CDOC LEGAL Assistant - Discovery; Colorado Springs

CDOC LEGAL ASSISTANT I – Discovery (Colorado Springs) – Colorado Department of Corrections

Colorado Springs, CO. This posting may be used to fill future vacancies at this location.

Open only to Colorado state residents.

Due to the state’s current hiring freeze, the position will not be filled until January 1, 2026, unless a hiring freeze waiver/exemption has been approved.

• Review all legal actions and administrative documents in which the department has been named as a defendant or is directly involved (except those relating to employee personnel matters).
• Review, evaluate, and determine appropriate process for actions – including service perfection, notifications, filing motions, preparing reports, investigations, coordinating court hearings, and responding to interrogatories.
• Prepare written and/or verbal responses to offenders, families, judges, attorneys, and outside agencies regarding legal and administrative complaints to defend department policies and procedures.
• Determine proper application of the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) to maintain the Department’s compliance with statutes.
• Assist with record requests and conduct initial review to determine appropriate routing based on the nature of the request.
• Work with designated record custodian responders to ensure the request is understood and timelines are achievable.
• Other duties/projects as assigned by supervisor.

Occasional travel required to provide coverage for other CDOC facilities throughout the state.

• Paralegal certificate obtained through an ABA‑approved paralegal studies program or an accredited institution (copies must be attached).
• Two (2) years of paralegal work experience – including legal research, drafting legal documents, and compiling data from legal resources – can substitute for the certificate (experience must be described in the work‑experience section).
• JD from an accredited law school may substitute for the certificate (unofficial transcripts must be attached).
• Paralegal certificate must be obtained within 9 months of hiring.
• Legal experience assumed to be exclusive to the position; “see resume” statements are not accepted.

• Experience interpreting complex rules, regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines.
• Advanced knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, and agency rules.

• Proficient legal research skills
• Exceptional interpersonal and customer‑service skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Efficient and accurate analysis of data/information
• Multitasking ability and flexibility
• Organizational, planning and prioritizing skills
• Precise attention to detail
• Strong initiative and self‑motivation
• Effective critical thinking and decision‑making
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to remain composed under stressful, potentially violent situations
• Ability to read, understand and communicate in English
• Ability to create accessible documents following plain‑language guidelines with accessibility in mind

• Distinctive career advancement opportunities throughout the state system
• Strong, secure retirement benefits: PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401(k) and 457 plans
• Medical and dental health plans
• Short‑ and long‑term disability coverage
• Paid life insurance
• 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave
• Wellness program, tuition reimbursement, training opportunities, and more

The Colorado Department of Corrections is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities. We encourage qualified applicants of all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal‑opportunity employer. The Colorado Department of Corrections is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals, including those with disabilities.

Requests for reasonable accommodation during the application process are welcomed.