Paralegal

About the Roger Baldwin of ACLU, Inc.:

The ACLU of Illinois is one of the largest state affiliates of the American Civil Liberties Union, a nationwide, non-partisan membership organization dedicated to the defense and expansion of civil rights and civil liberties. The ACLU has been at the forefront of every major battle for civil liberties and social justice in this country and continues to work through integrated advocacy to advance equality, fairness, and freedom, especially for the most vulnerable in our society.

Job Description:

The Paralegal will assist the Roger Baldwin Foundation of ACLU, Inc., Legal Department by providing legal administrative and research support services including coordinating legal resources and subscriptions, payments, or contracts with vendors; records management, document preparation, and review; investigations and fact checking; and trial preparation.

Reporting to the Deputy Legal Director and working closely with the Legal Administration team (the Legal Assistant and another Paralegal), the Paralegal works collaboratively and operates as a member of case teams with a particular focus on legal administration. The Paralegal provides administrative support for all aspects of the Legal Department’s work, including litigation, investigations, and education.

Responsibilities:

•           Coordinates legal resources and subscriptions, payments, or contracts with vendors (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis, BlueBook, Relativity, FedEX, and PACER) and Finance Department.

•           Tracks CLE Compliance and ARDC registration for attorneys.

•           Coordinates and edits quarterly case reports for the Legal Department.

•           Participates in case teams to manage and analyze data that is obtained through pre-suit investigations, public records requests, litigation discovery process, and compliance monitoring of consent decrees, settlements, and injunctions.

•           Finalizes legal filings and other documents, including proofreading, formatting in accordance with court requirements, checking citations, and creating tables of authorities and tables of contents.

•           Prepares initial drafts of documents as requested.

•           Serves and files legal pleadings in federal and state courts and administrative agencies, monitors local rules and filing processes, tracks assigned docket of cases, and monitors ECF filings.

•           Maintains electronic and hard-copy files and databases for cases and investigations, including organizing written discovery and documents.

•           Prepares, organizes, stores, and retrieves case files, which may include evidence, exhibits, depositions, pleadings, exhibits, and other items.

•           Generates summary reports and visual/graphical representations of analyzed case data.

•           Assists with addressing class members and other client correspondence and prepares summaries of their statements.

•           Attends case meetings as requested and assists with case-related tasks under lawyer supervision that may include speaking with clients and witnesses.

•           Conducts general internet research and legal research on Westlaw as requested.

•           Provides logistical support for Legal Department meetings, outreach, depositions, and travel.

•           Assists Legal Department with trial preparation, which may include attending trials and hearings.

•           Works with attorneys to compile time and expenses records for fee petitions and coordinates records with the Finance Department.

•           In conjunction with the Human Resources Department, tracks and organizes applications for fellowships and staff positions in the Legal Department as requested, and schedules interviews.

•           Assists with onboarding and orientation for new Legal Department staff and memorializes the administrative process.

•           Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

•           Experience as a legal assistant or paralegal.

•           Experience coordinating legal resources and subscriptions, payments, or contracts with vendors (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis, BlueBook, Relativity, and PACER).

•           Experience tracking CLE compliance and ARDC registration.

•           Experience with cite-checking and filing legal submissions in federal courts, state courts, and administrative agencies.

•           Understanding research methods, court pleadings and processes, and other related matters.

•           Excellent attention to detail and strong organizational skills.

•           Ability to maintain confidentiality, and to exercise discretion and good judgment. 

•           Advanced skill in using Microsoft applications, Dropbox, and high facility with mail merge letters, spreadsheets, tables, and charts.

•           Willingness to travel throughout Illinois and to work beyond the normal workday and/or weekends when needed.

•           Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

•           Paralegal certificate preferred but not required.

•           Ability to work effectively with colleagues, community partners, and clients with different backgrounds and experiences.

•           Commitment to advancing ACLU of Illinois mission, goals, and programs.

Physical requirements:

•           Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

•           Must be able to lift to 10 pounds at times.

Salary and benefits:

Salary is determined by the ACLU-IL salary scale and commensurate with experience. As an example, the annual salary for an individual with 5 years of relevant experience is $62,000. Salary will be higher depending on additional years of legal experience.

Benefits include 15 days of paid vacation (pro-rated for the first year). After the first year, staff will receive 20 vacation days on April 1st each year, which can be used until March 31st of the following year. 100% employer-paid medical, vision, and dental insurance for employees and eligible dependents, a 403(b)-retirement plan, life insurance, and long-term disability insurance.

The Staff Attorney is an exempt union position that is part of a bargaining unit represented by the National Organization of Legal Services Workers / United Auto Workers Local 2320. ACLU-IL staff are based in Chicago, IL and are currently working on a hybrid in-office / remote work schedule. Staff members will be expected to work in our Chicago office on in-office days.

ACLU Employment statement:

The ACLU of Illinois is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, criminal record, or veteran status.

The ACLU-IL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you need assistance applying online, please email jobs@aclu-il.org. You will receive additional information regarding how to request accommodation for the interview process.

How to apply:

Visit our application page: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Apply/3152588/Roger-Baldwin-Foundation-of-ACLU-Inc/Paralegal