Boise Trial Unit, Paralegal

JOB DESCRIPTION

Federal Defender Services of Idaho (FDSI) is accepting applications for the full-time position of Paralegal in our Boise trial unit. FDSI operates under the authority of the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3006A, to provide defense services to indigent persons in federal criminal cases and related matters in the federal courts.

We have trial units in Boise and Pocatello and a capital habeas unit in Boise. The Boise trial unit is currently staffed by nine attorneys, two mitigation specialists, one investigator, two paralegals, an interpreter/paralegal, and support staff. FDSI is not an agency of the federal government, and our staff members are not federal employees. We are a not-for-profit Community Defender Organization.

See 18 U.S.C. § 3006A(g)(2)(B).

CASE OVERVIEW

The paralegal works directly with trial attorneys to prepare and support federal criminal cases from initial appearance through sentencing and appeal.

• Review, analyze, and organize discovery, including voluminous records and electronically stored information (ESI)
• Identify gaps in discovery and recommend areas for further investigation
• Identify legal issues and questions, interpret rules and principles, and recommend actions
• Summarize testimony, evidence, and records for use in court

• Prepare demonstrative evidence and exhibits for pleadings, hearings, and trials
• Assist attorneys during trials, sentencings, and evidentiary hearings using Trial Director, PowerPoint, and other litigation software

• Monitor and track court deadlines and filing requirements
• File motions and pleadings in CM/ECF
• Maintain communication with clients and their families regarding case status and logistics

• Recommend and implement litigation support tools for each case
• Train attorneys and defense teams on case management software and best practices for organizing complex discovery
• Maintain databases of experts, resources, and case materials

• 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 experience
• A working knowledge of legal terminology and court procedures
• 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 Case Map, iPro Eclipse, dt Search or Trial Director
• Multitasking and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• The ability to work collaboratively under pressure

• 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 viewer
• Working knowledge of computer-assisted legal research tools such as Lexis Nexis and Westlaw

• Selected candidate must pass a background check
• Employees are “at-will” and are not covered by the Civil Service Reform Act
• This position is eligible for overtime pay
• Employment is provisional pending satisfactory completion of a year probationary period
• Employees may not engage in other full-time employment without written consent from the Executive Director

Salary will be commensurate with experience. Salary range:
Judicial Pay Scale (JSP) 11- 14, 74,678-$125,776, health coverage, and retirement plan.

Position open until filled, but priority will be given to applications received by February 28, 2026.

Submit an electronic PDF resume including a cover letter and three references at:

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FDSI is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity and inclusion in its work and with its staff.