PARALEGAL / LEGAL ASSISTANT

Full-Time | Tacoma, WA | In-Office

About the Firm

The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart is a respected criminal defense practice based in Pierce County, Washington. Attorney Michael Stewart brings decades of high-stakes trial experience to the firm, including complex felony defense, murder cases, and appellate work up to the Washington State Supreme Court. Recognized for his tenacious advocacy and deep courtroom knowledge, Mike has built a reputation as one of the most experienced criminal defense attorneys in Western Washington. The office close-knit group of professionals that moves fast and prides itself on responsive, high-quality representation at every stage of a matter.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an organized, dependable, and client-focused Paralegal / Legal Assistant to help run our growing caseload from intake through resolution. You will be a central point of contact for clients and courts and a key part of keeping our matters moving. This is a full-time, in-office position in Tacoma, with the potential to discuss a hybrid arrangement down the line for the right person. Target start is September 2026 to allow training overlap with our current team.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

Your work will be varied, fast-paced, and central to how the firm runs. Responsibilities include:

  • Manage client matters from intake through case closure, keeping every file moving with clear next steps
  • Handle client intake calls and coordinate new-client onboarding, often being the first voice a client in crisis hears
  • Prepare, file, and track court documents and deadlines across Pierce County and surrounding jurisdictions
  • Maintain organized case files and calendars so nothing slips through the cracks
  • Communicate professionally with clients, courts, and opposing counsel while demonstrating both compassion and candor
  • Provide day-to-day administrative support to the founding attorney, adjusting priorities as the fast-moving nature of criminal defense demands

Qualifications

Required

  • Prior paralegal or legal assistant experience; criminal defense experience a plus
  • Strong organization and attention to deadlines and the ability to juggle a high volume of active matters without losing detail
  • Professional, courteous, and dependable client-facing manner
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • A self-starter mentality. Reliable, accountable, and able to keep matters moving without close supervision
  • Comfortable working in-office full-time in Tacoma

Ideal Candidate Traits

  • Background in criminal defense, prosecution, or other litigation support
  • Calm under pressure and able to handle urgent matters, shifting priorities while maintaining composure
  • Compassionate with clients navigating stressful situations, while staying organized and efficient
  • Quick learner who is comfortable with legal technology and modern tools, including AI-assisted workflows
  • A desire to grow with the firm and take on increasing responsibility and compensation

Compensation & Benefits

  • Competitive pay commensurate with experience, benchmarked to the Tacoma-area market
  • Paid time off and sick leave
  • A central role in a respected, growing criminal defense practice with a promise that no two days in your new career will be alike

Why Join the Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart?

This is not a back-office filing job. You will be at the center of a busy criminal defense practice. You will be the person clients, courts, and counsel rely on to keep things moving while working directly with a lawyer who has tried murder cases, argued before the Washington Supreme Court, and earned the trust of judges, prosecutors, and clients across the region. If you want work that matters to real people navigating some of the hardest moments of their lives and to gain invaluable experience from one of the most highly regarded legal professionals in his practice area, this is the opportunity for you.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following:

  • Resume
  • Brief cover letter or note describing your experience and interest
  • References

Apply via email to stewartlawtacoma@gmail.com.