Paralegal, National Security Project

$76,308 - $76,308/Yr

Aclu - New York, NY

Full-time - Entry Level

New York, NY

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

The ACLU seeks a full-time Paralegal for the National Security Project at its National office in New York, NY. This hybrid role requires in-office attendance for two days a week or eight days a month. The National Security Project is dedicated to advocating for individuals and communities adversely affected by government actions justified by national security claims. The project emphasizes the importance of maintaining a robust system of checks and balances, ensuring that policies align with constitutional rights, civil liberties, and human rights. Through various channels, including the courts, Congress, and public education, the project aims to empower individuals to engage fully in civic life while protecting them from discrimination, unwarranted surveillance, unlawful detention, and other injustices stemming from government overreach. As a Paralegal, you will report to the Deputy Project Director and provide essential litigation and administrative support to the legal team. Your responsibilities will encompass responding to legal inquiries, cite-checking and formatting legal documents, and managing the litigation calendar and files. You will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of the project by assisting attorneys with various tasks, including document preparation, logistical support for hearings and trials, and maintaining accurate case files. Your day-to-day activities will also involve drafting legal documents, organizing Freedom of Information Act requests, and handling general administrative duties such as processing invoices and scheduling meetings. Additionally, you will collaborate with interns and provide guidance on assigned projects, contributing to the overall success of the National Security Project.

Responsibilities

• Provide litigation, administrative, and research support for the work of NSP attorneys.
• Type, prepare, proofread, format, and cite-check legal and other documents such as briefs, motions, declarations, discovery requests and responses, and correspondence.
• Provide logistical, administrative, and document management support for hearings and trials.
• Review and organize documents related to Freedom of Information Act requests and discovery.
• Draft, edit, and prepare affidavits, Freedom of Information Act requests, and other legal or public education documents.
• Arrange for service of legal documents; prepare and serve discovery documents; research court rules and procedures.
• Handle general administrative duties including processing invoices, tracking expenses and case costs, preparing expense reports, scheduling meetings, ordering supplies, etc.
• Handle calendaring and travel arrangements for project staff as assigned.
• Maintain and ensure accuracy of case files, attorneys' correspondence files, and internal litigation tracking systems including case summaries and databases, docket, and calendar of litigation deadlines and court dates.
• Provide administrative support for managers' review of applications for open positions.
• Work jointly with interns and communicate routine and/or procedural guidance on projects assigned by managers.
• Work on special projects and other duties as assigned by the Deputy Project Director or Project Director.

Requirements

• Strong administrative, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Solid proofreading, research, and writing skills.
• Demonstrated self-starter, highly organized, and detail-oriented.
• Adept at managing multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, e.g., Outlook, Word, Excel, etc. and have experience with internet research.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as within a team while maintaining a high level of efficiency.

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor's degree or two years of directly relevant legal or administrative experience.
• Experience with litigation support is preferred.

Benefits

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance