Trial Paralegal - Santa Ana - Closing 11/24/2026

The Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Central District of California is accepting applications for a full-time paralegal position in its trial unit stationed in Santa Ana, CA. The trial unit is committed to the pursuit of justice by aggressively advocating in federal court for the constitutional rights and inherent dignity of individuals who are accused or convicted of crimes and cannot afford their own lawyer.

Job Duties: Trial paralegals provide a full range of paralegal services to trial attorneys in all types of federal matters, including pre-indictment cases, trials, appeals, andhabeas cases. Trial paralegals must be available to work during regular business hours, and when necessary, during evenings and weekends. General areas of responsibility include:

Paralegal Job Duties

Software & Technical Responsibilities

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

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)

Requirements: All applicants must have graduated from an accredited school with a bachelor’s degree. An ABA certified paralegal certificate and five (5) or more years of paralegal experience is preferred. Criminal defense experience is preferred. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat. Experience with online research databases (i.e., Westlaw, LexisNexis). Must have experience in legal document management databases (i.e., Excel, dtSearch, CaseMap and similar databases). A notary license is preferred. Applicant must be willing to travel to various locations to complete required tasks.

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 a demonstrated commitment to indigent criminal defense and/or public interest law; have excellent oral and written communication skills; have strong legal research and writing skills; have strong organizational and analytical skills; be able to work independently, be flexible, and take initiative; and work well in teams.

Salary/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 http://www.uscourts.gov/careers/benefits.

How to Apply: Apply by submitting a letter of interest, résumé, and three references. We will accept applications until November 24, 2026, or until filled. Interviews will occur on a rolling basis and the open position may be filled before that date. Priority will be given to early applicants. The Federal Public Defender’s Office may fill current and future positions from this vacancy announcement. Please, no phone calls. We kindly ask that you refrain from contacting employees of the office directly.

The Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Central District of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or age, are encouraged to apply.