Paralegal

Job Description

This is a non-merit position with the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing - Public Defender.

Do you enjoy helping others and want to make a significant impact in what you do? If yes, look no further!

The Iowa State Public Defender’s Office is seeking a highly motivated, skilled, and experienced Paralegal to assist our Special Defense Unit office located in Polk County, Iowa.

Who We Are

The mission of the Office of the State Public Defender is to ensure that all indigent persons in Iowa are provided high quality legal representation in criminal, juvenile, and other eligible proceedings in the most efficient and fiscally responsible manner.

What You’ll Do

As a Paralegal in this position, you will:

• Receive and direct phone calls from Public Defender clients, court administrative staff, and attorneys. Answer routine questions from clients and client family members concerning court dates, status of the case, explain court orders and other legal documents they have received.
• Process incoming and outgoing mail. Review and identify correspondence of a sensitive or important nature and take appropriate action.
• Calendar coordination that includes scheduling meetings and making appointments for attorneys and investigators.
• Prepare forms and correspondence of a legal nature such as letters, orders, affidavits, motions, discovery documents, briefs and other legal documentation for accuracy, grammar, spelling, and sentence structure.
• Accurately maintain legal case files, log data from court orders into case management system for the precise and effective reporting, recording, storage, retrieval and use of case data.
• Access Iowa Courts Online to verify court dates and case information.
• Proficiently use EDMS (Iowa Court’s Electronic Data Management System) to file legal documents with courts and to collect, download, and categorize electronic discovery, including audio, video, and written materials from multiple sources, to be utilized in the analysis of criminal matters.
• May assist in the preparation of drafts of findings of fact, conclusions of law and orders based on evidentiary record.
• Conduct investigations of limited scope to obtain facts; study legal precedents and prepares recommendations; attend hearings as requested.
• Perform legal research in various areas as assigned.
• Assist staff with general software functionality when requested, such as Microsoft Office suites and other Google-based systems.
• Complete other assignments at the direction of the Public Defender Supervisor.
  
  

What We’re Seeking

The successful candidate for this fast-paced position is a motivated, organized, and a detail-focused individual. Applicants should have a proven track record of completing tasks on a strict deadline, experience working with diverse populations, and work well in a team environment.

Desired Skills And Abilities Include

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Good computer skills – preference given to those with experience in Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, databases, spreadsheets, and legal case management systems.
• Customer-centric attitude and demeanor.
• Displays high standards of professional and ethical conduct.
• Good people skills – this position requires regular contact with Public Defender clients, clerks, judges, county attorneys and service providers, good people skills are necessary.
• Knowledge of legal principles and legal research methods desired.
  
  

What We Offer

When you join the SPD, you become a part of a strong team culture that is committed to serving the community. In addition to providing a respect for work-life balance, we have a competitive total compensation package for all of our full-time employees, including:

• Robust benefits, including excellent health, dental, life and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, paid holidays, and sick leave accrual.
• On the job training by dedicated, experienced professionals.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care.
• Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) Retirement Package.
• Retirement Investors Club (Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan).
• Employee Assistance Program for support when you need it most.
• Employee Discount Programs from a variety of vendors (vision, cellular, fitness, and more)
• Access to an on-site employee fitness center (6200 Park Avenue location only).
  
  

For Additional Information On Benefits Click Here .

E-Verify and Right to Work The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov .

Embark on a rewarding career dedicated to public service and make a difference with us!

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Graduation from an accredited paralegal program;

OR

Two years of full-time work experience as a paralegal or in a similar support capacity under the supervision of a practicing attorney.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description .