Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law

Investigative Paralegal

Washington, DC, DC
Full Time
General Legal
Mid Level
The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is one of the nation’s leading national racial justice legal organizations. Formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy, the Lawyers’ Committee uses legal advocacy to achieve racial justice, fighting inside and outside the courts to ensure that Black people and other people of color have the voice, opportunity, and power to make the promises of our democracy real.

Job Title: Investigative Paralegal
Location: Washington, DC
Job Type: Full-Time
Union Affiliation: Union
Accountable to: Paralegal Supervisor

About the Role:
The Investigative Paralegal will perform a variety of investigative tasks and provide support to Lawyers’ Committee attorneys during all stages of litigation, and on programmatic initiatives, advocacy and policy projects, and other activities. This position will work with the Criminal Justice Project and one or more substantive project area(s), based on need, and will work closely with the project teams.

What You’ll be Doing:
Responsibilities of the Investigative Paralegal include but are not limited to:
  • Prepare interview questions and conduct client outreach and interviews.
  • Serve as liaison between The Lawyers’ Committee, clients and witnesses.
  • Conduct factual research, including public records requests using various public and private databases.
  • Compose public education materials, including reports, brochures, and social media pages.
  • Manage and organize case files, case dockets, litigation calendars and ECF and PACER accounts.
  • Review and edit filings and exhibits, including formatting, proofreading, cite-checking, and creating tables of authorities and tables of contents.
  • Organize discovery requests and responses, coordinate depositions, schedule meetings, and other related tasks.
  • Review and draft legal documents, such as pleadings, motions, briefs, affidavits, extension requests, and correspondence according to judicial procedures.
  • Adhere to court and local rules, and internal court operating procedures, including deadlines.
  • Provide administrative and other support to attorneys for hearings, trials, expert interviews, depositions, oral arguments, coalitions, and speaking engagements.
  • Prepare internal reports, including weekly updates, board books, grant and development, lobbying hours and project tracking.
  • Assist attorneys with processing bar/court memberships.
  • Maintain team calendar and update organization calendar.
  • Coordinate travel arrangements for attorneys and clients.
  • Other duties and special projects as assigned.

Minimum Requirements and Competencies:
  • At least two years of experience in related positions, preferably as an investigator and/or litigation paralegal/legal assistant.
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience is strongly preferred.
  • Paralegal Certificate from accredited institution is preferred.
  • Ability to travel as needed, including the ability to drive in rural areas. Must possess or be able to complete requirements for a valid Driver's License within 60 days.
  • Strong research skills and proficiency performing research using various tools, including the internet and other media sources. 
  • The ability to regularly communicate with multiple internal and external stakeholders. 
  • Demonstrated strong writing and editing skills, and the ability to review and synthesize factual information.
  • Experience conducting witness interviews.
  • Experience and proficiency in Asana, PACER, ECF, CLIO, or other relational case management databases is a plus. 
  • Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to multi-task and prioritize work to ensure timely completion.
  • Proficiency in Office 365 and its apps, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and video communication formats (Teams, Zoom, etc.).
  • Understanding of and adherence to rules on client confidentiality and legal ethics. 
  • Willingness to become licensed as a notary public in D.C. (with fees and costs paid by the Lawyers’ Committee).
  • Demonstrated commitment to working with and for communities of color and/or low-income communities.
  • Commitment to the mission and goals of the Lawyers’ Committee.

Supervisory Responsibility: This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Ready to Make an Impact? If you are passionate about civil rights, racial justice, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, we want to hear from you. Join our mission to drive positive change and contribute to our dynamic team!

Apply Today: Be part of the force for civil rights and make a lasting impact. Submit your application to help us create a more equitable and inclusive world.

Benefits: The Lawyers' Committee offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes healthcare coverage (medical, dental & vision), parental leave, 403(b) contribution with employer match contributions, voluntary short- and long-term disability and an employer paid monthly cell phone stipend. 

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: The Lawyers’ Committee embraces diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We strongly encourage candidates of color and candidates from underrepresented communities to apply. The Lawyers’ Committee does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibility, personal appearance, genetic information, matriculation, political affiliation, or any other status protected under law.

This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union. Employment terms, including wages and benefits, are subject to collective bargaining agreements. 

The expected range for this role will be $64,000 - $81,089.37






 
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