American Civil Liberties Union

Paralegal, Program on Freedom of Religion and Belief

Legal & Accounting
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of experience as a paralegal or in a related legal field
  • Excellent research skills, especially legal and Internet research
  • Strong written and oral communication skills
  • Highly organized with attention to detail and time management
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with Westlaw preferred
  • Experience in preparing legal documents and managing litigation files
  • Ability to work effectively both independently and in team settings

Responsibilities

  • Cite-check, format, and proofread legal documents
  • Conduct legal research and monitor cases using Westlaw
  • Assist with litigation tasks including editing discovery documents and deposition prep
  • Conduct factual research for litigation and public education
  • Track state legislation and conduct related research
  • Maintain the Program's litigation docket and calendar
  • Assist in website maintenance and public information development

Benefits

  • Generous paid time-off policy
  • Comprehensive healthcare benefits, including medical, dental, and vision
  • 401k plan with employer match
  • Support for employee growth with annual professional development funds and workshops
Full Job Description
ABOUT THE JOB

The ACLU seeks applicants for the full-time position of Paralegal in the Program on Freedom Religion and Belief of the ACLU's National office in Washington, DC. This is a hybrid role that has in-office requirements of two (2) days per week or eight (8) days per month.

This position is part of a collective bargaining unit. It is represented by ACLU Staff United (ASU).
WHAT YOU'LL DO

Reporting to the Project Director, the Paralegal will be a core member of a collaborative, dedicated team working to advance the ACLU's mission to advance and protect the freedom of religion and belief.
YOUR DAY TO DAY
  • Cite-check, format, and proofread documents, including legal briefs, memoranda, demand letters, and other correspondence
  • Conduct legal research and monitor cases on Westlaw
  • Assist in carrying out other litigation-related tasks, including editing discovery requests and responses, reviewing evidence, and preparing for depositions
  • Conduct Internet and other factual research in connection with prospective or ongoing litigation, policy matters, or public education efforts
  • Work with the Program attorneys to track state legislation and conduct related research
  • Maintain and ensure the accuracy of the Program's litigation docket and calendar, and organize and maintain litigation and policy files
  • Assist in the development and maintenance of the Program's website and other public information outlets.
  • Perform job-related special projects, support other legal department projects, and other duties as assigned by the Director and other Program staff
  • Receive requests for legal assistance and ensure timely responses to inquiries
  • Work with other national ACLU projects, ACLU state affiliates nationwide, and allies
  • Assist Program staff regarding strategic planning and related matters
  • Work on special projects and other duties as assigned by the Project Director
FUTURE ACLU'ERS WILL
  • Be committed to advancing the mission of the ACLU
  • Center and embed the principles of equity, inclusion and belonging in their work by demonstrating commitment to diversity with an approach that respects and values multiple perspectives
  • Be committed to work collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and conflicts
WHAT YOU'LL BRING
  • Excellent research skills, including Internet research
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Must take initiative, be highly organized, detail-oriented, and possess strong interpersonal and time-management skills
  • Strong computer skills with advanced knowledge in Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.)
  • Basic knowledge of Westlaw is preferred
  • Experience creating tables of contents, tables of authorities, and mail merges
  • Ability to work independently as well as within a team
COMPENSATION

The ACLU is committed to equity, transparency, and clarity in pay. Consistent with our compensation philosophy, there is a set salary for each role based on geographic work location. The annual salary for this position is $81,166 (Level K), reflecting the salary of a position based in New York, NY. Salaries are subject to a regional pay adjustment if authorization is granted to work outside of the location listed in this posting.

For details on our pay structure, please visit: https://www.aclu.org/careers/ACLU_Geographic_Pay_Structure-July_2024.pdf

At the ACLU, we offer a broad range of benefits, which include:
  • Time away to focus on the things that matter with a generous paid time-off policy
  • Focus on your well-being with comprehensive healthcare benefits (including medical, dental and vision coverage, parental leave, gender affirming care & fertility treatment)
  • Plan for your retirement with 401k plan and employer match
  • We support employee growth and development through annual professional development funds, internal professional development programs and workshops

About American Civil Liberties Union

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is a non-profit organization that works to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States. The organization was founded in 1920 and has since grown to become the nation's largest public interest law firm, with a staff of over 300 attorneys and thousands of volunteer lawyers and activists. The ACLU works on a wide range of issues, including free speech, racial justice, reproductive rights, LGBT rights, and criminal justice reform. The organization is headquartered in New York City.
Learn more about American Civil Liberties Union
Size
2,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1920

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