Job: Paralegal Legal Assistant-ACLU of Alaska

Jobing Description

May 4, 2011

Position Vacancy

Paralegal Legal Assistant

The American Civil Liberties Union of Alaska invites applications for the position of Paralegal or Legal Assistant. The ACLU of Alaska and ACLU of Alaska Foundation are nonprofit and nonpartisan organizations dedicated to advancing the cause of civil liberties in Alaska through public education, legal action, legislative and political advocacy, and coalition building and grassroots organizing. We are affiliated with the American Civil Liberties Union and ACLU Foundation, the nation's oldest and largest organizations dedicated to advocacy, public education, and litigation in support of constitutional rights and civil liberties.

Position Description:

The Paralegal/Legal Assistant reports to the Legal Director, provides support for all litigation functions, and is part of the ACLU of Alaska Legal Department, which coordinates all litigation, legal research and investigation for the Affiliate.

Qualifications:

* Excellent legal administrative skills; with a track record of professional success.
* Excellent computer skills, including superior proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook, Adobe, and other software programs, and experience with Westlaw.
* Proven interest in legal work.
* Demonstrated ability to prioritize and handle a variety of tasks, and meet established deadlines; ability to professionally coordinate within and outside the ACLU.
* 1 to 3 years experience in a law firm or government litigation department preferred.
* Strong consideration given to applicants with experience: in a court system; handling civil liberties/constitutional rights or impact litigation, or; in a nonprofit organization.
* Experience working with a multicultural workforce and client-base, and sensitivity to cultural differences; understanding of civil liberties; and commitment to the mission of the ACLU and the advancement of civil liberties under the U.S. and Alaska Constitutions.
* Knowledge of and commitment to living in Alaska.
* Paralegal certification and/or a BA or BS degree.

Specific Responsibilities:

* Provide all support services for ACLU federal/state, trial/appellate litigation, including:

o Format, prepare, file, serve legal documents, including notices, pleadings, motions, tables of contents and authorities, exhibits, appendices, courtesy copies, subpoenas and discovery requests and responses;

o Research court rules and procedures;

o Assist attorneys with cite-checking;

o Prepare first drafts of correspondence to counsel, clients, or witnesses;

o Schedule and make logistical arrangements for depositions or client meetings; and

o Create and meticulously manage case files, case calendar, and time records.

* Assist in administration of case-management, time-tracking, and intake software system.
* Support research of civil liberties issues, and under supervision of Legal Director assist in preparation of legal memoranda, pleadings, demand letters, or other work product.
* As needed, assist in:

o Review and investigation of intake complaints, and referrals from agencies and attorneys, and identification of cases for impact litigation, to include assisting in interactions with clients and witnesses;

o Presentation of cases to the Litigation Committee and Board for evaluation and authorization of litigation and in preparation of related Reports; and

o Coordination of cooperating attorneys, law clerks, legal interns, law students, and other legal volunteers by Legal Director.

* Potential to assist in ACLU of Alaska advocacy, outreach and fundraising.

Compensation and Benefits:

Compensation is commensurate with experience within the parameters of Alaska non-profit environment, and includes generous benefits.

Application Process:

Your application should include a letter of interest (highlighting legal case management experience), resume, contact information for three references, and a writing sample (preferably of a legal nature). Send to:

Tom Stenson, Legal Director
ACLU of Alaska Foundation
1057 W. Fireweed Lane, Suite 207
Anchorage, AK 99503-1760

Applications may also be submitted by fax to (907) 258-0288, or by email toakclu@akclu.org. Inquiries should include Paralegal or Legal Assistant in the reference field, and all attachments should be in Microsoft Word or .pdf.

Application deadline is May 15, 2011, or until the position is filled. Review of applications shall begin upon receipt.

The ACLU of Alaska is an affirmative action employer, and recruits, employs, retains, and promotes persons in a manner that does not discriminate against any person because of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, veteran status, or physical or mental ability which is unrelated to job performance. All interested individuals, including Alaska Native, racial and ethnic minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and LGBT persons are encouraged to apply.