Paralegal

Department Information

Colorado’s Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD) maintains a reputation as one of the top organizations in the nation specializing in the delivery of indigent criminal defense. We operate as an independent agency within the Judicial Branch of Colorado State Government with nearly 1,000 dedicated employees assigned to twenty‑one Regional Trial Offices, a centralized Appellate Division, and a centralized Administrative Office.

The mission of OSPD is to defend and protect the rights, liberties, and dignity of those accused of crimes who cannot afford to retain counsel. We do so by providing constitutionally and statutorily mandated representation that is effective, zealous, inspired and compassionate.

• 6 Health Plans – Cigna & Kaiser options
• Basic Vision Insurance – included with medical plans
• Dental Insurance
• State Paid Life Insurance
• State Paid Short‑Term Disability
• FSA – Healthcare and Dependent Care
• HSA Plan with Employer Contribution
• Generous Paid Time Off
• 11 paid holidays
• Access to Mental Health and Well‑Being Resources
• Colorado PERA
• 401(k) and 457 Supplemental Retirement Plans

For more information on benefits please visit  . For additional information on PERA visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). .

• Under the attorney’s direction and review, draft routine and standard motions, briefs and legal memoranda. Proofread and edit motions prepared by attorneys. File pleadings and motions. For example, paralegals may help with preparing and filing notices of appeal, reviewing appellate records for completeness and preparing motions to supplement the record, and/or preparing draft motions for sentence reconsideration.
• Keep attorneys and defense teams updated as new information is added to the case files.
• Request and review client records, court records, and transcripts to complete case files.
• Track and monitor case status and critical timelines on assigned cases to ensure court filings are processed in a timely way and in accordance with criminal procedures, rules, and laws. Keep attorneys and clients apprised, as appropriate.
• Manage and organize documents in spreadsheets and databases for easy reference and access by the attorneys and defense team. Convert electronic files to PDF and other formats.
• Review client charges, pleadings, and court orders and research legal issues as requested by the attorney such as: searching and reviewing statutes, case law, and legal articles for legal precedent, mitigation, and sentencing considerations. May assist attorneys in identifying potential conflicts of interest.
• Draft and respond to correspondence from clients, client family members, and representatives from collateral agencies, to obtain and exchange pertinent information in accordance with policy and procedure.
• Perform a variety of administrative tasks as needed to support the defense team and client, which requires the processing of forms, documents, and transactions in accordance with office policy and procedure.

:

:

: