Per Diem - Part Time - Paralegal

Job Description

Position: Per Diem - Part Time - Paralegal

Department

Public Defender

Location

Erie County Public Defender's Office

Status

Per Diem

Starting Pay Rate

$21.00 Hourly

Hours Per Week

20.0

Exemption Status

Non-Exempt

Posting Date

11/04/2026

Closing Date

11/18/2026

Pay Grade

000000

Bargaining Unit

PER DIEM TEMPORARY STAFF

Posting Number

5929

Definition of Class

• The Paralegal provides substantive legal, investigative, and case management support to attorneys within the Erie County Public Defender's Office in the representation of individuals involved in criminal proceedings. This position involves assisting attorneys with all stages of case preparation, including client communication and interviews, discovery review and analysis, legal research, preparation of legal documents, investigation, trial preparation, and maintenance of case records.
• The position requires a highly organized, detail-oriented, and dependable individual capable of managing multiple assignments, exercising sound judgment, maintaining strict confidentiality, and working both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced legal environment. The Paralegal works under the supervision of licensed attorneys and does not independently provide legal advice or engage in the practice of law.

Nature of Work

• The Paralegal performs specialized legal support functions to assist attorneys within the Erie County Public Defender's Office in the effective representation of individuals charged with criminal offenses. Work primarily involves supporting Assistant Public Defenders in case preparation, discovery review and analysis, legal research, client communication, investigation, drafting legal documents, and preparation for hearings and trials.
• The Paralegal works collaboratively with assigned attorneys to organize and evaluate case materials, obtain relevant information and records, communicate with clients and witnesses, and complete tasks necessary to advance case preparation. The position may involve providing assistance to multiple Assistant Public Defenders simultaneously, with assignments and priorities determined according to the operational needs of the Office.
• The position requires the ability to manage multiple assignments, prioritize work according to attorney direction and case deadlines, and exercise initiative in completing assigned responsibilities. Work is performed under the supervision of licensed attorneys, with appropriate independence exercised in carrying out assigned tasks.
• The Paralegal does not independently make legal decisions, establish case strategy, or provide legal advice. The position is primarily dedicated to substantive legal support rather than general clerical or administrative office functions.

Duties & Responsibilities

• -Assist attorneys in the preparation, organization, and management of criminal cases at all stages of representation, including preliminary hearings, pretrial proceedings, trials, sentencing, and post-conviction matters.
• -Provide substantive legal support to multiple Assistant Public Defenders as assigned, prioritizing responsibilities based on attorney direction, case complexity, and upcoming proceedings.
• -Communicate with clients, including incarcerated individuals, to obtain relevant information, address procedural questions within the scope of the position, provide case-related updates as directed by attorneys, and facilitate attorney-client communication.
• -Conduct initial and supplemental client and witness interviews under attorney supervision, prepare interview summaries, and identify information requiring additional investigation or attorney follow-up.
• -Review, organize, summarize, and analyze discovery materials, including police reports, witness statements, photographs, audio and video recordings, forensic reports, medical records, and other evidentiary materials.
• -Assist attorneys in identifying potential inconsistencies, missing information, evidentiary issues, and areas requiring further investigation or legal analysis.
• -Prepare case chronologies, factual summaries, witness summaries, discovery indexes, investigative reports, and other materials necessary for effective case preparation.
• -Conduct legal research involving statutes, court rules, case law, and other legal authorities, and prepare research summaries or memoranda for attorney review.
• -Draft correspondence, motions, petitions, subpoenas, proposed orders, and other legal documents for review and approval by the assigned attorney.
• -Assist in obtaining records, documents, recordings, and other materials from courts, law enforcement agencies, correctional facilities, medical providers, and other relevant entities through appropriate procedures.
• -Coordinate with investigators, expert witnesses, service providers, and other professionals as directed by attorneys.
• -Assist attorneys in preparing for hearings and trials, including assembling trial binders, preparing exhibit and witness lists, organizing exhibits, coordinating witnesses, and preparing demonstrative or presentation materials.
• -Attend court proceedings, client meetings, and other case-related activities when requested to provide organizational, logistical, or other appropriate support to attorneys.
• -Assist with the preparation, filing, and service of legal pleadings and other documents in accordance with applicable court rules and established office procedures.
• -Maintain accurate and current case information, records, and related documentation within the Office's case management system.
• -Track and manage assigned case preparation tasks, identify outstanding discovery or investigative needs, and communicate relevant developments, approaching deadlines, and matters requiring follow-up to the assigned attorney.
• -Coordinate with legal assistants and other office personnel to facilitate efficient case processing, document management, and communication.
• -Maintain strict confidentiality concerning client information, attorney-client communications, attorney work product, and other protected or sensitive information.
• -Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Chief Public Defender or designated supervisory personnel.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• -Knowledge of, or ability to acquire knowledge of, legal terminology, criminal law, court procedures, and the general principles of criminal case preparation and litigation.
• -Knowledge of legal research methods and the ability to locate, review, interpret, and summarize statutes, court rules, judicial decisions, and other legal authorities.
• -Ability to review, organize, analyze, and summarize substantial volumes of documentary, electronic, audiovisual, and other evidentiary materials.
• -Strong written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear, accurate, and professionally formatted correspondence, reports, legal documents, and case summaries.
• -Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact effectively and respectfully with clients, attorneys, court personnel, witnesses, and individuals from diverse cultural, educational, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• -Ability to communicate professionally and compassionately with individuals experiencing incarceration, mental health challenges, substance use disorders, or other difficult personal circumstances.
• -Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple assignments, competing priorities, and time-sensitive deadlines.
• -Ability to exercise initiative, sound judgment, discretion, and independent problem-solving skills while recognizing matters requiring attorney review or direction.
• -Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Outlook, Excel, and other commonly used office software.
• -Ability to learn and effectively utilize electronic case management systems, court docketing systems, electronic filing platforms, and digital evidence management tools.
• -Familiarity with legal research databases and resources, or the ability to develop proficiency in their use.
• -Ability to operate standard office equipment, including computers, scanners, copiers, and printers.
• -Understanding of professional confidentiality requirements, attorney-client privilege, attorney work-product protections, and ethical limitations applicable to non-attorney legal personnel.
• -Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative legal team.
• -Ability to maintain professionalism, composure, and appropriate boundaries when interacting with difficult, distressed, or emotionally charged individuals.
• -Ability to follow established policies and procedures, accept supervisory direction, and adapt to changes in office operations and case assignments.
• The above statements describe the general nature and principal responsibilities of the position and are not intended to constitute an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position.

Minimum Requirements

• Associate's degree in paralegal studies, legal studies, criminal justice, or a closely related field; or an equivalent combination of relevant education, training, and professional experience.
• Working proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Outlook, and Excel, and the ability to learn electronic case management and court filing systems.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, professionally, and respectfully, both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrated organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and maintain appropriate professional and ethical standards.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, follow supervisory instructions, and exercise appropriate judgment in completing assigned responsibilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• -Bachelor's degree in paralegal studies, legal studies, criminal justice, or a related field, or completion of a recognized paralegal certificate program.
• -Previous experience working as a paralegal or in a legal, criminal defense, public defense, prosecution, court, or criminal justice setting.
• -Familiarity with Pennsylvania criminal law, the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure, and the structure and operations of Pennsylvania's criminal court system.
• -Experience conducting legal research, preparing legal documents, reviewing discovery, or assisting with criminal litigation and trial preparation.
• -Experience utilizing legal case management software, electronic court filing systems, Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System docketing resources, or legal research platforms.
• -Experience reviewing and organizing digital evidence, including body-worn camera footage, recorded interviews, surveillance video, and other electronic discovery materials.
• -Experience working with incarcerated individuals, indigent populations, or individuals facing significant legal, social, or personal challenges.
• -Strong interest in criminal defense, constitutional rights, and the mission of providing effective legal representation to individuals who cannot afford private counsel.

Supervision Received

• The Paralegal works under the general administrative supervision of the Chief Public Defender or designated supervisory attorney. Day-to-day work assignments, case preparation responsibilities, and substantive legal direction are provided by the Assistant Public Defenders to whom the Paralegal is assigned.
• The Paralegal is expected to exercise initiative, sound judgment, and appropriate independence in completing assigned responsibilities while remaining subject to attorney supervision concerning legal analysis, litigation strategy, and other matters requiring the professional judgment of a licensed attorney.
• The position does not ordinarily involve supervision of other employees or responsibility for the general administrative management of the Office.

Conditions Of Employment

• -Successful completion of all applicable Erie County pre-employment screening, verification, and hiring requirements.
• -Ability to maintain the confidentiality of privileged, protected, and sensitive information obtained in the course of employment.
• -Compliance with all applicable Erie County personnel policies, Public Defender's Office procedures, and professional and ethical standards governing legal support personnel.
• -Ability to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• -Ability to attend court proceedings, correctional facilities, and other work-related locations as necessary to fulfill assigned responsibilities.
• -Ability to maintain reliable attendance and work the established schedule, with occasional schedule adjustments as reasonably necessary to accommodate court proceedings, trials, or other case-related responsibilities.
• -Continued eligibility to perform assigned duties in accordance with applicable court, correctional facility, and governmental security requirements.

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Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Erie County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Erie County Government values the power of diversity in our workforce. Our goal is to continue developing inclusive workforce policies that require individual equality, support the diversity of employee experiences, and include unique perspectives.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.