Paralegal - Criminal Justice Reform

Overview:

 Responsibilities: 

• Assist attorneys with case management and support including substantial document management;
• Conduct research related to litigation/legal case development (i.e. verify evidence and investigate facts of case including but not limited to searching news media, scholarly journals, Westlaw, Accurint, PACER, and internet sources);
• Manage litigation support projects including other team members as necessary;
• Prepare and organize information, notes, and research memos;
• Assist with field investigations, discovery and trial preparation;
• Prepare exhibits for depositions, hearings, and trial;
• Maintain case files and manage case documents in paper files as well as in Time Matters and litigation management and review databases;
• Maintain pleadings and correspondence files and handle client correspondence as needed;
• Check legal forms and documents for accuracy;
• Research court rules and procedures and communicate these to attorneys to ensure accuracy of filings and non-rejection by courts;
• Draft and /or assist with preparation of legal documents for filing and service;
• Communicate with witnesses, clients and others in person and over the phone as required;
• Handle settlement administration as needed;
• Summarize deposition transcripts, discovery documents and client records;
• Coordinate with court reporters and others to arrange for depositions;
• Coordinate arrangement for service of subpoenas and summonses;
• Assist with electronic filings of case pleadings;
• Maintain docketing/calendaring of case deadlines;
• Assist in drafting requests for public records/information, as well as analyzing and organizing responses to such requests;
• Assist with training and administration of litigation software and legal research database use; and
• Assist with special projects as needed.

Qualifications (Education and Related Work Experience): 

• A minimum of 3 years of paralegal or legal research experience required;
• College degree or equivalent work experience;
• Paralegal Certificate preferred;
• Strong research skills required;
• Excellent analytical and writing skills required;
• Excellent problem solving, communication and interpersonal skills required;
• Excellent computer skills required; must be highly proficient in word processing, spreadsheet and database programs;
• Ability and willingness to work overtime as required;
• Knowledge of litigation software (i.e. document and time management software, document review platforms, e-discovery processing software) and legal & research databases (i.e. Westlaw and PACER preferred); and
• Knowledge of filing procedures and requirements for various courts, including state, federal and courts of appeal, and experience researching court.

Knowledge, skills and abilities: 

• Commitment to a non-hierarchal approach to clients and a client-centered approach to advocacy and ability to work on delicate issues in a compassionate and sensitive manner;
• Must have continual attention-to-detail in composing, typing, and proofing materials, establishing priorities and meeting deadlines;
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced work environment;
• Ability to manage litigation support projects including other team members as necessary;
• Strong organizational skills, follow-through, and flexibility around changing priorities and deadlines;
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team to develop new cases and legal initiatives;
• Ability to work on several cases at once and take direction from several attorneys;
• Understanding and sensitivity to issues client populations face;
• Capacity to work around disturbing, and sometimes violent, information;
• Ability to work well under pressure, including some evenings and weekends; and
• Spanish language ability preferred but not required.

Other Special Considerations: 

• This job is performed under general office conditions and is not subject to any strenuous physical demands or dangerous conditions.

Disclaimer: 

• The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this These statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of a person in this position.

An Equal-Opportunity Employer with a Commitment to Diversity