Paralegal Supervisor

OPD is seeking an experienced dynamic professional to help develop and lead our Paralegal Division.

The Orleans Public Defenders Office provides holistic community-based representation in New Orleans. We represent thousands of people each year utilizing a client-centered team model that puts the client first and takes a 360-degree approach to our advocacy and representation. We recognize our clients are unique individuals and work to address their needs both in the court and out. Our diverse staff includes adult and juvenile attorneys; social workers; client youth and parent advocates; investigators and administratorsall working together for equal justice for our clients their families our community and a better New short we protect innocence defend the Constitution demand justice and hold power accountable.

WHAT YOULL DO:

Under the supervision of a Deputy Chief Defender the Paralegal Supervisor will develop protocols and paralegal practice for our office. This role offers the opportunity to build and oversee our newly formed Paralegal Division by hiring training and supervising paralegals and other attorney support staff. The division will support attorneys zealous representation of clients by organizing case information and discovery subpoenaing witnesses and documents preparing documents for court appearances and trials and providing other critical case support.

More specifically the Paralegal Supervisor duties include:

• Develop the Division: Design and implement workflows data-tracking tools and knowledge management practices to help paralegals and other attorney support staff organize case information track assignments and provide essential assistance attorneys. Establish standards for court proceeding and case documentation discovery management and filing systems that ensure accuracy and timeliness across the division.
• Hire & Train: Interview hire and onboard paralegals and supervise existing paralegal and attorney support staff and continue to build out the division as needed. Develop training materials procedures and quality-assurance systems for the division that prepares support staff to handle tasks including case management discovery review subpoenaing witnesses preparing motions and assisting with trial preparation. Train paralegals to understand and apply relevant Louisiana criminal law discovery obligations filing practices and case preparation.
• Leadership & Management: Oversee the divisions daily work assign tasks and maintain a small caseload of your own. Provide individualized supervision tailored to different learning styles and feedback needs. Participate in division and officewide management decision-making.
• Case Coordination & Analysis: Ensure the division maintains accurate case intake case assignment case accounting and a consistent electronic and physical filing system. Review case information and ensure that paralegals can accurately digest information flag key issues and provide actionable support to attorneys throughout the life of a case. Continue to develop your own knowledge of criminal law and procedure to effectively supervise and mentor the division.
• Collaboration and Culture: Build a culture of mutual support learning and continuous improvement within the division and across the office. Encourage collaboration and professional growth while upholding OPDs client-centered mission.
• Professional Obligations: Maintain confidentiality high ethical standards and a mission-driven approach to criminal defense work. Serve as a model for paralegals in professional judgment discretion and client advocacy.
• Perform other duties or projects as assigned including occasionally attending conferences or meetings as needed to advance the division.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience & Background:7 years of professional experience in law public defense government nonprofit or relevant paralegal work including at least 3 years of supervisory or people management experience. Experience in high-volume organizations is preferred. Demonstrated commitment to working with and serving indigent clients and people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Credentials & Professional Expertise:Paralegal certificate or equivalent professional experience in complex legal casework. Additional training or certification in criminal law trial preparation or case management systems is a plus.
• Program Development:Demonstrated experience launching or scaling new programs teams or systems within a mission-driven organization. Experience designing and implementing workflows case management processes or data-tracking tools. Strong organizational project management and problem-solving skills. Experience developing training programs quality-assurance procedures or metrics to improve team efficiency is preferred.
• Communication:Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to collaborate across divisions and manage change in a complex organization.
• Legal Knowledge & Training:Deep understanding of criminal defense processes and working knowledge of or willingness to learn relevant Louisiana criminal law and procedure and to train others in these areas. Familiarity with Louisiana rules of discovery court filing procedures or trial preparation practices is highly desirable.

COMPENSATION:

• This is a full-time position.
• Salary: $63500$83500 commensurate with experience.
• OPD offers a comprehensive benefits package including generous leave (vacation sick and parental leave as well as local state and federal paid holidays) employer-paid health insurance retirement contributions available life insurance and professional development opportunities.

TO APPLY:

Qualified and interested applicants please complete the online application here and submit all of the following:

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Three professional references (with relationship description and preferred contact information)

Applications will be reviewed and interviews conducted on a rolling basis. Incomplete applications will not be considered. For questions about the hiring or application process please contact Hannah Basalone at

OPD is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. If a reasonable accommodation is needed at any time during the hiring process please contact Sharee Garnett Director of Human Resources at or .

OPD is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to race color religion creed age gender sex sexual orientation national origin disability veteran status political affiliation or genetic information.

OPDs mission is to fight for our clients by providing excellent client-centered representation reforming the system and partnering with the community. OPD is committed to representation that respects the humanity and dignity of those within the criminal legal system.