Legal Assistant/Paralegal

Hudson, Wisconsin · $25–$30 per hour

Job Details at a Glance

• Schedule: Full-time, in office
• Retirement: 401(k) with employer match up to 5%
• Insurance: Health insurance, plus dental and vision

Introduction

Nelson Defense Group is a criminal defense law firm in Hudson, Wisconsin. We represent people facing some of the most stressful moments of their lives, and we work as a close, hands-on team to give every client strong, attentive representation.

We offer competitive pay, full-time hours, a retirement plan, and health insurance. Because we are a small firm, your work is visible and valued. You will work directly with attorneys, learn criminal defense practice up close, and play a real part in our clients' outcomes.

Position Summary

We are hiring a Legal Assistant to support a lead attorney. You will be a key point of contact for clients, manage case files from opening to closing, and help our attorneys prepare and organize their cases. You will also share front-desk and office duties that keep a small firm running smoothly. This role works under the direct supervision of a lead attorney as well as managing attorneys.

Salary Information

This position pays $25–$30 per hour, based on experience and qualifications. It is a full-time, in-office role, with an option for a half day on Fridays, with retirement and health insurance benefits.

Job Details

Client intake and communication

• Answer calls from prospective clients, conduct initial intake conversations, document inquiries for attorney review.
• Communicate with existing clients on the attorneys' behalf, answer routine questions, and keep clients informed throughout their case.
• Schedule meetings and calls with clients, prospective clients, and courts.
• Treat every caller with courtesy and empathy.

Case and file management

• Run conflict checks and open new matters in our case management software.
• Keep case records accurate and current, and maintain a consistent, well-organized file structure.
• Scan and file documents and notes to the correct matter and audit files periodically for gaps or misfiled items.
• Close and archive files when matters conclude.

Discovery

• Download discovery from prosecutor portals and other sharing platforms, then organize it by type.
• Log incoming discovery and flag gaps or outstanding materials for the attorney.
• Review and bookmark discovery, and prepare summaries, indexes, and timelines of large cases.
• Watch and transcribe body camera, surveillance, and interview recordings.
• Request and summarize medical records.

Technology

• Legal case management software (Smokeball, Clio, MyCase, or similar)
• Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel, or Google equivalents
• PDF tools such as Adobe Acrobat for bookmarking, combining, and redacting files
• E-signature platforms such as DocuSign
• Transcription and comfort with audio and video files
• Basic tech troubleshooting

Drafting, filing, and correspondence

• Draft client letters, including monthly statements, hearing reminders, procedure letters, and closing letters.
• Prepare motions, continuance requests, letters to the court, open records requests, and transcript requests from attorney instructions or templates.
• E-file documents with the court and track their status.
• Coordinate electronic signatures with clients on stipulations and other documents.
• Proofread and format documents to meet court rules and firm standards, and help assemble exhibits.

Calendar and deadlines

• Monitor attorney calendar including deadlines and scheduling conflicts.
• Track hearings, filing deadlines, and major case stages across all active matters.
• Keep the calendar current and give attorneys timely reminders of upcoming dates.

Billing and payments

• Take client payments over the phone and track payment plans.
• Monitor billing, submit invoices, and track court-appointment billing activity.

Front desk and office support

• Greet visitors, answer phones, and review and route incoming mail daily as needed to support receptionist.

Qualifications

Required

• Strong organization and attention to detail across many active matters at once.
• Clear, professional writing and phone skills.
• Comfort with computers, document software, and learning new systems.
• Absolute discretion with confidential client information.
• Ability to adapt to shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred

• Experience as a legal assistant, paralegal, or in a law office, especially criminal defense.
• Familiarity with Wisconsin court e-filing and the court system.
• Experience with Smokeball or other legal case management software.
• Paralegal certificate or related coursework.

How to Apply and Application Deadline

Send your resume and a short cover letter to liesl@nelsondefensegroup.com with "Legal Assistant" in the subject line. Applications are due by November 27, 2026. We review applications as they arrive, so we encourage you to apply early.

Nelson Defense Group is an equal opportunity employer.

Pay: $25.00 - $30.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person