What are the responsibilities and job description for the Legal Research and Writing Specialist position at The Brooks Institute for Animal Rights Law and...?
Job Title: Legal Research and Writing Specialist
Department: Legal Practice Resources Program (PRP)
Location: Wheaton, IL
Role Type: Full-time
Remote/In-Office Policy: Hybrid – 4 days in office, 1 day remote
Salary $85,000-$120,000 (dependent on applicable experience and credentials)
About The Brooks Institute for Animal Rights Law and Policy
The Brooks Institute for Animal Rights Law and Policy, Inc. (Brooks Institute) is an animal law think-and-do-tank, founded in 2017. We seek to advance and equip animal law practice, scholarship, and academics.
The Brooks Institute’s analysis of the animal protection community revealed commonly identified needs for more research and public policy-shifting thinking; interdisciplinary and intersectional collaboration; and commonality in strategies.
That is why the Brooks Institute advances a broadly collaborative approach in animal law practice, scholarship, academics, and policy-making. We create neutral space and opportunities for cross-fertilization of ideas and breaking down disciplinary silos. We also shine light on pathways for new and practicing lawyers to infuse animal interests into legal practice via education and career development.
About the Legal Practice Resources Program – Bringing the practical knowledge to unlock the power of the legal profession to advance the interests of animals in society
The Brooks Institute is in the early launch phase of its Legal Practice Resources Program (PRP), which is building a living library of practical resources and a community of attorneys who are practicing animal law or who would like to add animal law to their practice or to increase its scope and impact.
The purpose of the PRP is to provide practical resources and a network of support to introduce and improve the skills of lawyers in representing animal interests. The PRP fills crucial gaps to move lawyers – whether newer or seasoned and no matter their primary practice discipline – with a passion for animals to effectively utilize their legal skills to maximize impact for animals.
The PRP mission is to bring the brightest and most dedicated legal experts together, empowering large numbers of lawyers to apply and grow their legal skills to help animals.
Key Responsibilities and Duties
The Brooks Institute is seeking a legal research and writing specialist to assist the Director of Practice Resources in building out its new Resource Library (RL) to provide practical assistance and guidance to lawyers who wish to incorporate animal law into their practice of law. Under the guidance and direction of the Director of Practice Resources, the research and writing specialist will:
- Conduct in-depth legal research across numerous practice areas, causes of action, law and legal concepts, and practice models that constitute the RL topics.
- Write concise summaries and analysis memoranda, practice guides, articles, templates, and similar content reflecting the research to suit the needs and format of the RL.
- Find, catalog, and organize original and existing content to comprise the RL.
- Conduct regular research to identify and keep up to date on changes and developments in the law where relevant to the PRP; identifying and adding such content to the RL
- Assist in the preparation of CLE materials on topics in the RL and obtaining CLE credit approval from various states.
- Assist in the preparation of materials for the PRP member practitioners and outreach events such as lectures, CLEs, conferences, practicums, etc.
There will be ancillary duties of refining other Brooks Institute legal and educational resources and integrating them in support of the PRP.
Qualifications
- Juris Doctor (JD) required and licensed admission to a U.S. state bar. At least 3 years of experience in the practice of law preferred, especially litigation, trial practice, and/or clerkship experience.
- Excellent legal research and writing skills, including proficiency with Lexis, Westlaw, PACER, and similar research tools
- Background and knowledge in animal law and animal protection issues preferred.
- Strong analytical skills required. Proven excellence in identifying and understanding key takeaways from legal and non-legal texts and integrating them into sound conclusions and guidance.
- Strong academic track record in law school; GPA 3.5 preferred
Benefits
100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums; 16 days of PTO plus 9 paid holidays, 10% employer 401(k) contribution after one year of service with 100% vesting
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $85,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person
Salary : $85,000 - $120,000