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Public Defender Mitigation Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Paralegal

Golden, CO · On-site

$4.7K/mo

Office of the State Public Defender Opening Date: 08/11/2026 Closing Date: 8/27/2026 11:59 PM ... mitigation and sentencing considerations. May assist attorneys in identifying potential conflicts ...

Paralegal

Arapahoe, CO · On-site

$4.7K/mo

Office of the State Public Defender Opening Date: 08/19/2026 Closing Date: 9/2/2026 11:59 PM ... mitigation and sentencing considerations. May assist attorneys in identifying potential conflicts ...

Paralegal

Golden, CO · On-site

$4.7K/mo

About the Colorado State Public Defender: Colorado's Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD ... mitigation and sentencing considerations. May assist attorneys in identifying potential conflicts ...

Paralegal

Golden, CO · On-site

$4.7K/mo

About the Colorado State Public Defender: Colorado's Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD ... mitigation and sentencing considerations. May assist attorneys in identifying potential conflicts ...

CO · On-site

$4.7K/mo

Public Defender paralegals serve as part of the defense team, and as such, are bound by the ... mitigation and sentencing considerations. May assist attorneys in identifying potential conflicts ...

CO

$4.7K/mo

Public Defender paralegals serve as part of the defense team, and as such, are bound by the ... mitigation and sentencing considerations. May assist attorneys in identifying potential conflicts ...

... Defender (Endpoint, Cloud, Email), Rapid 7 (Vulnerability Management, SIEM) and Cisco Umbrella ... Incident Response and Threat Mitigation: Lead and participate in incident response activities ...

... Defender (Endpoint, Cloud, Email), Rapid 7 (Vulnerability Management, SIEM) and Cisco Umbrella ... Incident Response and Threat Mitigation : Lead and participate in incident response activities ...

Public Defender Mitigation information

What is a public defender mitigation specialist?

Public Defender Mitigation Specialists are professionals who work with public defenders to gather and present information about a defendant’s background, life circumstances, and mental health. Their goal is to provide context that may help reduce a defendant’s sentence or advocate for alternatives to incarceration. They conduct interviews, collect records, and collaborate with attorneys to develop a comprehensive narrative for use in court. These specialists play a key role in ensuring that the court considers the full scope of a defendant’s life and experiences during sentencing.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a public defender mitigation specialist?

To thrive as a Public Defender Mitigation Specialist, you need a background in social work, psychology, or criminal justice, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in case investigation. Familiarity with case management software, database systems, and sometimes certification in mitigation or forensic social work is important. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural competence, and the ability to build rapport with clients are crucial soft skills for gathering life histories and advocating effectively. These skills ensure thorough, compassionate client representation and contribute to fairer legal outcomes.

What are common challenges faced by public defender mitigation specialists, and how can they be addressed?

Public Defender Mitigation Specialists often encounter challenges such as managing large caseloads, working with clients who have complex social and mental health histories, and gathering sensitive personal information under tight deadlines. Building trust with clients and their families is essential but can be time-consuming. These challenges can be addressed through strong organizational skills, ongoing professional development in trauma-informed interviewing, and close collaboration with attorneys, social workers, and community resources to ensure a comprehensive mitigation strategy.

What is the difference between Public Defender Mitigation vs Public Defender?

AspectPublic Defender MitigationPublic Defender
CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar LicenseJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar License
Work EnvironmentLegal offices, courtrooms, client meetingsLegal offices, courtrooms, client meetings
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, public defense officesGovernment agencies, public defense offices
Primary FocusMitigating circumstances, sentencing strategiesDefending clients, trial proceedings

Public Defender Mitigation specialists focus on developing strategies to reduce sentences through mitigating evidence, while Public Defenders handle overall client defense in court. Both roles require legal credentials and work within government-funded defense systems, but their core responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What are popular job titles related to Public Defender Mitigation jobs in Colorado?

For Public Defender Mitigation jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Public Defender Mitigation jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Public Defender Mitigation jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Public Defender Mitigation jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Public Defender Mitigation job openings:

Infographic showing various Public Defender Mitigation job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution.

$4.7K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


State Of Colorado rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 97 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

36th of 50 rated states


Job description

Salary: $4,745.00 Monthly
Location : Golden, CO
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: JCA-PARGLD-081126
Department: Office of the State Public Defender
Opening Date: 08/11/2026
Closing Date: 8/27/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA: Determined by Position
Primary Physical Work Address: 560 Golden Ridge Rd. Ste. 100, Golden, CO 80401, United States
Type of Announcement: This announcement is not governed by the selection processes of the classified personnel system. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.
How To Apply: Online applications through the Colorado Jobs portal will not be accepted. Please follow instructions on the job announcement for submitting an application.
Department Contact Information: https://secure7.saashr.com/ta/6145154.careers?CareersSearch=&ein_id=118947908&lang=en-US
Department Information
Cover Letters are required, please upload your cover letter and resume as one document. Failure to do so may result in immediate disqualification or the rejection of the application.
About the Colorado State Public Defender:
Colorado's Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD) maintains a reputation as one of the top organizations in the nation specializing in the delivery of indigent criminal defense. We operate as an independent agency within the Judicial Branch of Colorado State Government with nearly 1,000 dedicated employees assigned to twenty-one Regional Trial Offices, a centralized Appellate Division, and a centralized Administrative Office. The mission of OSPD is to defend and protect the rights, liberties and dignity of those accused of crimes who cannot afford to retain counsel. We do so by providing constitutionally and statutorily mandated representation that is effective, zealous, inspired and compassionate. We seek to hire professionals who are dedicated to furthering our mission and demonstrate compassion in their service to our clients. We are a fast paced, team-oriented environment, where self-motivation and a personal commitment to high performance are important attributes for success.
Benefits of Working for the OSPD:
  • Medical Insurance
  • Basic Vision Insurance - included with medical plans
  • Dental Insurance
  • State Paid Life Insurance
  • State Paid Short-Term Disability
  • FSA - Healthcare and Dependent Care
  • HSA Plan with Employer Contribution
  • Generous Paid Time Off & Sick Leave
  • Flexible Schedules
  • 11 paid holidays
  • Access to Mental Health and Well-Being Resources
  • Colorado PERA
  • 401(k) and 457 Supplemental Retirement Plans

For more information on benefits please visit https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-of-colorado-employee-benefits. For additional information on PERA visit www.copera.org.
Additional information about the Office of the Colorado State Public Defender can be found at:
Position Purpose and Objectives/Definition of Work:
We are recruiting to fill a Paralegal position Colorado State Public Defender's regional trial offices This classification describes the first level within the series wherein employees learn and apply criminal procedures, rules and laws guiding legal practice in criminal defense; and, apply the principles and practices of a paralegal nature to support and assist with a variety of litigation needs. Positions perform duties and assume responsibility for supporting divisions, units, cases and clients under the specific direction, instruction and guidance of a defense attorney. Public Defender paralegals serve as part of the defense team, and as such, are bound by the Colorado Rules of Professional Conduct including rules regarding the attorney-client privilege and client confidentiality.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Manages and organizes discovery. Converts electronic files to PDF and other formats. Builds trial notebooks, creates digital bookmarks and indexes for easy reference and access by the attorneys and defense team. Creates spreadsheets to manage and organize case records and information including, but not limited to, discovery, witnesses, evidence and exhibits.
  • Reviews and summarizes discovery, videos, and witness interviews. Orders transcripts. Identifies matters of significance and brings to the attention of the defense team. Reviews discovery with the client. Requests and reviews client records, court records and transcripts to complete case files.
  • Reviews client charges, pleadings, and court orders and researches legal issues as requested by the attorney such as, searching and reviewing statutes, case law, and legal articles for legal precedent, mitigation and sentencing considerations. May assist attorneys in identifying potential conflicts of interest.
  • Searches case-related information as requested by the attorney such as, trending media, news publications, and anything referencing the case, client, codefendants or witnesses that may assist in the preparation of the case, hearing, trial, juror selection or defense strategies.
  • Keeps attorneys and defense teams updated as new information is added to the case files.
  • Under the attorney's direction and review, drafts routine and standard motions, briefs and legal memoranda. Proofreads and edits motions prepared by attorneys. Files pleadings and motions. Redacts documents.
  • Paralegals in the trial offices may prepare appellate packets and coordinate with the Appellate office to ensure timely provision of materials. Paralegals in Appellate, review appellate packets and communicate with the trial offices and other counsel about additional materials needed to timely file Notices of Appeal or complete the record.
  • Tracks and monitors case status and critical timelines on assigned cases to ensure court filings are processed in accordance with established criminal procedures, rules and laws. Keeps attorneys and clients apprised, as appropriate.
  • Provides support for hearings or trials as requested by the attorney including, but not limited to, jury selection; tracking of witnesses; tracking of exhibits; client communication; note taking and documentation of events; coordination of trial materials; and, providing technical assistance with audio/visual platforms for evidence and develops Power-Point presentations.
  • Drafts and responds to correspondence from clients, client family members, and representatives from collateral agencies, to obtain and exchange pertinent information in accordance with policy and procedure.
  • Performs a variety of administrative tasks as needed to support the defense team and client, which requires the processing of forms, documents and transactions in accordance with State Office policy and procedure.
  • Performs all duties to ensure compliance with applicable laws and practices to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Description of Job
FOR A FULL DESCRIPTION AND TO APPLY VISIT:
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
FOR A FULL DESCRIPTION AND TO APPLY VISIT:
Supplemental Information
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Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.

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