Senior Criminal Defense Paralegal

Who We Are
At Moaddel Law Firm, we are committed to providing compassionate, strategic, and aggressive legal advocacy for immigrant families. With decades of experience serving Latino communities throughout California, we understand that every case represents a family's future, not just a legal matter. We are driven by results, purpose, and a deep commitment to the communities we serve.

The Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced Senior Criminal Defense Paralegal to join our Criminal Defense team in Los Angeles. This is an excellent opportunity for a highly organized legal professional with extensive criminal defense experience who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys taking ownership of complex cases.

Working closely with  Criminal Defense attorneys, you will play a key role in supporting every stage of the legal process, from case preparation and discovery through court filings and ongoing client communication. In addition to managing your own responsibilities, you will provide leadership and guidance to a small legal support team while helping ensure the efficient operation of administrative duties in the Criminal department.

Work Setup

• Full-time position.
• 40 hours per week.
• Monday through Friday schedule.
• Hybrid position based in the Los Angeles area.

What You'll Do

Here's how you'll make that impact:

Client & External Communication

• Maintain yearlong proactive communication with escalation, felony and restraining order clients, providing timely case updates, scheduling meetings with Counsel.
• Communicate professionally with District Attorney offices in various counties.
• Contact law enforcement in the service process.
• Schedule interviews with private investigators. 
• Occasional contact with other victims or witnesses involved in criminal matters.

Scheduling & Calendar Management

• Coordinating attorney-client meetings and appearances, scheduling appearances counsel.
• Manage Moaddel’s calendar for the entire criminal team (daily and overall) using Excel and Clio calendars for tracking.
• Contact the DA’s office to request discovery from prosecuting officers.
• Schedule meetings between defense attorneys and deputy prosecutors, and coordinate depositions and pretrial conferences.

Case and Preliminary Hearings

• Request and review all discovery related to each new case.
• Draft questions for private investigator interviews for attorney review.
• Prepare criminal cases, including drafting and organizing legal documents, data entry, and case correspondence.
• Prepare and assist with motion drafting.
• Draft discovery requests.
• Negotiating appearance attorney prices.
• Provide administrative oversight for all restraining orders and felony matters within the firm.
• Draft miscellaneous correspondence in criminal matters.
• Prepare civil harassment and domestic violence restraining orders (Southern California).

Court Filings & Documentation

• Coordinating plea forms for signature and filing.
• Prepare and file 1050 Motions, motions to withdraw.
• Prepare subpoenas; schedule process servers.
• Request and compile criminal history documentation, including national, state, and local records, booking photos, arrest records, juvenile histories, and DMV records.

Administrative Support and Leadership

• Schedule process servers.
• Leader for one remote employee in LATAM managing annual reviews and performance.
• Support broader department functions through general office duties, including providing backup coverage for team members as needed.

Compensation, Benefits & Equal Employment Opportunity
Moaddel Law Firm offers a competitive annual salary ranging from $65,000 to $80,000 USD, based on experience, skills, and qualifications. We provide a comprehensive benefits package including Health, Dental, and Vision insurance, paid time off, parental leave, CalSavers, and paid onsite parking. This role offers structured onboarding, ongoing professional development, and opportunities for career growth within a collaborative legal environment.

Moaddel Law Firm is an equal-opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. We also consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with fair chance laws.

• 5+ years of experience as a Paralegal or Legal Assistant. 
• 4+ years of Criminal Defense legal experience. 
• Full professional fluency in English and Spanish. 
• Paralegal Certificate or equivalent experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of California Criminal Court procedures and filing requirements. 
• Experience preparing criminal defense pleadings, motions, subpoenas, and discovery. 
• Experience managing attorney calendars, court deadlines, and complex case files. 
• Leadership or team lead experience preferred. 
• Advanced organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
• Proficiency with Clio, Microsoft Excel, Google Workspace, and legal case management software. 
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. 
• Passion for providing exceptional client service. 
• Legally authorized to work in the United States.