Criminal Defense and Estate Planning Paralegal
Position Overview
A growing Colorado Springs law firm is seeking a full-time paralegal to support its criminal defense and estate planning practices.
This position is well suited for a paralegal with approximately one to three years of legal experience who is organized, dependable, detail-oriented, and interested in developing meaningful responsibility within a professional law firm. The successful candidate will assist attorneys with criminal case management, client communication, discovery, court filings, calendaring, and the preparation of estate planning documents.
We are looking for someone who takes pride in doing careful work, follows through on commitments, treats clients and coworkers with respect, and remains composed when managing competing priorities.
Compensation
$43,000–$55,000 annually, equivalent to approximately $20.67–$26.44 per hour, depending on relevant experience, qualifications, and demonstrated ability.
Primary Responsibilities
Criminal Defense
- Assist attorneys with the management of misdemeanor and felony criminal matters.
- Maintain organized and accurate electronic client files.
- Obtain, organize, review, and summarize discovery, including police reports, photographs, recordings, and body-worn camera footage.
- Prepare routine pleadings, notices, subpoenas, correspondence, and other case-related documents under attorney supervision.
- Monitor court dates, filing deadlines, discovery obligations, and other important case deadlines.
- Communicate professionally and compassionately with clients regarding case status, upcoming court appearances, documentation, and attorney requests.
- Coordinate with courts, prosecutors’ offices, law-enforcement agencies, treatment providers, expert witnesses, and other professionals.
- Assist attorneys with hearing and trial preparation.
- Help ensure that attorneys have complete and organized materials before court appearances, client meetings, and deadlines.
Estate Planning (We can train for Estate Planning--experience in Estate Planning is not a requirement.)
- Assist with the preparation of wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advance medical directives, deeds, and related estate planning documents.
- Gather and organize information concerning clients’ families, assets, beneficiaries, and planning objectives.
- Prepare draft documents using firm templates and attorney instructions.
- Communicate with clients regarding questionnaires, document collection, signing appointments, and follow-up matters.
- Assemble estate planning binders and final document packages.
- Assist with execution ceremonies and ensure that completed documents are properly organized, scanned, and stored.
- Support attorneys in maintaining accurate and efficient estate planning workflows.
General Firm Responsibilities
- Provide timely and accurate updates to attorneys and other team members.
- Participate in team meetings and contribute to improvements in firm procedures and client service.
- Maintain strict confidentiality regarding client and firm information.
- Accurately record time and complete administrative requirements.
- Assist with other legal and administrative duties as reasonably assigned.
Required Qualifications
- One to three years of experience in a law firm, public defender’s office, or comparable legal environment.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple deadlines and assignments without losing attention to detail.
- Professional written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to communicate respectfully with clients who may be experiencing stress, uncertainty, grief, or significant legal consequences.
- Sound judgment and the ability to recognize when a matter should be brought promptly to an attorney’s attention.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Outlook, Adobe Acrobat, and electronic file-management systems.
- Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a team.
- Commitment to confidentiality, accuracy, professionalism, and ethical conduct.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior criminal defense, prosecution, or criminal litigation experience.
- Experience reviewing and organizing criminal discovery.
- Familiarity with Colorado state courts and electronic filing systems.
- Experience preparing estate planning documents.
- Paralegal certificate, associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or comparable combination of education and legal experience.
- Experience with legal practice-management or document-automation software.
Professional Expectations
The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate the following qualities:
Integrity. We expect honesty, sound judgment, confidentiality, and a commitment to doing the right thing even when no one is watching.
Accountability. Team members are expected to take ownership of their responsibilities, communicate when problems arise, and follow assignments through to completion.
Client Service. Our clients often contact the firm during difficult periods in their lives. We believe they should be treated with patience, dignity, professionalism, and respect.
Excellence. We value accurate, thoughtful, and timely work. We do not expect perfection, but we do expect attention to detail, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to continued improvement.
Teamwork. We work collaboratively and expect team members to communicate openly, support one another, and contribute to a professional and respectful workplace.
Practical Problem-Solving. We value employees who identify issues, think ahead, and help develop workable solutions rather than simply passing problems to someone else.
Work Environment
This is a full-time, in-office position in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Regular and reliable attendance is required. The position involves frequent computer work, telephone and email communication, document preparation, and interaction with attorneys, clients, courts, and outside professionals.
The firm maintains a professional but approachable workplace. We value employees who are dependable, responsive, willing to learn, and invested in the success of the clients, the team, and the organization.
Application Instructions
Please submit the following:
- A current résumé;
- A brief cover letter explaining your relevant experience and interest in the position; and
- Your desired compensation within the posted range.
Applications that do not include a cover letter may not receive full consideration.
Applications may be reviewed as they are received.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The firm is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, business needs, and the ability to perform the essential duties of the position. The firm does not discriminate on the basis of any status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
