Legal Assistant/Paralegal (Criminal Defense)

Seidlich Law, P.A., a Tampa Bay criminal defense firm, is hiring a full-time Legal Assistant / Paralegal to keep a multi-county caseaload running smoothly. The firm handles criminal defense cases across Florida’s west coast.

This is a client-facing, coordination-heavy role. You will be the first voice most clients hear, the person who keeps the attorney’s calendar from colliding with itself, and the point of contact for courts, clerks, prosecutors’ offices, and experts. You report directly to the managing partner.

Scheduling and calendar coordination

• Maintain the firm’s master calendar of court dates, hearings, depositions, and deadlines across multiple counties and circuits
• Identify and resolve scheduling conflicts before they become a problem: coordinate with judicial assistants, clerks, and opposing counsel to reset hearings and file motions to continue or reschedule when needed
• Calculate and docket filing deadlines under the Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure and Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration
• Confirm hearing times, courtroom assignments, and appearance requirements (in person, Zoom, or waived) the day before every court event
• Schedule client meetings, witness interviews, expert consultations, and depositions

Client communication

• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients and their families: answer calls, return messages the same business day, and set clear expectations about what happens next
• Conduct intake calls with prospective clients, gather case details, and schedule consultations
• Keep clients informed of court dates, required appearances, and case status without disclosing privileged strategy or giving legal advice
• Manage difficult conversations with professionalism: anxious clients, incarcerated clients, and family members seeking updates
• Coordinate jail calls and visits, bond paperwork, and pretrial release conditions with clients and the appropriate agencies

Case support

• Open new matters, maintain organized physical and electronic files, and keep the case management system current
• Prepare, format, and e-file pleadings, motions, notices, and subpoenas through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal
• Request, track, and organize discovery, including body-worn camera footage, dash camera video, 911 recordings, breath test records, lab reports, and law enforcement reports
• Draft routine correspondence, notices of appearance, notices of hearing, and discovery requests for attorney review
• Coordinate with investigators, forensic experts, and records custodians
• Track billing, retainers, and payment plans; send invoices and follow up on balances

Firm operations

• Manage incoming mail, phone lines, and the firm’s general inbox
• Maintain supplies, vendor relationships, and office systems
• Assist with occasional overflow work for the firm’s family law team as needed

Pay: $22.13 - $23.64 per hour

Expected hours: 30.0 – 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Opportunities for advancement
• Work from home

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Experience:

• criminal defense: 1 year (Required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Tampa, FL 33610