Paralegal

About Colorado State Public Defender (OSPD)

The Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD) of Colorado is nationally recognized for providing indigent criminal defense services. Operating within the Judicial Branch as an independent agency, OSPD employs nearly 1,000 staff across 21 Regional Trial Offices, an Appellate Division, and an Administrative Office. Its mission is to zealously and compassionately defend the rights and dignity of those accused of crimes who cannot afford private counsel. The organization values professionals committed to its mission working in a fast-paced, collaborative setting.

Position Overview

The Paralegal role represents the initial tier within the classification series. Employees learn to apply criminal laws, procedures, and rules, assisting with litigation requirements under the close supervision of defense attorneys. Paralegals play an essential role on defense teams, adhering strictly to professional conduct standards and client confidentiality obligations.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage discovery materials, converting files to accessible formats like PDFs, and organizing trial notebooks with indexes and bookmarks to support attorneys.
• Review and summarize discovery documents, witness interviews, and videos; arrange for transcripts; identify significant case details; and liaise with clients regarding discovery.
• Examine client charges, pleadings, and court orders; conduct relevant legal research on statutes, case law, and sentencing precedents; and assist with conflict of interest checks.
• Conduct case-related information searches including media and news to assist defense preparation.
• Keep defense teams informed of new case developments.
• Draft routine legal documents and motions under attorney supervision, proofread filings, redraft documents, and manage court submissions.
• Support appellate processes by preparing or reviewing appellate packets and coordinating materials to meet filing deadlines.
• Monitor case statuses and deadlines to ensure compliance with criminal rules; update attorneys and clients appropriately.
• Assist attorneys during hearings and trials with tasks such as jury selection support, witness and exhibit tracking, client interactions, note taking, evidence presentation, and technical setup.
• Draft and respond to correspondence with clients, families, and collateral agencies.
• Perform administrative duties compliant with office policies to facilitate defense team operations.
• Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in all duties.
• Undertake additional tasks as assigned.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance
• State-paid Life Insurance and Short-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare and Dependent Care)
• Health Savings Account with employer contributions
• Generous Paid Time Off and Sick Leave
• Flexible scheduling options
• Eleven paid holidays annually
• Access to Mental Health and Wellness Resources
• Membership in Colorado Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA)
• 401(k) and 457 Supplemental Retirement Plans available

Additional Information

This position is based in Grand Junction, Colorado, and requires onsite work. Paralegals must observe the Colorado Rules of Professional Conduct and uphold client confidentiality standards.