Job Description
Court Name/Organization
California Central Federal Public Defender
Overview of the Position
The Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Central District of California is accepting applications for a full-time trial paralegal. The trial paralegal will be stationed in the Los Angeles main office. The Federal Public Defender’s Office is committed to the pursuit of justice by aggressively advocating in federal court for the constitutional rights and inherent dignity of individuals who are charged with federal crimes and cannot afford their own lawyer.
Location
Los Angeles, CA
Opening and Closing Dates
05/01/2026 - Open Until Filled
Appointment Type
Permanent
Salary
Not specified
Position Description
Trial paralegals provide a full range of support to attorneys in all types of federal matters, including pre-indictment cases, trials, appeals, and habeas cases. Trial paralegals must be available to work during regular business hours, and when necessary, during evenings and weekends. General areas of responsibility are noted below.
Paralegal Job Duties:
Assisting attorneys in case preparation, including trials, sentencing and evidentiary hearings
Identifying the best technology for review and analysis of discovery and case material
Reviewing, analyzing, and organizing multi-faceted discovery
Analyzing, producing, and presenting reports and summarizing evidence for the defense team or for presentations in the courtroom
Creating, maintaining, and updating indices, chronologies, witness lists, witness files and documents
Working with defense teams to develop and implement case strategies to meet the needs of each individual case
Identifying and preparing documents for experts
Assisting attorneys and clients with bail processes
Attending meetings with clients in/out of custody
Software & Technical Responsibilities:
Using technology to analyze, present and communicate information to case teams.
Using database programs (e.g., Eclipse, CaseMap, Summation, Relativity) to manage and review electronically stored information
Editing and ingesting load files, tagging, and exporting content
Using digital presentation tools in the courtroom (e.g., Trial Director, PowerPoint)
Using forensic tools (e.g., Cellebrite, Axiom) to review and extract data from forensically captured digital devices
Editing/converting audio and video files and working with proprietary video formats (NVRs, dash cam, pole cam, etc.)
Proficiency with Office 365 applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams, OneDrive), Adobe Acrobat, and dtSearch
Experience with online research databases (e.g., PACER, State Court databases, Westlaw, LexisNexis, and Accurint)
Qualifications
Requirements : All applicants must have an undergraduate degree and five (5) or more years of experience as a litigation paralegal preparing cases for trial and providing support during trial. Candidates must have an advanced technology background (training will be provided for all technology and software tools described above). A paralegal certificate from an ABA-approved program is preferred but not required. Preference will be given to applicants with state or federal criminal defense experience.
Varying hours including nights, weekends, and holidays may be required. A background investigation is required as a condition of employment. In line with current appropriations law, applicants must be United States citizens or permanent residents seeking citizenship as described here .
Selection Criteria : Candidates must have an interest in advancing the Federal Public Defender’s mission of providing high-quality criminal defense to indigent individuals; must keep up with emerging technology trends; have strong oral and written communication skills; be able to work independently, be flexible, and take initiative; and work well in teams.
Employee Benefits
This is a full-time, at-will position. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience and is subject to direct deposit. Benefits include health and life insurance, retirement, and a Thrift Savings Plan. After successfully completing a probationary period, eligible employees may elect to telework up to two days per week, subject to certain conditions. For more information on benefits, see
Miscellaneous
Trial paralegals provide a full range of support to attorneys in all types of federal matters, including pre-indictment cases, trials, appeals, and habeas cases. Trial paralegals must be available to work during regular business hours, and when necessary, during evenings and weekends. General areas of responsibility are noted below.
Paralegal Job Duties:
Assisting attorneys in case preparation, including trials, sentencing and evidentiary hearings
Identifying the best technology for review and analysis of discovery and case material
Reviewing, analyzing, and organizing multi-faceted discovery
Analyzing, producing, and presenting reports and summarizing evidence for the defense team or for presentations in the courtroom
Creating, maintaining, and updating indices, chronologies, witness lists, witness files and documents
Working with defense teams to develop and implement case strategies to meet the needs of each individual case
Identifying and preparing documents for experts
Assisting attorneys and clients with bail processes
Attending meetings with clients in/out of custody
Software & Technical Responsibilities:
Using technology to analyze, present and communicate information to case teams.
Using database programs (e.g., Eclipse, CaseMap, Summation, Relativity) to manage and review electronically stored information
Editing and ingesting load files, tagging, and exporting content
Using digital presentation tools in the courtroom (e.g., Trial Director, PowerPoint)
Using forensic tools (e.g., Cellebrite, Axiom) to review and extract data from forensically captured digital devices
Editing/converting audio and video files and working with proprietary video formats (NVRs, dash cam, pole cam, etc.)
Proficiency with Office 365 applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams, OneDrive), Adobe Acrobat, and dtSearch
Experience with online research databases (e.g., PACER, State Court databases, Westlaw, LexisNexis, and Accurint)
Application Info
Apply by submitting a letter of interest, résumé, and three references through our website at
All applicants, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or age, are encouraged to apply.
The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
