Legal Assistant (Paralegal)

About the position

The Utah Indigent Appellate Defense Division (IADD) is seeking a temporary Legal Assistant (Paralegal) to support the Child Welfare Appellate Division. This role involves providing appellate defense services to indigent parents and families in Utah, requiring a dedicated individual with paralegal or legal experience. The position reports to the Senior Child Welfare Appellate Attorney and emphasizes client management and respect for all clients.

Responsibilities

• Draft correspondence, reports, documents, motions, proposed orders, and other written materials.
• Respond to calls and emails from clients and the courts.
• Search, retrieve, and research public and private records in accordance with applicable laws.
• Conduct interviews to gather or clarify information.
• Maintain document control, tracking, and tracing.
• Participate in legal research and draft memoranda of legal research results.
• Draft and file proposed orders and procedural motions.
• Participate in moot oral arguments with attorneys.
• Maintain the case management system.
• Participate in client visits and documentation.
• Conduct factual research and compile information obtained from investigations under the direction of an attorney or other legal assistant staff.
• Answer law-related questions and assist in updating communications with clients.
• Assist in the preparation of appellate briefs, including preparation of tables of content, cases, and authorities; cite checking case law; compiling addenda, electronic filing, and certificate of service.
• File pleadings in CARE, Xchange, and appellate courts as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree preferred in Political Science, Criminal Justice, Legal Studies, English, or equivalent experience.
• 2 to 5 years of experience as a legal assistant or paralegal is required.
• Experience with or working in a child-welfare related office preferred.
• Advanced technical writing skills.
• An active status Paralegal license or equivalent legal experience.

Nice-to-haves

• Child welfare legal experience is preferred.

Benefits

• Disability insurance
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance