The Federal Defenders of San Diego, Inc., (FDSDI) is accepting applications to fill one or more full-time Assistant Paralegal position(s) in our San Diego office. FDSDI is a nonprofit organization fully funded by the Administrative Office of the United States Courts. We are not a government agency and as such, are not government employees. FDSDI provides legal representation to indigent persons charged with federal crimes in the San Diego and Imperial Counties.

Job Description:

The Assistant Paralegal provides support services to three or more staff attorneys. General duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Assisting with case preparation;
• Case file maintenance;
• Organizes and indexes discovery, evidence and exhibits for use in preparation for trial;
• Provides research support and background investigation under the general direction of the Assistant Federal Defender or paralegal staff;
• Notifies defender organization staff and clients of court dates and other appointments;
• Assists in preparing pleadings, motions and briefs efficiently and with attention to detail;
• Client contact including receiving and directing calls;
• Assists with litigation support services using advanced software programs;
• Locating and retrieving documents, records, and information utilizing computer-assisted legal research tools.

Required Qualifications:

• High School graduate or equivalent;
• Minimum of three years of general experience and two years specialized experience;
• Computer literacy and proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Adobe Acrobat;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Multitasking and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks

Preferred Qualifications:

• Appellate and criminal law experience with proficiency in e-filing procedures in the federal court system and Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals;
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) fluency

Salary/Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with experience. Salary range: JS-9/1 starting at $61,636 to JS-9/10 starting at $80,128. Robust benefits and retirement packages offered.

Selected candidate will be subject to verification and employment depends on a successful background investigation. All positions are at-will and subject to the availability of funds.                                 

How to Apply:

Interested applicants are invited to apply by submitting a single pdf document that includes a cover letter, resume, and three references via email to the attention of:

Kymberly Bryant, Personnel Administrator

CAS_Employment@fd.org

Subject: Assistant Paralegal Position

Position open until filled. Please, no telephone inquiries.

Federal Defenders of San Diego, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Selection of position will be based solely on merit without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and religious grooming), sex (including pregnancy, perceived pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity (including transgender identity and transitioning), gender expression and sex stereotyping, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, legally protected medical condition or information (including genetic information), family care or medical leave status, military caregiver status, military status, veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, enrollment in a public assistance program, engaging in protected communications regarding employee wages, requesting a reasonable accommodation on the basis of disability or bona fide religious belief or practice, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal laws.

Computer Systems Administrator (CSA) – San Diego, CA

The Federal Defenders of San Diego, Inc., (FDSDI) has an opening for a full-time Computer Systems Administrator (CSA) in our San Diego office. FDSDI is a nonprofit organization fully funded by the Administrative Office of the United States Courts. We are not a government agency and as such, are not government employees. FDSDI provides legal representation to indigent persons charged with federal crimes in the San Diego and Imperial Counties. The CSA will be primarily based in the San Diego office but will also provide support to the branch office location in El Centro, California.

Job Duties:     

The CSA works under the direction of the Supervisory CSA and will serve as the technical lead for the Tech Team. Assistant Computer Systems Administrators (ACSA) and Litigation Support Specialists round out the Tech Team to administer day-to-day IT operations to support over 160 users and 2 locations. The CSA is relied upon to provide technical guidance and mentorship to the team. The CSA may be classified as an exempt position under the California Computer Professional Exemption.

The CSA will be responsible for providing or supervising user support services, including but not limited to desktop/network hardware, software installation testing and training; troubleshooting, maintenance and repairs of system and equipment; inventory tracking, website maintenance/development and litigation support.  The CSA provides or supervises desktop/end user support for Windows 10 operating systems, Microsoft Office 365, VPN connectivity, antivirus/malware software, remote control support, endpoint management, create and manage the use of backup and retrieval systems and other enterprise software. Administration of the external and intranet websites. Deploying and maintaining mobile devices such as Android, iPhones and iPads.   

The CSA will be responsible for the following and must have expert knowledge of Windows Server 2016/2012, Active Directory, desktop imaging, Group Policy management, MSSQL, SharePoint, DHCP, DNS, backing up domain controllers (system state/AD information), including racking servers, managing cabling, and reviewing hardware/lights for errors.  In addition, the CSA provides or supervises network support in an enterprise TCP/IP environment including switches, Ethernet cabling, and TCP/IP diagnostics.  Must have experience with virtual machines in a MS Hyper-V clustered environment including provisioning servers, high availability, moving servers between physical hosts. Network storage including NAS operation and configuration and troubleshooting. Some overnight travel is required. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.

Requirements and Qualifications:

An applicant must be a high school graduate or equivalent, with at least 3 years’ experience in the duties outlined or 5 – 8 years progressively more responsible experience and comprehensive knowledge of computer systems administration principles, practices, methods and techniques, skill and judgement in the analysis of systems related issues. The CSA provides or supervises high level day-to-day support to ensure the proper functioning of office IT-based systems, including but not limited to network, data processing, telecommunications, and office automation. The CSA is responsible for technical and end-user support and perform or supervises all automation support services necessary for efficiently operating office networks and computer systems. The CSA is responsible for developing and implementing all technology plans including areas security, quality control, procurement, productivity, and cost effectiveness; develops and maintains local technical and user documentation.  

Preferred Additional Qualifications:

Cisco switch administration, configuration and CLI. Synology NAS administration, configuration and installation. ManageEngine Desktop Central administration. Computer and Mobile forensics. Litigation support applications/software including but not limited to Eclipse, Defender Data, Casemap and Trial Director. VOIP phone systems. SQL and MySQL relational database administration and installation.

Salary/Benefits: This is a full-time position. Salary will be commensurate with experience. Salary range: JS-9/1 starting at $61,636 to JS-13/1 starting at $106,287. Robust benefits and retirement packages offered. Salary is payable only by Electronic Funds Transfer (direct deposit).

Selected candidate will be subject to verification and employment depends on a successful background verification. All positions are at-will and subject to the availability of funds.

How to Apply:

Interested applicants are invited to apply by submitting a single pdf document that includes a cover letter, resume, and three references via email to the attention of:

Kymberly Bryant, Personnel Administrator

CAS_Employment@fd.org

Subject: Computer Systems Administrator Position – San Diego

Position open until filled. Please, no telephone inquiries.

Federal Defenders of San Diego, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Selection of position will be based solely on merit without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and religious grooming), sex (including pregnancy, perceived pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity (including transgender identity and transitioning), gender expression and sex stereotyping, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, legally protected medical condition or information (including genetic information), family care or medical leave status, military caregiver status, military status, veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, enrollment in a public assistance program, engaging in protected communications regarding employee wages, requesting a reasonable accommodation on the basis of disability or bona fide religious belief or practice, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal laws.

The Federal Defenders of San Diego, Inc., (FDSDI) has an opening for a full‐time Litigation Support Specialist (LSS) ACSA in our San Diego office. FDSDI is a nonprofit organization fully funded by the Administrative Office of the United States Courts. We are not a government agency and as such are not government employees. FDSDI provides legal representation to indigent persons charged with federal crimes in the San Diego and Imperial Counties. A large part of the case load involves immigration related offenses, drugs, fraud, bank robbery, forgery and internet related crimes.

Position Description: The LSS provides specialized and routine litigation support and legal technology services. The LSS acts as the legal technology specialist and is responsible for preparing audio, video and graphic exhibits including demonstrative exhibits. Process, organize, index and format discovery to assist in using the materials throughout different stages of litigation and provides technical assistance to attorneys and support staff.

The Litigation Support Specialist/ACSA is responsible for:

• Creating and supporting document databases, indexes, transcripts and
• Administering databases, processing data and electronic files,
• Performing OCR of digital
• Digitizes audio and video clips for
• Assists paralegals and attorneys with the production of discovery to clients, experts and others as
• Goes to court with attorneys and provides litigation and technology support during trials or
• Works with the trial team, to develop plans for trial or hearings using a courtroom presentation
• Consults with attorneys concerning the production and presentation of evidence.
• Prepares exhibit images for particular uses (e.g. zooming in on or highlighting a particular paragraph or setting up two exhibits side by side on the screen).
• Develops simple graphic images, exhibits and demonstratives using standard software (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe, Techsmith).
• Consults with attorneys on the effectiveness, production, and presentation of evidence. Is responsible for the smooth operation of the presentation system in the
• Synchronizes clips with written
• Ensures integration of digital media evidence across multiple technologies and platforms.
• Assist the IT department with computer and desktop support inquires.

Requirements and Qualifications: Must be a high school graduate or equivalent and have at least three years of general experience with Windows PCs. A high level of Windows computer skills and proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint), Windows file system, knowledge of various file formats, audio and video file editing/conversion and text file editing is required. A Bachelor’s or advanced degree from an accredited college or university in computer technology, information management or a related field is preferred.

Specialized knowledge, skill and experience in some or all of the following areas is preferred.

• Adobe Acrobat Pro
• Case Map
• Trial Director
• dtSearch,
• Ipro Eclipse
• Cellebrite Reader, UFED4PC or Physical Analyzer

Experience in any of these systems or software should be expressly noted in a list of “Litigation Technology” experience contained within your application, as described further below. Applicant must be detail oriented, have strong organizational skills, and be able to set priorities and meet critical deadlines. Applicant must also possess the ability to work in a team environment and communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Applicant must be able to work flexible hours. The ability to speak, read and write Spanish is preferred.

Salary/Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with experience. Salary range: JS-9/1 starting at $61,636 to JS-12/1 starting at $89,383. Robust benefits and retirement packages offered.  Selected candidate will be subject to verification and employment depends upon a successful background verification. All positions are at-will and subject to availability of funds.

How to Apply: Interested applicants are invited to apply by submitting a single pdf document that includes a cover letter, resume, and three references via email to the attention of:

Kymberly Bryant, Personnel Administrator

CAS_Employment@fd.org

Subject: Litigation Support Specialist, ACSA Position

Position open until filled. Please, no telephone inquiries.

Federal Defenders of San Diego, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Selection of position will be based solely on merit without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and religious grooming), sex (including pregnancy, perceived pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity (including transgender identity and transitioning), gender expression and sex stereotyping, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, legally protected medical condition or information (including genetic information), family care or medical leave status, military caregiver status, military status, veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, enrollment in a public assistance program, engaging in protected communications regarding employee wages, requesting a reasonable accommodation on the basis of disability or bona fide religious belief or practice, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal laws.

PARALEGAL POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

The Federal Defenders of San Diego, Inc., (FDSDI) has an opening for a full-time Paralegal in our San Diego office. FDSDI is a nonprofit organization fully funded by the Administrative Office of the United States Courts. We are not a government agency and as such, are not government employees. FDSDI provides legal representation to indigent persons charged with federal crimes in the San Diego and Imperial Counties. 

Job Description:

The Paralegal provides a full range of paralegal services to support the litigation and trial work needed by staff attorneys. General duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Working with attorneys in all aspects of case preparation, including trials, sentencing and evidentiary hearings;
• Identifying legal issues and questions, interpreting rules and principles, and recommending actions. Submit written reports as needed;
• Identifying the best methods and use of litigation support technology for the review, analysis, and organization of voluminous discovery, records, and electronically stored information (ESI);
• Working with defense teams to develop and implement case strategies to meet the needs of each case. May initiate new areas of investigation;
• Summarize evidence for the defense team or for presentation in the courtroom;
• Preparing demonstrative evidence and exhibits for pleadings, hearings, and trials;
• Assisting attorneys at hearings, trials and sentencings using presentation software such as Trial Director and PowerPoint;
• Providing training to trial teams on utilizing litigation support tools and best strategies for organizing and managing case discovery;
• Interviewing, meeting with, and maintaining communication with clients to progress ancillary matters necessitated by the case; and
• Identifying and maintaining a database of subject matter experts. Interview experts and fact witnesses and coordinate testimony.

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree, Associate’s degree, or a Paralegal Certificate from an accredited school.
• Minimum of three (3) years of specialized paralegal experience and three (3) years of general
• A working knowledge of legal terminology and court
• High level of computer proficiency, including a working knowledge of Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Office Suite and Windows platform.
• Experience with document management or litigation support databases such as CaseMap, iPro Eclipse, dtSearch or Trial Director.
• Multitasking and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• The ability to maintain a friendly, open, demeanor during periods of increased

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience editing and ingesting load files, tagging and exporting content.
• Experience with digital forensics review tools such as Cellebrite Reader, Magnet AXIOM, FTK imager, or XRY/XAMN
• Working knowledge of computer-assisted legal research tools such as LexisNexis and Westlaw.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) fluency is a

Salary/Benefits:

Salary will be commensurate with experience. Salary range: JS-11/1 starting at $74,574 to JS-14/1 starting at $125,600. Robust benefits and retirement packages offered.

Selected candidate will be subject to verification and employment depends on a successful background verification. All positions are at-will and subject to the availability of funds.

How to Apply:

Interested applicants are invited to apply by submitting a single pdf document that includes a cover letter, resume, and three references via email to the attention of:

Kymberly Bryant, Personnel Administrator CAS_Employment@fd.org

Subject: Paralegal Position – San Diego

Position open until filled. Please, no telephone inquiries.

Federal Defenders of San Diego, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Selection of position will be based solely on merit without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and religious grooming), sex (including pregnancy, perceived pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity (including transgender identity and transitioning), gender expression and sex stereotyping, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, legally protected medical condition or information (including genetic information), family care or medical leave status, military caregiver status, military status, veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, enrollment in a public assistance program, engaging in protected communications regarding employee wages, requesting a reasonable accommodation on the basis of disability or bona fide religious belief or practice, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal laws.