Federal Public Defender, Central District of California
Trial Paralegal - Santa Ana - Closing 11/24/2026
Santa Ana, CA - Full Time
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, 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 include:
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.
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, 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 include:
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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.
