Kalamazoo
Job DescriptionSalary: $48,924 - $53,880 Annually Our Vision: A community that prioritizes love, compassion, and equity over judgment, shame, and division. Paralegal Salary Range: $48,924 $53,880 Kalamazoo Defender is an independent non-profit organization that provides legal representation to the adult indigent population charged with a crime within Kalamazoo County. We take a holistic approach, employing compassionate professionals who work with our clients to identify and address additional needs beyond their legal case. In collaboration with our robust network of area service providers, we aim to connect our clients with relevant support services. We fight for justice in the courts, care in the community, and dignity in the world. Our mission is rooted in the conviction that poverty and various forms of discrimination put our clients on inequitable footing within and beyond our criminal justice system. Our job is to be their zealous defender in the face of these systemic barriers, fighting for them in court, organizing care for them in our community, and advocating for their inherent dignity in the broader world. THE JOB: Kalamazoo Defender is seeking a full-time Paralegal to provide vital, high-level support to our legal team by managing case files, drafting legal documents, coordinating attorney calendars, and serving as a key liaison with clients, court staff, and other stakeholders. This role supports a dynamic legal practice that moves quickly and requires strong organizational discipline. Paralegals regularly manage substantial electronic discovery, court filings, and attorney requests while navigating firm court deadlines. The ability to prioritize thoughtfully, maintain consistent accuracy, and keep multiple matters moving forward simultaneously is essential. Our paralegals collaborate closely with attorneys, client navigators, mitigation specialists, investigators, and reception staff, playing an integral role in Kalamazoo Defenders holistic approach to indigent defense. The ideal candidate will be highly organized and detail-oriented, with a passion for equitable access to justice, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage a high-volume caseload with competing court-imposed deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Success in this role requires strong teamwork skills, including proactive communication, flexibility in supporting shared workload demands, and a commitment to collective accountability across the defense team. This role is crucial to ensuring the efficient and effective operation of legal processes and directly contributes to our commitment to high-quality, client-centered legal representation. RESPONSIBILITIES: • Manage case files by accurately entering and maintaining detailed client information, notes, and data within internal systems., • Process and organize substantial volumes of electronic discovery and court documents (including police reports, digital evidence, and multimedia files), ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely availability for attorney review., • Ensure timely and accurate filing of pleadings, motions, subpoenas, and discovery responses in accordance with attorney direction and court requirements., • Rapidly prioritize incoming discovery, attorney requests, and court notices to ensure compliance with procedural rules and court schedules., • Draft correspondence, pleadings, motions, subpoenas, and discovery documents; prepare exhibits and comprehensive case files for hearings and trials., • Process and file electronic documents in our internal case management system, ensuring compliance with procedural requirements., • Maintain and update attorney calendars by entering scheduled client appointments, court appearances, deadlines, and related events in a timely and accurate manner., • Assist attorneys in communications with clients, their families, and other relevant parties, while recognizing when legal matters must be referred directly to counsel., • Serve as a liaison with client navigators, investigators, social service providers, court personnel, and other agencies to ensure coordinated and effective communication., • Build and maintain positive relationships with clients, providing consistent communication and support from first client contact through case closure., • Contribute to a collaborative team environment by communicating proactively about workload, sharing resources and knowledge, and supporting colleagues to ensure consistent and coordinated client representation., • Maintain strict confidentiality of client information in accordance with attorney-client privilege and professional standards., • Develop and maintain organized filing systems; document meetings; maintain transcripts and evidence logs; and ensure case materials are structured for efficient attorney access., • Provide support consistent with the Michigan Code of Criminal Procedure and MIDC standards for effective indigent defense., • Enhance job knowledge through ongoing professional development and consistently deliver high-quality work product., • Perform other duties as assigned, contributing to the overall effectiveness and success of the defense team. QUALIFICATIONS: REQUIRED: • Strong commitment to Kalamazoo Defender's mission and values., • Ability to work effectively with diverse populations, including individuals with disabilities, those struggling with addiction, and those experiencing mental health crises., • Commitment to cultural awareness, maintaining professionalism, ensuring confidentiality, and acting with compassion and integrity., • Exceptional organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail, recognizing the direct impact accuracy has on our clients rights and legal outcomes., • Expert keyboard and 10-key numeric data entry skills., • Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills., • Ability to manage high-stress situations with grace, patience, and de-escalation techniques., • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other basic office technologies and comfortable learning and working with new software, systems, and technology tools., • Familiarity with criminal court procedures and documentation., • Impeccable time management., • Ability to prioritize work tasks while working both collaboratively and independently., • Proven experience managing large quantities of electronic documents while meeting strict deadlines. PREFERRED: • 2+ years of prior experience in administrative support, data entry, or paralegal duties., • Bilingual abilities. BENEFITS: • Health care coverage including medical, dental, and vision, with employee premiums covered 100%., • Retirement program offering both 403B and Roth options with employer match of 1.5 times employee contributions up to 5%., • Five weeks of paid time off (pro-rated for start date), paid holiday closures, and additional paid parental leave program., • Robust employee assistance program that includes services for all household members., • Optional Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts., • Kalamazoo Defender is a Michigan Tri-Share participating employer, which means that qualifying employees may be eligible for childcare assistance, with costs shared between the employee, the employer, and the state., • An opportunity to work with like-minded, mission-driven individuals in a dynamic and innovative holistic legal program, backed by a county capable of maximizing Kalamazoo Defender's mission. NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY: Kalamazoo Defender is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and supportive environment for all individuals. We uphold a policy of equal opportunity and prohibit discrimination in any form against employees, employee applicants, directors, board members, interns, clients, volunteers, vendors, or any other individuals associated with our organization. We prohibit discrimination based on race, including hairstyles associated with race such as braids, locs, twists, afros, cornrows, Bantu knots, etc., sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, including clothing associated with religion such as hijabs, turbans, etc., national origin (ancestry), citizenship status, age, height, weight, pregnancy, ability, socio-economic background or circumstances, military or veteran status, marital or partnership status, genetic predisposition, carrier status, or body art, including piercings and tattoos. We are committed to maintaining a workplace and environment free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, and will comply with and aim to surpass antidiscrimination policies set forth by local, state, and federal laws protecting against such actions. Kalamazoo Defender values diversity and strives to create an environment where all individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered to bring their unique perspectives, experiences, and full authentic selves into the space. If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, a job interview, or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact the HR Department directly. Email: Phone: 269-250-5000 Address: 151 S. Rose Street Ste 200, Kalamazoo, MI 49007