Criminal Defense Paralegal

Position Overview: Halbach|Szwarc Law Firm is seeking a highly organized Paralegal to support our criminal defense team across a diverse, fast-paced practice. This role focuses on high-level paralegal support in criminal defense: managing documents, organizing matters, coordinating workflow, preparing evidence and court filings, communicating with clients on routine matters, maintaining deadlines, and ensuring smooth day-to-day case progression.

This position is ideal for someone who is proactive, detail-oriented, comfortable managing many moving parts, and skilled at supporting attorneys who handle a variety of cases.

Responsibilities:

Litigation Document Preparation & Drafting

• Draft, revise, and prepare documents, including: discovery requests and responses; subpoenas, witness lists, and exhibit lists; initial drafts of motions (suppression, bond, dismissal), briefs, and other pleadings under attorney direction.
• Compile and format exhibits, attachments, and supporting materials for filing.
• Proofread documents and correspondence for accuracy, clarity, and consistency.

Case File Management & Workflow Coordination

• Maintain organized digital case files in Clio, ensuring police reports, body camera footage, discovery, attorney notes, and client communications are uploaded and labeled accurately.
• Track criminal case deadlines, court appearances, bond conditions, status hearings, sentencing dates, and statutory time requirements.
• Coordinate logistics for interviews, attorney-client meetings, hearings, and trial preparation.
• Prepare organized binders, exhibit sets, motion packets, and working files for attorneys.

Client Communication

• Communicate with clients regarding routine updates, scheduling, information gathering, and procedural expectations (such as court appearance requirements or compliance obligations).
• Manage day-to-day client inquiries and escalate legal questions or substantive concerns to the appropriate attorney.
• Assist attorneys in preparing clients for hearings, pretrial conferences, meetings with prosecutors, and trial-related proceedings.

Court Filings & Administrative Processing

• Prepare and file documents in state and federal criminal courts in accordance with procedural rules and deadlines.
• Coordinate service and distribution of filings to prosecutors, law enforcement agencies, and other relevant parties.
• Assist with administrative tasks such as obtaining records, requesting discovery, and preparing agency filings (e.g., expungements or administrative license issues).

Attorney Support & Daily Workflow Coordination

• Support multiple criminal defense attorneys by managing case calendars, reminders, and time-sensitive action items.
• Prepare materials and case summaries ahead of hearings, negotiations, interviews, and trial preparation sessions.
• Monitor case progress, identify missing items, and ensure next steps are documented and followed through.

Research & General Criminal Defense Support

• Conduct limited factual, procedural, or sentencing-guideline research under attorney supervision.
• Assist with trial preparation, including jury instructions, voir dire materials, witness coordination, and exhibit organization.
• Collaborate with paralegals and support staff across the firm to maintain consistent workflows and share best practices.

Qualifications:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree, Paralegal Certificate from an ABA-approved program, or equivalent law firm experience.
• 3 years of paralegal experience, preferably in criminal defense
• Strong drafting, proofreading, and document management skills.
• Experience supporting defense attorneys with scheduling, organization, and workflow coordination.
• Excellent communication and client-service skills.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and operate effectively in a hybrid environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with Clio or similar tools preferred.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with attorneys, associates, and staff.

Attitude, Energy, and Effort:

• Approach all responsibilities with professionalism and sound judgment, recognizing the importance of supporting a partner’s active and varied practice.
• Bring pride and precision to every task, knowing that accuracy and organization directly influence client experience and attorney efficiency.
• Maintain steady and reliable energy in fast-paced workflows, anticipate needs, and follow through without repeated reminders.
• Demonstrate respect for colleagues, clients, and the attorney team through timely communication, thoughtful coordination, and consistent high-quality work.
• Stay open to feedback and commit to continuous improvement, responding with maturity, accountability, and a solutions-focused mindset.
• Uphold confidentiality, discretion, and professionalism in all interactions, especially when handling sensitive information or competing priorities.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Unlimited PTO.
• 13 paid holidays.
• 100% firm-paid health insurance.
• 100% firm-paid vision insurance.
• Monthly technology stipend with firm-provided remote technology solutions.
• Bonus eligibility based on performance.
• Competitive 401(k) and profit sharing.
• Paid continuing education or skills-development opportunities.
• Collaborative and positive work environment.

Pay: From $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Free parking
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $60,000