
- Reaching with hands and arms, using hands and fingers.
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.
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.