Discovery Specialist - Loudoun

Title: Discovery Specialist - Loudoun

State Role Title: Investig and Legal Support II

Hiring Range: Up to $55.00 per hour

Agency: Indigent Defense Commission

Location: LOUDOUN 411

Agency Website: www.vadefenders.org

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Indigent Defense Commission (VIDC) is seeking a Discovery Specialist/Paralegal for the Loudoun Public Defender’s Office. This position supports the office’s mission to protect and defend the rights and dignity of indigent clients through zealous, compassionate, high-quality legal advocacy.

The Discovery Specialist/Paralegal plays a critical role on the defense team by assisting attorneys with case preparation, managing discovery, organizing records, conducting legal research, and supporting communication with clients and witnesses. The Discovery Specialist/Paralegal reports to the Chief Public Defender of the Loudoun County Public office and is employed at-will. Regular attendance and physical presence is required. Funding is supplemented by Loudoun County and is subject to reauthorization annually; therefore, continuation is not guaranteed by the County or the Indigent Defense Commission. This position does not include any state benefits and is limited to 29 hours per week. The selected candidate will be required to complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check.

Duties:
Receive, review, and organize discovery materials, including police reports, body-worn camera footage, phone recordings, forensic evidence, and other case-related documents; maintain discovery databases and logs. Ensure timely dissemination of discovery to attorneys and collaborate with them on identifying evidentiary issues or investigative needs. Perform legal research, draft legal memoranda, motions, and assist with court filings under attorney supervision. Assist with the preparation of bond motions, re-entry plans, sentencing mitigation packets, and other case-related submissions. Coordinate with attorneys, investigators, and mitigation specialists to prepare for hearings, trials, and other legal proceedings. Maintain and organize client files, case materials, and confidential records using case management systems and file protocols. Communicate with clients, family members, witnesses, and service providers in a professional, respectful, and client-centered manner. Develop and maintain a directory of local and regional social services and community resources to support client advocacy. Perform other administrative or legal support tasks as assigned by the Chief or Deputy Public Defender.

The IDC is committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in our workforce. We encourage and welcome qualified applicants of all identities, cultures, backgrounds, and experiences.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required, and education demonstrating requisite knowledge.
• Strong analytical skills and demonstrated ability to organize and analyze complex information.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to perform legal research.
• Excellent proofreading skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage a large caseload in various stages of the administrative/legal process.
• Must have computer literacy and knowledge of various social media platforms.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative in meeting deadlines and goals.
• The ability to learn and accept constructive criticism is important, as well as the ability to respond quickly and effectively in addressing issues and questions.
• Teamwork is highly valued in this office, and the qualified applicant will have demonstrated proficiency in working with others as a member of a criminal defense team to achieve successful outcomes for clients.
• This office is committed to a core set of values in how we approach our team environment, as well as our client representation: respect, teamwork and trust, zealous trial lawyering, courage, and passion.
• A valid driver’s license and the means to travel to all courts and regional jails are required.

Additional Considerations

• Paralegal certificate from an ABA-approved program, or equivalent legal experience.
• Prior experience working in a criminal defense or legal aid setting.
• Familiarity with Loudoun County or Northern Virginia-area social services, including mental health, housing, substance use treatment, and reentry support.
• Understanding of legal procedures in Virginia criminal courts, including discovery, pretrial motions, and sentencing.
• Bilingual or multilingual candidates (especially Spanish-speaking) are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Experience reviewing and organizing digital media evidence, such as video and audio files.
  

Special Instructions

Applications for this position require a cover letter and resume. Failure to submit both may disqualify you from further consideration.

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

While creating an account through the state system will save your basic information (please remember your username and password), applications are NOT saved for future openings. We encourage you to apply to any and all of the positions you may be considering within the IDC.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a fingerprint-based criminal background check. Being authorized to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment. IDC uses the E-Verify system and does not provide sponsorship.

Applications for this position must be submitted electronically through this website. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand-delivered applications and resumes will not be accepted. IDC does not accept “see resume” as a response to any question. Information on the application is the primary source used for screening the position. Reasonable accommodations are available to applicants if requested, during the application and/or interview process.

This position qualifies for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) depending on your type of loan.

Edits cannot be made to the application once you have received a confirmation number. Phone calls are not accepted regarding an inquiry into the status of an application. Please login to the RMS system for status updates.

Contact Information

Name: Ashley Washington

Phone: 804-662-7249

Email: recruiting@vadefenders.org

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.