Paralegal – Criminal Defense

About Halbach|Szwarc Law Firm: Halbach|Szwarc Law Firm is a full-service law firm with offices in Sioux Falls, SD, and Sioux City, IA. We are committed to delivering responsive, high-quality legal services across a wide range of practice areas. Our culture is built on collaboration, trust, and professionalism, and every member of our team plays an essential role in supporting our clients and each other.
 
Position Overview: Halbach|Szwarc Law Firm is seeking a highly organized Paralegal to support our criminal defense team across a diverse, fast-paced practice. This role focuses on high-level paralegal support in criminal defense: managing documents, organizing matters, coordinating workflow, preparing evidence and court filings, communicating with clients on routine matters, maintaining deadlines, and ensuring smooth day-to-day case progression.
 
This position is ideal for someone who is proactive, detail-oriented, comfortable managing many moving parts, and skilled at supporting attorneys who handle a variety of cases.
 
Responsibilities:

• Litigation Document Preparation & Drafting
  • Draft, revise, and prepare documents, including:
    • discovery requests and responses;
    • subpoenas, witness lists, and exhibit lists;
    • initial drafts of motions (suppression, bond, dismissal), briefs, and other pleadings under attorney direction.
  • Compile and format exhibits, attachments, and supporting materials for filing.
  • Proofread documents and correspondence for accuracy, clarity, and consistency.

• Case File Management & Workflow Coordination
  • Maintain organized digital case files in Clio, ensuring police reports, body camera footage, discovery, attorney notes, and client communications are uploaded and labeled accurately.
  • Track criminal case deadlines, court appearances, bond conditions, status hearings, sentencing dates, and statutory time requirements.
  • Coordinate logistics for interviews, attorney-client meetings, hearings, and trial preparation.
  • Prepare organized binders, exhibit sets, motion packets, and working files for attorneys.

• Client Communication
  • Communicate with clients regarding routine updates, scheduling, information gathering, and procedural expectations (such as court appearance requirements or compliance obligations).
  • Manage day-to-day client inquiries and escalate legal questions or substantive concerns to the appropriate attorney.
  • Assist attorneys in preparing clients for hearings, pretrial conferences, meetings with prosecutors, and trial-related proceedings.

• Court Filings & Administrative Processing
  • Prepare and file documents in state and federal criminal courts in accordance with procedural rules and deadlines.
  • Coordinate service and distribution of filings to prosecutors, law enforcement agencies, and other relevant parties.
  • Assist with administrative tasks such as obtaining records, requesting discovery, and preparing agency filings (e.g., expungements or administrative license issues).

• Attorney Support & Daily Workflow Coordination
  • Support multiple criminal defense attorneys by managing case calendars, reminders, and time-sensitive action items.
  • Prepare materials and case summaries ahead of hearings, negotiations, interviews, and trial preparation sessions.
  • Monitor case progress, identify missing items, and ensure next steps are documented and followed through.

• Research & General Criminal Defense Support
  • Conduct limited factual, procedural, or sentencing-guideline research under attorney supervision.
  • Assist with trial preparation, including jury instructions, voir dire materials, witness coordination, and exhibit organization.
  • Collaborate with paralegals and support staff across the firm to maintain consistent workflows and share best practices.

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree, Paralegal Certificate from an ABA-approved program, or equivalent law firm experience.

• 2+ years of paralegal experience, preferably in criminal defense

• Strong drafting, proofreading, and document management skills.

• Experience supporting defense attorneys with scheduling, organization, and workflow coordination.

• Excellent communication and client-service skills.

• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and operate effectively in a hybrid environment.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with Clio or similar tools preferred.

• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with attorneys, associates, and staff.

Attitude, Energy, and Effort:

• Approach all responsibilities with professionalism and sound judgment, recognizing the importance of supporting a partner’s active and varied practice.
• Bring pride and precision to every task, knowing that accuracy and organization directly influence client experience and attorney efficiency.
• Maintain steady and reliable energy in fast-paced workflows, anticipate needs, and follow through without repeated reminders.
• Demonstrate respect for colleagues, clients, and the attorney team through timely communication, thoughtful coordination, and consistent high-quality work.
• Stay open to feedback and commit to continuous improvement, responding with maturity, accountability, and a solutions-focused mindset.
• Uphold confidentiality, discretion, and professionalism in all interactions, especially when handling sensitive information or competing priorities.