Public Defense Paralegal (TLT/SDA)

King County (WA) - Seattle, WA

Full-time - Entry Level

Hybrid - Seattle, WA

Administration of Human Resource Programs

About the position

King County's Department of Public Defense is looking to fill one or more Public Defense Paralegal positions. Paralegals work in a fast-paced environment as part of a client-centered defense team advocating for the client's objectives. Paralegals work independently under general supervision and provide a variety of investigative and paraprofessional legal support functions under the legal and technical guidance of an attorney. The work involves considerable liaison with other agencies, jurisdictions, clients/victims/witnesses, and the public. The Paralegal is responsible for investigating facts and underlying issues and performing complex legal research. This recruitment (2025FF23722) will be used to fill Term-Limited Temporary (TLT) or Special Duty Assignment (SDA) positions, and placement may occur within any of our divisions, at either Seattle or Kent. It will also be used to create an eligibility pool to fill additional TLT or SDA vacancies the next three months. Assignments are anticipated to last for up to 24 months but have the ability to be extended or end early based on business needs.

Responsibilities

• Performs a wide range of advanced administrative duties, both in the office and remotely, and word processing of complex and/or confidential materials.
• Perform legal research on statutes and cases; gather facts, analyze data and review cases; conduct preliminary conflict of interest checks.
• Draft correspondence, pleadings, and motions.
• Prepare hearing exhibits; prepare case files and assemble trial binders.
• Process and serve legal documents/subpoenas.
• Obtain documents by subpoena and other investigation and discovery methods.
• Develop and maintain caseload and case assignment tracking systems and databases.
• Update case files in the computerized case-management system.
• Support attorney time record-keeping and assist in the submission of hours.
• Monitor progress of cases.
• Provide excellent customer service, both in the office and remotely.
• Demonstrates the ability to be onsite at the work locations at least three days a week.
• Demonstrates and practices cultural sensitivity when engaging a diverse population.
• Uses professional communication skills and demonstrates empathy with DPD's clients.
• Serve as a liaison with clients, prosecutors, probation officers, bailiffs, judges, and criminal legal agencies.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited university or a certification from an accredited paralegal training institution and three years of related experience.
• Be at least 21 years of age.
• Have a valid Washington State Driver's License or the ability to travel throughout the county in a timely manner.
• Must be able to lift/move up to 20-pounds.

Nice-to-haves

• Have lived experience involving the criminal legal system.

Benefits

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Retirement plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems.
• Transportation program and ORCA transit pass.
• 12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays.
• Generous vacation and paid sick leave.
• Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves.
• Flexible Spending Account.
• Wellness programs.
• Onsite activity centers.
• Employee Giving Program.
• Employee assistance programs.
• Flexible schedules and telecommuting options.