Job Description

Introduction
The Delaware Office of Defense Services (ODS) is committed to ensuring that every person-regardless of income, background, or circumstance-is treated fairly and respectfully in the justice system. As Delaware's public defender agency, ODS protects constitutional rights, supports individuals and families during difficult moments, and works to strengthen trust and fairness across our communities.
Our mission is zealous advocacy for the people. This simple but powerful commitment guides every aspect of our work and reflects our belief that justice must be accessible, humane, and rooted in dignity for all Delawareans. Our work is carried out by a team of dedicated attorneys and professionals across Central Administration, the Public Defender's Office, and Office of Conflicts Counsel. More than 200 staff members serve Delawareans with compassion, integrity, and a deep belief that dignity, equity, and justice must be accessible to all.
Assistant Public Defenders-together with investigators, forensic social specialists, mitigation specialists, client advocates, legal assistants, and administrative staff-stand beside adults and youth navigating criminal and delinquency charges. They also represent parents in abuse and neglect proceeding in the Family Court, helping protect the fundamental rights of families and ensuring parents have a meaningful voice when facing life-altering decisions. Across all case types, our teams connect clients with needed services, challenge systemic barriers that deepen inequity, and advocate for outcomes that promote healing, stability, and stronger communities. Through this work, ODS strives to ensure that justice in Delaware is not just a principle, but a lived experience for every person we serve.
Summary Statement
Legal Assistant Supervisor
The Office of Defense Services seeks a highly motivated, organized, and enthusiastic Legal Assistant Supervisor/Office Manager to fill a full-time role within Sussex County Public Defenders Office. The successful applicant will be responsible for providing technical leadership, guidance, and training to office Legal Assistants and Legal Administrative Specialists and other support staff as required.
Preferred Qualification
Job Requirements for Legal Assistant Supervisor:
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas: * Possession of an Associate's degree (or anticipated graduation date within six months) or certificate in Paralegal Studies from an ABA or Department approved program OR Possession of a Bachelor's degree or higher in Paralegal Studies, Criminal Justice, or a related field (or anticipated graduation date within six months).

• Five years' experience in drafting legal documents such as legal briefs or memoranda of law including presenting facts, setting out and analyzing legal issues and applying legal precedents.
• Knowledge of staff supervision acquired through course work, academic training, training provided through an employer, or performing as a lead worker overseeing the work of others; OR supervising staff which may include planning, assigning, reviewing, and evaluating the work of others; OR supervising through subordinate supervisors a group of professional, technical, and clerical employees.
• Knowledge of facilities planning such as developing facilities management plans based on the evaluation and analysis of usage, structures, and other facilities.

OR * Possession of a Juris Doctorate degree.

• Three years' experience in drafting legal documents and such as legal briefs or memoranda of law including presenting facts, setting out and analyzing legal issues and applying legal precedents.
• Knowledge of staff supervision acquired through course work, academic training, training provided through an employer, or performing as a lead worker overseeing the work of others; OR supervising staff which may include planning, assigning, reviewing, and evaluating the work of others; OR supervising through subordinate supervisors a group of professional, technical, and clerical employees.
• Knowledge of facilities planning such as developing facilities management plans based on the evaluation and analysis of usage, structures, and other facilities.

Essential Functions
Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class:

• Establishes and maintains case files ensuring that the files contain complete and accurate information essential to each step of the proceedings from pre-hearing and/or pre-trial through trial and sentencing.
• Plans, assigns, reviews, and evaluates the work of staff; determines initial and on-going development needs of staff through on-the-job training or the use of outside resources.
• Collects and compiles statistical data; prepares narrative, statistical, and unit activity reports.
• Acts in liaison capacity between superior and various interested parties and judicial and/or court staff, clients, defendants, plaintiffs, victims, witnesses, law enforcement agents, elected and/or appointed officials and the public to gather, clarify and provide information regarding case facts and status.
• Monitors, evaluates, collects and analyzes section/division data. Determines if goals and objectives are met and recommends solutions/improvements based on findings.
• Provides administrative support to the supervising attorney in evaluating, analyzing, recommending and implementing unit policies, procedures and systems regarding staffing and special projects
• Advises and consults with the supervising attorney on management and administrative problems and issues
• Maintain weekly and monthly schedules for attorneys and administrative staff
• Exhibit Mastery of the daily operations of CCP, Superior, and Family Courts, as well as tangential interactions with JP Courts and the Delaware Supreme Court.
• Coordinate facility maintenance and maintain office supplies.
• Perform other tasks as required and directed by management.

Additional Posting Information

• Please be sure to upload a recent copy of your resume, as you complete the application process for this posting.
• This position is exempt from the State of Delaware Merit System.
• This posting may close before 5/15/2026 upon filling the vacant position.

The Office of Defense Services is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, or veteran status.
Conditions of Hire

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9information to confirm you are authorized to work in the U.S.
• Criminal background check: A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire.
• Direct deposit of paychecks is required.

Benefits
Upon eligibility benefits to include:

• Group Health Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, Prescription, Flexible Spending, Long & Short-Term Disability Insurance, Group Universal Life Insurance, Securian Accident & Critical Illness Insurance, Health Management Programs.
• 21 paid vacation days, 15 paid sick days, 12 paid holidays, up to 12 weeks paid Parental Leave.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access to support services such as Professional Counseling Services, Legal Services, Financial Services.
• Employer & Employee Funded Pension Plan as well as an Employee Funded Retirement Savings Plan available.

Accommodations
Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an auxiliary aid or service please call (302) 739-5458. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance.

Skills Required