Paralegal
State of Colorado
Posted: February 24, 2026 (1 day ago)
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State of Colorado
Office of the State Public Defender
Location
Colorado, --
Salary
$4,745 - $4,745
per month
Type
Full-Time
More Legal jobs →Closes
Base salary range: $147,649 - $221,900
Typical requirements: Executive-level leadership experience. Senior executive qualifications required.
Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).
This paralegal role in Colorado's Office of the State Public Defender involves supporting attorneys in the appellate division by drafting legal documents, managing case files, tracking deadlines, and researching laws for appeals in state courts.
It suits detail-oriented individuals who are passionate about criminal defense, work well in a fast-paced team, and are committed to helping people who can't afford lawyers.
Strong organizational skills and a dedication to compassionate service are key for success.
Colorado’s Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD) maintains a reputation as one of the top organizations in the nation specializing in the delivery of indigent criminal defense.
We operate as an independent agency within the Judicial Branch of Colorado State Government with nearly 1,000 dedicated employees assigned to twenty-one Regional Trial Offices, a centralized Appellate Division, and a centralized Administrative Office.
The mission of OSPD is to defend and protect the rights, liberties and dignity of those accused of crimes who cannot afford to retain counsel.
We do so by providing constitutionally and statutorily mandated representation that is effective, zealous, inspired and compassionate.
We seek to hire professionals who are dedicated to furthering our mission and demonstrate compassion in their service to our clients. We are a fast paced, team-oriented environment, where self-motivation and a personal commitment to high performance are important attributes for success.
Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we cannot personally respond to each submission. We will notify you by phone and/or e-mail if you are selected for an interview.
BENEFITS OF WORKING FOR OSPD:
For more information on benefits please visit https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-of-colorado-employee-benefits. For additional information on PERA visit www.copera.org.
We are seeking to hire one or more paralegals for our appellate division, which represents clients in the Colorado Court of Appeals and Colorado Supreme Court.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
·Under the attorney’s direction and review, draft routine and standard motions, briefs and legal memoranda. Proofread and edit motions prepared by attorneys. File pleadings and motions.
For example, paralegals may help with preparing and filing notices of appeal, reviewing appellate records for completeness and preparing motions to supplement the record, and/or preparing draft motions for sentence reconsideration.
·Keep attorneys and defense teams updated as new information is added to the case files.
·Request and review client records, court records, and transcripts to complete case files.
·Track and monitor case status and critical timelines on assigned cases to ensure court filings are processed in a timely way and in accordance with criminal procedures, rules, and laws. Keep attorneys and clients apprised, as appropriate.
·Manage and organize documents in spreadsheets and databases for easy reference and access by the attorneys and defense team. Convert electronic files to PDF and other formats.
·Review client charges, pleadings, and court orders and research legal issues as requested by the attorney such as: searching and reviewing statutes, case law, and legal articles for legal precedent, mitigation, and sentencing considerations.
May assist attorneys in identifying potential conflicts of interest.
·Draft and respond to correspondence from clients, client family members, and representatives from collateral agencies, to obtain and exchange pertinent information in accordance with policy and procedure.
·Perform a variety of administrative tasks as needed to support the defense team and client, which requires the processing of forms, documents, and transactions in accordance with office policy and procedure.
Perform other duties as assigned.
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