POSTCONVICTION UNIT INVESTIGATIVE PARALEGAL

Full Job Description

The ADC ensures court-appointed legal representation to individuals who cannot afford an attorney in criminal and juvenile cases when the Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD) has a conflict of interest.

The ADC employs more than 40 full-time staff and works with approximately 1,300 contractors statewide to provide constitutionally mandated representation.

The agency operates within legislative, budgetary, and policy constraints to provide holistic representation across the state.

The ADC’s Postconviction Unit, recently started in 2023, provides high-quality, holistic representation to indigent criminal clients pursuing postconviction relief where the OSPD has a conflict of interest.

The unit operates independently within the agency structure.

The PCU currently consists of the Director, the PCU Coordinator, four Staff Attorneys, one PCU Paralegal, one Investigator, and one Licensed Social Worker.

The PCU is dedicated to zealous, client-centered advocacy rooted in social justice, integrity, and equity.

Requirements

The PCU Investigative Paralegal will work on multiple cases and provide comprehensive support across a range of functions, including collecting and organizing voluminous documents, reviewing case materials, calendaring deadlines, and handling administrative tasks related to the preparation and filing of pleadings.

The role also includes assisting with investigative work, with opportunities to assume increased investigative duties over time.

This position is hybrid offering a combination of remote work and one day in the Denver office a week.

Essential job responsibilities include:

• Proofreading, editing, and filing pleadings and other documents prepared by attorneys;

• Drafting routine motions or pleadings with attorney guidance;

• Tracking and monitoring case status and critical timelines on assigned cases;

• Obtaining relevant records and documents, including copies of the court file, transcripts, exhibits, appellate documents, attorney files, discovery, Department of Corrections records, and any other relevant electronic or paper information;

• Creating spreadsheets, tables, or other organizational tools to maintain and summarize case records and information;

• Reviewing and organizing discovery, including building trial notebooks and creating indexes for easy reference and access by the team;

• Summarizing discovery, videos, and witness interviews, identifying matters of significance for the team;

• Collaborating and consulting with other team members to identify and gather evidence, investigative materials, and other information relevant to claims or defense strategies;

• Researching case-related information, such as in the news, social media, or in court or public records;

• Assisting with hearing preparation and courtroom support, including compiling hearing materials, tracking exhibits, note-taking, and providing technical assistance with audio/visual platforms;

• Tracking time and maintaining clear, timely notes in case management system; and

• Performing other duties as requested by PCU attorneys or Director.

Qualifications

Our ideal candidate will be self-motivated, team-oriented, and possess strong attention to detail and organizational skills. The PCU Investigative Paralegal will work closely with the entire interdisciplinary team to provide the best legal defense for our clients.

There’s a preference for individuals who have:

• Self-directed organizational and time-management skills with the ability to multi-task and meet short deadlines

• High level of initiative, enthusiasm, and motivation

• Empathy for the needs and histories of people with criminal records

• Familiarity with the criminal legal system and demonstrated commitment to criminal defense

• Ability to work independently and cooperatively as part of an interdisciplinary legal team

• Strong attention to detail and analytic skills

• Culturally responsive practices while serving marginalized or underrepresented populations and communities

• Understanding of the client-attorney privilege and confidentiality

• Knowledge of Colorado criminal legal terminology, rules, and statutes

• Ability and desire to work collaboratively within a team and independently

• Experience using the Colorado Courts e-filing (CCEF) system and the Colorado Criminal e-discovery (CDAC) system

• Experience using office software systems such as Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, and audio/visual software and equipment, as well as the ability to learn new programs

• Strong verbal and written communication

• Proficiency in Spanish

It is also helpful, but not necessary, to possess one of the following qualifications:

• A paralegal or legal assistant certification

• Graduation from a paralegal program and relevant work experience

• A bachelor's degree plus two years of paralegal work experience

• At least two years of law-related work experience under the supervision of an attorney

Additional Information

The Office of the Alternate Defense Counsel is an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, age, religion, social class, national origin, marital or parental status, pregnancy, disability status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or political affiliation.

We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion and an environment of representation diversity, and encourage individuals of many identities, backgrounds, and experiences to apply.

To request an accommodation, please contact Juanise Cornell at peopleadvocate@coloradoadc.com or (720) 994-2840 as soon as possible.

Any person with a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) may be provided a reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to participate in the hiring process.

The person making the request may be asked to provide additional information regarding functional limitations and the type of accommodation needed, which will be kept confidential.

Advance preparation may be required, so timely requests for accommodation are appreciated.

How to Apply:

In the online application, you must provide a resume, cover letter, writing sample, and answer several application questions. Please complete the online application at the link below by 11:59 PM, Wednesday, April 29, 2026..

https://fs2.formsite.com/OADC/g0kb2uz92w/index

Once you submit your application, you will receive an automatic email from Formsite. Please add noreply@fs2.formsite.com as a safe sender.

If you cannot find this email, please look in your spam/junk folder. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Faxed, mailed, or emailed applications will not be accepted.

The State of Colorado is committed to providing employees with a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that supports you, your health, and your family. Click here for further information about State of Colorado Employee Benefits. In addition to benefits offered by the State of Colorado, there is a gym located in the Ralph Carr Building for use by OADC employees, you will receive an RTD pass, a cell phone stipend each month, and a flexible work schedule.