Senior Litigation Assistant

Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization. We take on the biggest, most precedent-setting cases across the country. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people’s health; to preserve magnificent places and wildlife; to advance clean energy; and to combat climate change. We partner with thousands of groups, supporters, individuals and communities to engage the critical environmental issues of our time, and bring about positive change. We are here because the earth needs a good lawyer.

Founded in 1971, Earthjustice has a distinguished track record of achieving significant, lasting environmental protections. We achieve this by hiring people who share a passion for justice and a healthy environment. Our headquarters are in San Francisco with offices in Anchorage, Juneau, Los Angeles, Tallahassee, Miami, Honolulu, New York, Philadelphia, Denver, Seattle, Bozeman, Chicago and Washington, DC.

This position provides paralegal and administrative support for the litigation and advocacy activities of the Washington DC Regional office, and also offers backup support for operations staff in the office.

Responsibilities:

Paralegal (70%):

• Prepare documents under attorney supervision for filing in court and before agencies, including:
• Drafting procedural motions, certificates, and disclosure statements;
• Ensuring document compliance with court rules;
• Proofreading, blue booking, and cite-checking;
• Preparing tables of contents, tables of authorities, exhibits, and exhibit lists; and
• Filing and serving electronically and manually.
• Assist attorneys with preparing for oral arguments and public hearings.
• Perform factual and specifically delegated legal research and draft memos presenting research.
• Receive, research, and coordinate responses to public inquiries requesting legal assistance.
• Maintain litigation calendars, including monitoring, computing, and scheduling court and agency deadlines based on court orders and Federal Register notices.
• Organizing/scheduling case-related meetings.
• Maintain digital and physical files, including:
• Case pleadings, general litigation documents, and general correspondence; and
• Case management database (ProLaw).
• Draft client communications, including retainer agreements, litigation hold letters, and joint defense agreements.
• Become familiar with relevant court and administrative agency rules.
• Monitor Federal Register, court, and/or other web sites as requested by attorneys
• Develop visual aids and exhibits using mapping tools and analyze demographic and geographic data to assist attorneys in case development.
• Assist with locating and corresponding with potential witnesses.
• Assist fellow litigation assistants both organization-wide and within the D.C. office, including serving as backup for team members who handle filings with various public utility commissions or agencies.
• Submit Freedom of Information Act inquiries and review and summarize responsive documents as needed.
• Analyze information from environmental databases on facility compliance and emissions.
• Stay up-to-date on environmental issues and network relevant news to attorneys.

Administrative (30%):

•  Keep informed and maintain proficiency on the latest computer software and applications that are applicable to the litigation assistant’s work.
• Serve as backup to the operations staff.
• Schedule meetings for attorneys at their request.

General:

• Help foster office morale and positive work environment.
• Other tasks as assigned as needed.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent experience.
• Minimum two years of paralegal experience or equivalent.
• A can-do attitude, meticulous attention to detail, and an unrelenting commitment to high performance standards.
• Excellent research, analytical, writing, and computer skills (word processing, databases and spreadsheets, Internet, etc.).
• Excellent command of spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
• The ability to organize, set priorities among multiple assignments, meet deadlines, and function calmly under pressure.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Demonstrate an awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a team, including with remote staff, and to maintain confidential information.
• Flexible, punctual, highly reliable, and available for occasional evening and weekend work, as well as overtime on an as-needed basis. Ability to work for extended periods on the computer as needed to meet filing deadlines.
• A team player who will enthusiastically take on tasks that range from intellectually challenging to administrative work. Ability to work independently to identify, analyze, and complete tasks.
• Contribute to the creation of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences.
• Support for Earthjustice’s mission
• Ability to travel for trainings, hearings, and staff and client meetings.
• Excellent skills with Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Office Suite a plus.
• Interest in and knowledge of environmental, social justice, or public interest issues a plus.

Salary is based on experience and location. 

Salary range in Washington, DC: $69,800- $77,500