Paralegal

Position Summary

The Marion County Public Defender Agency provides legal representation for Marion County citizens who cannot afford to hire their own lawyer in matters involving liberty interests, including criminal cases. Our services are provided as a public service. We work with the felony, misdemeanor, Title IV D, civil commitment, and juvenile courts. We also work on cases related to termination of parental rights as well as appeals. Our agency also offers education, services, and programs focused on different ways to serve jail sentences. The agency is able to do this by cultivating a productive, collaborative, and compliant work environment in order for our workforce to meet the needs of the constituents of Indianapolis and Marion County.

Position is responsible for performing a variety of general clerical and office support functions to facilitate legal proceedings and streamline administrative processes in cases where the client has been charged with Non- Major Felony Crime. Position requires the knowledge of established policies and procedures, which controls most of the incumbent(s) actions. Independent judgment may be utilized as long as it is performed at the request of the supervising attorney. Position reports to Administrator, Administrative Services.

All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. We value diversity in perspectives and experiences among colleagues and the residents of this city of whom we serve.

Position Responsibilities

• Interviews clients, gathering contact information and information on their case.
• Answers and places phone calls at the attorneys’ directives.
• Maintains case assignments for attorneys for commission standards.
• May be point of contact between client and attorney. Relays information to and from attorney to client.
• Explain the process of the client's court procedures.
• Request for Social Workers, Investigators, Interpreters, and others specialized assistance for case prep.
• May be required to visit clients in office or ADC.
• Drafts and files legal documents, including but not limited to subpoenas, appearances, and other motions at the direction of the attorneys.
• Work up pleadings at the direction of attorney.
• Creates and maintains client files (Quest, PDIS, and OneNote) from initial hearing to disposition of case
• Aids in securing documents for deposition and trial, including certified copies of documents, pictures, audio records, 911 calls, CAD reports and other miscellaneous reports.
• Provides back up assistance to other paralegal staff in day-to-day duties.
• Assist attorney in court by taking notes, assisting with client family members, and providing basic information at the direction of the attorneys
• Operates a variety of general office equipment, including computer, copy machine and fax
• Must maintain confidentiality at all times
• This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management may deem necessary from time to time
  
  

Qualifications

High School Diploma or equivalent is required. Must be well-organized and work well under pressure. Requires excellent oral and writing skills. Must possess typing and computer skills. Knowledge of legal terminology, court procedure and legal ethics required to perform services for agency. Ability to communicate effectively with other employees, clients and the general public in a professional, courteous, and concise manner required. Must have the ability to interact with people in varying positions and from different walks of life and a strong desire to collaborate with the indigent community, and a willingness to work under pressure and prioritized duties while dealing with unexpected situations and deadlines.

Preferred Job Requirements And Qualifications

Associate Degree, or certificate in Paralegal Studies with one (2) year experience as a paralegal is preferred. Familiarity with research techniques or law enforcement is also a plus.