Paralegal at the ACLU of Colorado

ACLU of Colorado is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization guided by a mission to protect, defend, and extend the civil rights and civil liberties of all people in Colorado through litigation, education, and advocacy. As the oldest and largest civil rights organization in Colorado, its work is guided by the Bill of Rights, ensuring the freedoms contained within are available for members of marginalized communities, including people of color, LGBTQ+ people, women, immigrants, people experiencing poverty, unhoused people, incarcerated people, and students. ACLU of Colorado envisions a future where the civil rights and civil liberties of all people in Colorado are honored, respected and upheld. For more information about the work of the ACLU of Colorado and the civil liberties principles we uphold, please visit our website at www.aclu-co.org.

Summary of Position

American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Colorado seeks a full-time Paralegal, who will report to the Legal Director and the Managing Attorney. The Paralegal will provide support for all litigation as well as administrative support for the Legal Department’s legal advocacy and non-litigation strategies. The Paralegal will work with several attorneys on the wide variety of constitutional law and civil liberties issues that comprise the ACLU’s docket.

Litigation and Legal Advocacy Support

• Provide paralegal support for federal, state, and administrative litigation, including impact litigation, appeals, and amicus briefs;
• Assist in case management, including maintenance of electronic files, physical files, court records, and litigation calendars; anticipate and identify potential litigation tasks and prepare accordingly;
• Prepare, format, and file legal pleadings in state and federal trial courts and courts of appeal; assist with finalizing pleadings and exhibits; and prepare discovery requests and responses, as appropriate;
• Research court rules and procedures to ensure accuracy of filings;
• Coordinate all logistics for depositions, client meetings or conference calls, service of process, courtesy copy delivery, and other litigation support;
• Assist attorneys in preparing for oral arguments, hearings, and trials by compiling exhibits and references and creating binders, presentations, etc.;
• Organize and carry out demand letter campaigns to local governments and state actors;
• Draft legal letters, open records requests under state and federal laws, and other correspondence, as requested, and manage responses, including calendaring deadlines, and ensuring the deadlines are met; and
• Cite check , format and proofread pleadings and/or other court submissions, as requested.

Legal Program Support

• Assist in factual research in support of current and potential legal advocacy and litigation, through interviews, internet research, and use of open records laws;
• Support legal intake process, including follow up research, phone calls, and records requests;
• Assist attorneys with fact-finding interviews related to potential civil liberties violations;
• Process incoming and outgoing Legal Department mail;
• In collaboration with communications staff and attorneys, prepare and maintain webpages on the ACLU-CO website for each active legal case or project, and ensure the web page narrative and attached materials for each case are up-to-date and accurate;
• Maintain communication with clients, cooperating attorneys, opposing counsel, and court staff throughout the duration of a case;
• Process legal department invoices, credit card statements, and other department-related expenses;
• Supervise and maintain the upkeep of legal department library and other resources;
• Manage the hiring processes for interns including posting the job description, conducting interviews with attorneys, and communicating with applicants;
• Coordinate monthly legal panel meetings and bi-monthly department meetings; and
• Assist with special projects and other additional duties as assigned by the Legal Director and Staff Attorneys.

Required Qualifications

• High school degree and three years of Paralegal or Legal Assistant experience
• Strong organizational skills and careful attention to detail
• Strong drive and initiative, with the ability to manage time well in an environment of many concurrent assignments and deadlines
• A willingness and desire to jump in and help on any project, to learn new skills, and to take ownership of assignments
• Proficiency with computers and technology, including advanced use of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Adobe Acrobat, and ability to conduct internet research
• Ability to master new software, such as an intake database or case management program
• Excellent English reading comprehension and writing skills
• General familiarity and comfort with the basics of legal terminology and the legal process
• Willingness and ability to obtain and maintain qualification as notary public
• Commitment to civil liberties principles and the goals of the ACLU

Desired Qualifications

• Spanish speaking and/or writing proficiency
• Skills in software troubleshooting

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Belonging, and Inclusion

ACLU of Colorado is an equitable opportunity employer. It believes that having a board, staff, and volunteer base with diverse personal and professional backgrounds enhances its ability to meet its mission and creates an environment where all community members can thrive. It strongly encourages applications from all qualified persons, including people of color, immigrants, women, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, those who have been formerly incarcerated, and other members of underrepresented and marginalized groups.

ACLU of Colorado does not discriminate on the basis of race (including hairstyle), color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, record of arrest or conviction, or any other basis protected by State or federal requirements. It is committed to providing a providing a work environment that practices equitable and inclusive treatment and is quick to act to prevent and address harassment or discrimination of any kind.

Essential Job Functions

The following activities are essential for success in this role:

• Ability to remain focused at workstation for long periods of time.
• Ability to work in office at least two days a week.
• Some light lifting required at ACLU-CO events.
• Communicate with others effectively in verbal and written formats.
• Use a computer.
• Answer and make phone calls/text messages.
• Have a reliable form of transportation to commute to and from the office in downtown Denver.
• Ability to travel between locations across the state of Colorado.

Compensation

This is a full-time, non-exempt position and the approximate salary range is $49,000-$67,000. The starting salary is within the pay scale parameters of the ACLU of Colorado. ACLU of Colorado offers comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, life and long-term disability insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance (AD&D), 401(k) contribution, paid vacation, and holidays.

To Apply

Email a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and three references with “ACLU-CO Paralegal” in the subject line to jobs@aclu-co.org. No phone calls, please. Resumes will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning May 9, 2025. To request an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact jobs@aclu-co.org.