Legal Assistant

ACLU of Texas, founded in 1938 and headquartered in Houston, is one of the largest ACLU affiliates in the nation. The organization is dedicated to defending civil liberties and civil rights through litigation, legislation, and public education, focusing on issues such as immigrants' rights, mass incarceration, LGBT equality, voting rights, and reproductive rights.

About the role

The ACLU of Texas seeks a full-time legal assistant to provide strategic support and coordination for the Legal Department. This position requires a self-directed, highly organized person with energy, initiative, and enthusiasm to assist in the identification, research, investigation, and response to civil liberties and civil rights violations, as well as manage legal filings and administrative support.

Responsibilities

• Assist in case management, including maintenance of client relationships, court records, and electronic files.
• Anticipate and identify litigation tasks in case management, including calendaring and case files.
• Conduct factual investigations related to potential civil rights violations, including handling on-site interviews and witness development.
• Assist with discovery, including preparing discovery requests and responses, as appropriate.
• Assist with drafting legal letters, FOIA and Public Information Act requests, and other correspondence, as well as managing responses.
• Perform general administrative work, including preparing documents for filing in court, assisting with finalizing motions, cite-checking, proofreading, and using PACER and Westlaw.
• Oversee management of the intake process, including coordinating weekly intake review and data entry.
• Lead recruitment for intake interns and manage the intake internship program.
• Prepare reports, including metrics, and maintain the docket.

Requirements

• Commitment to civil rights and civil liberties.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and handle a variety of tasks and meet established deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Strong internet research skills.
• Well organized, efficient, and highly motivated.
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills, with the ability to work in a fast-paced workplace, including working nights and weekends when necessary.
• Knowledge of diverse groups and experience working with a multicultural workforce.
• Sensitivity and appreciation of cultural differences.
• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Spanish speaking and writing proficiency preferred.
• Willingness and ability to travel.
• Houston-based location is preferred but not required.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off policy.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) plan with an employer match.
• Life and long-term disability insurance.
• Generous paid holidays.

Pay

Starting salary is $50,000/year.