| Description |
Earthjustice is now accepting applications for a full-time Litigation Assistant to join the Oceans Program and provide both substantive and administrative support to our team of attorneys who litigate cases in federal courts around the country aimed at protecting ocean resources in the United States. The position is available immediately and will be based in our Seattle office.
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 and supporters 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, Miami, Tallahassee, Honolulu, New York, Philadelphia, Denver, Seattle, Bozeman, and Washington, DC.
The Oceans Program uses hard-hitting litigation and administrative advocacy to protect oceans and oceans wildlife from threats such as overfishing, pollution, oil and gas drilling, and habitat degradation. For more information about the Oceans Program, please visit https://earthjustice.org/about/offices/oceans.
Responsibilities:
The Litigation Assistant provides administrative and litigation support services for 6 active Oceans Program attorneys practicing in federal courts and administrative forums. Tasks may include but are not limited to the following:
- Preparation and editing of documents for filing, including: proofreading, cite checking, bluebooking, formatting, producing tables of contents and authorities, assembling exhibit lists, etc.
- Filing and service of paper and electronic filings.
- Ensuring all court rules are being met.
- Creating, organizing, and maintaining case files and contacts.
- Computing and calendaring court deadlines.
- Assisting in the collection, processing, and review of incoming and outgoing discovery productions, such as administrative records, including use of an eDiscovery software platform.
- Assisting attorneys with deposition and hearing preparation, including: organizing document binders, printing exhibits, creating exhibit lists, communicating with court reporters, etc.
- Supporting attorneys in gaining admission to courts, registration renewals, and creating and managing e-filing accounts.
- Reviewing, organizing, and interpreting factual and technical information; generating research notes, memoranda, summaries, tables, maps, and other visuals as needed.
- Drafting basic pleadings and other case-related documents under attorney supervision, including: case initiating documents, proposed orders, cover letters, FOIA requests, pro hac vice applications, etc.
- Communicating with courts, clients, experts, opposing counsel, and government officials as requested or approved by attorneys.
- Tracking relevant dockets and issues related to the work of the Oceans Program via the Federal Register, agency web sites, various distribution lists, media outlets, etc.
- Communicating with the Communications Department about notable case developments and helping to ensure the Oceans web page is up-to-date.
- Participating in conference calls and meetings when relevant to the position and/or assigned projects.
- General administrative assistance (photocopying, proofreading, taking meeting minutes, updating database of case descriptions).
- Operating and performing minor trouble-shooting of all office equipment (copier, Stamps.com equipment, fax machines, etc.) and providing basic technical assistance to staff (word processing, e-mail software, etc.) as needed.
- Providing backup to Legal Practice Manager as needed, including receiving packages, scanning mail, and greeting visitors.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
- Paralegal experience or training a plus.
- To qualify for Litigation Assistant II, at least three years of paralegal or legal assistant experience in a litigation setting, and experience with discovery management programs or GIS.
- Interest in and knowledge of environmental, social justice, or public interest issues a plus.
- 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.).
- The ability to organize, set priorities among multiple assignments, meet deadlines, and function calmly under pressure.
- 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. 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.
- Demonstrated awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.
- Commitment and contribution to the creation of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences.
We offer a mission- and employee-focused work environment and a competitive compensation package, including excellent benefits. Earthjustice is an equal opportunity employer and highly values diversity.
To Apply:
Interested applicants should submit the following:
- Resume.
- One or two-page cover letter that addresses (1) why you are drawn to Earthjustice’s mission and whether there are particular legal, environmental, or justice issues that inspire you; and (2) aspects of your background that demonstrate competence to work with a diverse group of clients and colleagues.
- Short writing sample.
- List of three references.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Please reach out to jobs@earthjustice.org if you are having technical difficulties submitting your application. No phone calls, drop-ins, or hard copies.
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