Legal Assistant Supervisor

The Delaware Office of Defense Services (ODS) is committed to ensuring that every personregardless of income background or circumstanceis treated fairly and respectfully in the justice system. As Delawares public defender agency ODS protects constitutional rights supports individuals and families during difficult moments and works to strengthen trust and fairness across our communities.

Our mission is zealous advocacy for the people. This simple but powerful commitment guides every aspect of our work and reflects our belief that justice must be accessible humane and rooted in dignity for all Delawareans. Our work is carried out by a team of dedicated attorneys and professionals across Central Administration the Public Defenders Office and Office of Conflicts Counsel. More than 200 staff members serve Delawareans with compassion integrity and a deep belief that dignity equity and justice must be accessible to all.

Assistant Public Defenderstogether with investigators forensic social specialists mitigation specialists client advocates legal assistants and administrative staffstand beside adults and youth navigating criminal and delinquency charges. They also represent parents in abuse and neglect proceeding in the Family Court helping protect the fundamental rights of families and ensuring parents have a meaningful voice when facing life-altering decisions. Across all case types our teams connect clients with needed services challenge systemic barriers that deepen inequity and advocate for outcomes that promote healing stability and stronger communities. Through this work ODS strives to ensure that justice in Delaware is not just a principle but a lived experience for every person we serve.

Legal Assistant Supervisor

The Office of Defense Services seeks a highly motivated organized and enthusiastic Legal Assistant Supervisor/Office Manager to fill a full-time role within Sussex County Public Defenders Office. The successful applicant will be responsible for providing technical leadership guidance and training to office Legal Assistants and Legal Administrative Specialists and other support staff as required.

Job Requirements for Legal Assistant Supervisor:

Applicants must have education training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. Possession of an Associates degree (or anticipated graduation date within six months) or certificate in Paralegal Studies from an ABA or Department approved program OR Possession of a Bachelors degree or higher in Paralegal Studies Criminal Justice or a related field (or anticipated graduation date within six months).
2. Five years experience in drafting legal documents such as legal briefs or memoranda of law including presenting facts setting out and analyzing legal issues and applying legal precedents.
3. Knowledge of staff supervision acquired through course work academic training training provided through an employer or performing as a lead worker overseeing the work of others; OR supervising staff which may include planning assigning reviewing and evaluating the work of others; OR supervising through subordinate supervisors a group of professional technical and clerical employees.
4. Knowledge of facilities planning such as developing facilities management plans based on the evaluation and analysis of usage structures and other facilities.

OR

1. Possession of a Juris Doctorate degree.
   1. Three years experience in drafting legal documents and such as legal briefs or memoranda of law including presenting facts setting out and analyzing legal issues and applying legal precedents.
   1. Knowledge of staff supervision acquired through course work academic training training provided through an employer or performing as a lead worker overseeing the work of others; OR supervising staff which may include planning assigning reviewing and evaluating the work of others; OR supervising through subordinate supervisors a group of professional technical and clerical employees.
   1. Knowledge of facilities planning such as developing facilities management plans based on the evaluation and analysis of usage structures and other facilities.

Essential functions are fundamental core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class:

• Establishes and maintains case files ensuring that the files contain complete and accurate information essential to each step of the proceedings from pre-hearing and/or pre-trial through trial and sentencing.
• Plans assigns reviews and evaluates the work of staff; determines initial and on-going development needs of staff through on-the-job training or the use of outside resources.
• Collects and compiles statistical data; prepares narrative statistical and unit activity reports.
• Acts in liaison capacity between superior and various interested parties and judicial and/or court staff clients defendants plaintiffs victims witnesses law enforcement agents elected and/or appointed officials and the public to gather clarify and provide information regarding case facts and status.
• Monitors evaluates collects and analyzes section/division data. Determines if goals and objectives are met and recommends solutions/improvements based on findings.
• Provides administrative support to the supervising attorney in evaluating analyzing recommending and implementing unit policies procedures and systems regarding staffing and special projects
• Advises and consults with the supervising attorney on management and administrative problems and issues
• Maintain weekly and monthly schedules for attorneys and administrative staff
• Exhibit Mastery of the daily operations of CCP Superior and Family Courts as well as tangential interactions with JP Courts and the Delaware Supreme Court.
• Coordinate facility maintenance and maintain office supplies.
• Perform other tasks as required and directed by management.

• Please be sure to upload a recent copy of your resume as you complete the application process for this posting.
• This position is exempt from the State of Delaware Merit System.
• This posting may close before 5/15/2026 upon filling the vacant position.

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9information to confirm you are authorized to work in the U.S.
• Criminal background check: A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire.
• Direct deposit of paychecks is required.

Upon eligibility benefits to include:

• Group Health Plan Dental Plan Vision Plan Prescription Flexible Spending Long & Short-Term Disability Insurance Group Universal Life Insurance Securian Accident & Critical Illness Insurance Health Management Programs.
• 21 paid vacation days 15 paid sick days 12 paid holidays up to 12 weeks paid Parental Leave.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access to support services such as Professional Counseling Services Legal Services Financial Services.
• Employer & Employee Funded Pension Plan as well as an Employee Funded Retirement Savings Plan available.