Lower Felony Paralegal Team Lead - Internal Applicants Only

Full Job Description

***INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY***

Agency 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.

Job Summary

Position is responsible for providing leadership, training, and mentoring to the paralegals in the division to which they are assigned while also providing effective assistance to attorneys representing indigent persons.

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The City of Indianapolis Marion County is an equal opportunity employer.

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.

Requirements

• Provides training and guidance to all paralegals in the division, mentoring new paralegals through their training period
• Responds to questions and provides assistance with workload as necessary
• Aids in assignment and maintenance of cases 
• Interviews clients and answers basic questions
• May be required to visit clients in jail
• Answers and places phone calls when directed
• Drafts and files legal documents, including but not limited to subpoenas, appearances, and other motions at the when directed
• Creates and maintains electronic files on the agency’s database system 
• Creates and maintains case files, and close files at end of case
• Provides assistance in preparing clients for court hearings or trial
• Aids in securing documents and witnesses for deposition and trial, including certified copies of documents, pictures, reports, photographs through the appropriate channels
• Provides assistance to other paralegal staff in processing case data for hearing or trial
• May assist deputy public defenders in court by taking notes, assisting with client family members, and providing basic information at the direction of the attorneys
• Confers with attorneys to discuss work processes, plans or actions to be taken
• Follows up on case assignments and identify any further action in a timely manner to receive guidance and instruction
• 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

Minimum Job Requirements and 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 while dealing with unexpected situations and deadlines.

A valid driver's license and dependable transportation is required.

Preferred Job Requirements and Qualifications

Associate’s Degree in Paralegal or a certificate in Paralegal Studies with four (4) years’ experience as a paralegal is preferred. Familiarity with research techniques or law enforcement is also a plus. Includes minimum requirements.