Paralegal - Office of Indigent Legal Services

Job ID: 30405
Agency: Office of Indigent Legal Services
Location:Sioux Falls, SD Salary: $22.69-$34.03 Hourly, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: H
Closing Date: Open Until Filled

This is a Full-Time position with the Office of Indigent Legal Services. For more information on the Office of Indigent Legal Services, please visit https://bhr.sd.gov/ .

The South Dakota Office of Indigent Legal Services is seeking a detail-oriented and highly motivated Paralegal to support attorneys in providing high-quality legal representation to indigent clients, ensuring effective and efficient delivery of legal services while upholding the principles of fairness and due process. The Paralegal will assist in case research, preparing appellate briefs, filing and serving legal documents, and other administrative tasks as necessary. This position will be remote for a short period of time until office space is acquired.

Key Responsibilities Will Be:

1. Case Management and Support

• Assist attorneys in managing case files, ensuring proper organization and documentation.
• Draft, proofread, and file legal documents, including motions, briefs, and other legal pleadings.
• Monitor case deadlines and maintain accurate calendars for court dates, hearings, and filing deadlines.

2. Research and Investigation

• Conduct legal research and analysis to support strategy and case preparation.
• Summarize case law, statutes, and other legal materials for attorney review.
• Assist in gathering and reviewing case materials.

3. Client and Witness Interaction

• Communicate with clients to gather information, provide updates, and assist with non-legal inquiries.
• Coordinate interviews and meetings with clients.
• Prepare summaries and reports based on client interviews and other information contained in the appellate record.

4. Administrative Duties

• Manage confidential files and records in compliance with office policies and legal requirements.
• Assist with office correspondence, including drafting letters and responding to inquiries.
• Perform other duties as assigned to ensure the efficient operation of the office.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• Associate degree or higher in Paralegal Studies, Criminal Justice, or a related field (preferred but not required).
• Certification from an accredited paralegal program (preferred but not required).
• Minimum of two years of experience as a paralegal, preferably in criminal defense or public interest law.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of legal terminology, procedures, and court filing systems.
• Proficiency in legal research tools (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to the mission of providing quality representation to indigent defendants.

This position is exempt from the Civil Service Act.

This position is eligible for Veterans' Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information at https://bhr.sd.gov/job-seekers/work-for-state-government/ . This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

Must apply online: https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=13K
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: careers@state.sd.us
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"

#LI-Onsite

Salary

• $22.69 - $34.03/hour