Legal Assistant/Paralegal

**Overview** We are a busy, hands\-on law practice seeking an experienced, organized, and dependable **Legal Assistant / Paralegal** to work directly with a solo attorney handling primarily **criminal defense matters along with civil litigation**. This is an important position in a small practice. We are looking for someone who is comfortable **wearing many hats**, taking ownership of assignments, communicating professionally with clients and courts, and helping keep cases and the office organized and moving forward. The ideal candidate is a self\-starter who does not need constant supervision, pays close attention to deadlines and details, and understands the importance of professionalism, confidentiality, and client service in a law office. Responsibilities Responsibilities will include a combination of paralegal, legal assistant, client\-service, and law\-office administrative duties, including: * Assist attorney with management of criminal defense and civil litigation files from intake through resolution * Maintain case files, calendars, court dates, deadlines, appointments, and task lists * Communicate professionally with clients, courts, clerks, prosecutors, opposing counsel, medical providers, law enforcement agencies, experts, and other third parties * Prepare and file routine pleadings, motions, correspondence, notices, subpoenas, discovery requests, and other legal documents * Assist with basic legal drafting and preparation of documents for attorney review * Assist with electronic court filings and monitor court dockets when necessary * Request, obtain, organize, and maintain medical records, billing records, police reports, discovery, investigative materials, and other case\-related documents * Organize and summarize medical records, discovery, correspondence, and case materials * Assist with discovery preparation, document production, and organization of exhibits * Maintain accurate client and matter information in the firm's case\-management system * Communicate with clients regarding appointments, upcoming court appearances, documents, case\-status information, and attorney requests * Schedule hearings, depositions, client meetings, medical appointments, expert appointments, and other case\-related events * Prepare files and materials for hearings, depositions, mediations, negotiations, and trials * Assist with time entry, client billing, invoicing, payment follow\-up, and basic account management * Scan, copy, organize, upload, download, and electronically maintain documents * Draft routine letters, emails, and client communications * Assist with new\-client intake and opening and closing files * Help maintain office procedures and administrative organization * Follow up on outstanding records, discovery, correspondence, deadlines, and other matters without requiring repeated reminders * Perform other legal and administrative duties as needed in a small law practice Qualifications We are looking for a candidate who possesses: * Prior experience as a **legal assistant, litigation assistant, paralegal, or similar law\-office professional** * Strong preference for experience in **criminal defense, criminal law, civil litigation, personal injury, or another litigation\-based practice** * Excellent organizational and time\-management skills * Strong written and verbal communication skills * Careful attention to detail * Ability to manage multiple matters, deadlines, and priorities simultaneously * Ability to communicate professionally and compassionately with clients, including clients dealing with stressful or difficult situations * Ability to work independently and recognize what needs to be done without waiting for instructions on every task * Good judgment and a strong understanding of confidentiality * Professional demeanor when dealing with courts, attorneys, clients, and outside agencies * Solid computer and technology skills * Experience with Microsoft Word, Outlook/email, PDF documents, electronic filing systems, and online court systems * Ability and willingness to learn new case\-management, billing, and legal technology * Reliable attendance and consistent follow\-through Experience with legal billing software, practice\-management software, electronic filing systems, medical\-record requests, criminal discovery, or litigation discovery is a plus. The Person Who Will Succeed in This Position Because this is a small practice, this is **not a narrowly defined position where every responsibility falls into a separate department**. The person we hire should be comfortable moving from preparing a court filing, to speaking with a client, to requesting medical records, to organizing discovery, to helping with billing—all in the same day. We value someone who: * Takes initiative * Anticipates what needs to happen next * Keeps excellent notes and follows through * Is not afraid to ask questions when necessary * Can distinguish between an issue they can handle and one that requires the attorney's attention * Treats clients professionally and respectfully * Remains calm and organized when priorities change * Takes pride in accurate, high\-quality work * Understands that in a small law office, teamwork and flexibility are essential Why This Position Is Different You will work directly with the attorney and have meaningful involvement in cases rather than being one person in a large support department. For the right person, this position offers the opportunity to become a key member of the practice, develop substantial litigation and criminal\-law experience, and take real responsibility for helping cases and clients move through the legal process. Pay: $25\.64 \- $30\.87 per hour Expected hours: 30\.0 – 40\.0 per week Benefits: * Paid time off Work Location: In person