Litigation Paralegal, Gulf Regional Office

Responsibilities

• Paralegal and Factual Support (90%):
  • Edit, cite-check, Bluebook, proofread, format, assemble, serve, and file legal documents in accordance with relevant court, agency, and case-specific requirements.
  • Maintain familiarity with court rules and procedures relevant to the office’s work.
  • Perform and coordinate case management tasks, including: maintaining case files; preparing retainers, litigation holds, and conflict checks; ensuring compliance with litigation holds, protective orders, and e-discovery requirements; and tracking and computing deadlines.
  • Aid in case development as requested, including conducting interviews.
  • Research, organize, and analyze legal and factual information and technical data; generate literature reviews, notes, memoranda, and summaries; develop tables, graphics, and other visual aids.
  • Support all aspects of discovery, including conducting document review, communicating with other parties regarding productions, and preparing deposition summaries and/or requests for and responses to discovery, etc.
  • Cook up logistics for trials, administrative hearings, or other proceedings.
  • Engage in advocacy and community outreach efforts. Help steward and develop relationships with community partners and clients.
  • Draft basic procedural pleadings, including motions, status reports, and similar filings. Draft other program-related documents, including comment letters, FOIA and public records requests, FOIA appeals, and other documents as requested by attorneys.
  • Track and report agency activities, scientific developments, news, and docket updates related to the office’s practice.
  • Retrieve legal documents from agencies, libraries, and internet sources.
  • Maintain court-specific information, including filing checklists; collaborate with other litigation staff across the organization as needed to improve litigation support for the office and Earthjustice generally.
  • Create or identify strategic opportunities for team building.
• Administrative and Other Support (10%):
  • Conduct new employee training and orientation for litigation assistants and paralegals.
  • Partner with the Managing Attorney and/or other staff to evolve the effectiveness of litigation support and institute and implement best practices in the face of changing technology, norms, and rules.
  • Assist paralegals and litigation assistants in career advancement by identifying and encouraging appropriate training and professional development opportunities and creating development plans.
  • Advance a learning culture by acting as an informal mentor or advisor to less experienced litigation support personnel.
  • Help ensure the advancement of Earthjustice’s diversity, equity, and inclusion goals and values.
  • Promote a respectful and inclusive work environment for the team and model respectful and inclusive behavior.
  • Communicate regularly with the team and encourage staff to raise concerns and to provide ongoing feedback.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in a related litigation position.
• College degree is a plus.
• Paralegal certification is strongly preferred.
• Expert user of software and other technology used to support litigation and program work, including Microsoft Word, Adobe PDF, and PACER/ECF.
• In-depth understanding of legal practice relevant to our work, including the rules and procedures in federal courts.
• Ability to work independently to identify, analyze, and complete tasks.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving skills, and verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage complex information.
• Awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.
• High level of emotional intelligence including self-motivation, self-awareness, empathy, ability to give and receive feedback, and outstanding interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with environmental and social justice issues preferred.
• Passion for Earthjustice’s mission.