The NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF) is the country’s first and foremost civil and human rights law organization. Founded in 1940 under the leadership of Thurgood Marshall, who subsequently became the first Black U.S. Supreme Court Justice, LDF was launched at a time when the nation’s aspirations for equality and due process of law were stifled by widespread state-sponsored racial inequality. From that era to the present, LDF’s mission has been transformative — to achieve racial justice, equality, and an inclusive society.
LDF’s litigation, public policy advocacy and public education programs in the substantive areas of criminal justice, economic justice, education, and political participation seek to ensure the fundamental and basic human rights of all people to quality education, economic opportunity, the right to vote and fully participate in democracy, and the right to a fair and just judicial system. LDF continues to make an impact in the area of public service and was recognized by Fast Company as one of its 2023 Brands That Matter under its public service category.
LDF seeks a Paralegal to assist LDF attorneys with litigation, education, advocacy, policy projects, and other advocacy-related activities.
As of March 7, 2022, LDF transitioned to a hybrid work environment. Any candidate selected for this position should be prepared to work in the office location assigned at least two days per week.
Responsibilities

• Organize, monitor, and update hard copy and electronic case files, including correspondences, pleadings, discovery materials, deposition transcripts and exhibits, hearing transcripts, pre-trial and trial exhibits, and briefs;
• Manage, organize, search and retrieve documents from document repositories including e-discovery databases.
• Proofread documents, including correspondence, advocacy and education materials, press releases, and website information;
• Cite-check, bluebook, quote-check, Shepardize, and proofread documents, including motions, briefs, testimonies, and law review articles;
• Assist attorneys with admissions to federal and state courts;
• File and serve court documents, including via ECF;
• Conduct legal database research (e.g. Lexis, Westlaw) and other fact research, as directed;
• Gather and organize exhibits required for court filings, hearings, depositions, trials, client meetings, and conferences;
• Coordinate with internal LDF staff and vendors for the provision of services including transcription, printing, scanning, and duplication of documents;
• Coordinate with attorneys, clients, the IT Department, and vendors regarding the retrieval, processing, review, and production of documents, including electronically stored information housed on e-discovery platforms or document repositories;
• Arrange attorney-client calls and visits;
• Assist attorneys at hearings, oral arguments, depositions, and trials, whether remote or in-person;
• Perform administrative tasks, such as filing, copying, scanning, indexing, and mailing of documents, as needed;
• Assist attorneys with communications with clients, class members, and interested community stakeholders regarding LDF advocacy matters;
• Facilitate and support community meetings and other community outreach activities; and
• Provide other myriad support to attorneys in their litigation and advocacy matters.

QualificationsThe ideal candidate will possess the following:

• A college degree, preferably with relevant scholastic, extracurricular and/or work experience;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Excellent computer skills—familiarity with Office 365 software and database systems a plus;
• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills;
• Willingness to learn and develop new skills and expertise;
• Excellent organizational skills;
• Accuracy and attention to detail;
• Ability to work independently and within a team;
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, highly-stressful environment;
• Ability to prioritize workload;
• Ability to complete tasks accurately and in a timely manner;
• Willingness to work overtime, including occasional weekends;
• High motivation;
• Commitment to racial justice and civil rights; and
• Willingness to travel.

Please note that LDF requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Accordingly, successful candidates must be fully vaccinated, including the booster shot against COVID-19, and submit proof of vaccination prior to the commencement of employment unless they qualify for a reasonable accommodation for bona fide medical or religious reasons.
LDF offers a rich platform of benefits including medical (Empire), dental (Cigna), vision (NVA), flexible spending accounts (Flex Facts), transit/commuter plan, life insurance, AD&D, voluntary life & AD&D (UNUM), AFLAC, Employee Assistance Plan, and Health Advocate. As well as the many healthcare benefits, LDF offers a 403b plan with employer match, and a robust vacation, sick, and personal time program to ensure employees have a health work-life balance.