Litigation & Outreach Paralegal

Title: Litigation & Outreach Paralegal
Reports to: Associate Director of Supervision and Training
Non-Exempt Salary: $55,000 to $60,000 depending on experience
Location: NCLEJ’s office is located in New York City. Preference for NYC-based candidates.

NCLEJ’s Mission and Work:

The National Center for Law and Economic Justice (NCLEJ) advances racial and economic justice for low-income families, individuals, and communities across the country, using groundbreaking impact litigation, policy advocacy, and support for grassroots organizing. NCLEJ works to build systems that provide economic security and full participation in society to all. Our current advocacy focuses on: (1) safeguarding access to government benefits; (2) advancing the rights of lower wage workers; (3) combatting abusive debt collection and wealth extraction; and (4) advocating for disability rights and disability justice. We litigate extensively in federal and state courts across the country, typically as lead counsel in class actions, and we partner with grassroots and community-based organizations, other legal organizations, and the private bar.

Paralegal’s Role:

• Provide case management and litigation support by proofreading and cite-checking briefs; filing pleadings; managing litigation calendars and case files; submitting records requests and reviewing subsequent responses; assisting with discovery review and production; organizing large quantities of documents by creating summaries, charts, or data analysis; and a variety of other case support duties;
• Work collaboratively with case teams on fact development by conducting research; on-the-ground investigation; interviews of witnesses and clients, and related tasks.
• Conduct analyses of facts, records, and data; work with attorneys to integrate this information into case preparation.
• Develop and maintain relationships with clients, witnesses, community partners, organizers, coalition members, and allies.
• Research and analyze court rules, relevant litigation, and factual issues where appropriate.
• Conduct outreach to community partners and participate in coalition work.
• In the near term, at least 50% of the paralegal’s time will be spent assisting in the preparation of a major disability rights/Medicaid benefits case for summary judgment and trial.
• Some travel will be required, consistent with case needs.

Qualifications and Experience of the Ideal Candidate:

• Commitment to racial, social, and disability justice and NCLEJ’s mission.
• Excellent research, writing, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as within a team while maintaining a high level of efficiency and professionalism.
• Ability to take initiative, be highly organized and detail-oriented, and possess strong interpersonal and time-management skills.
• Ability to work effectively with colleagues and clients from a great diversity of backgrounds.
• Comfort with software and data management systems, particularly Microsoft Excel and Access.
• Experience working in social justice organizations preferred.
• Community or labor organizing experience preferred.
• Language skills, especially proficiency in Spanish, are preferred.
• Four-year college degree required.

Benefits: NCLEJ has a generous benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance; 15-24 vacation days and 10-15 sick days per year (based on length of service); 13 paid holidays per year; an FSA plan for medical, childcare, and transit expenses; an Employee Assistance Program; and contributions to individuals’ 403(b) plans.

Vaccination Requirement: To help ensure that NCLEJ continues to operate in the safest manner possible, NCLEJ requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Requests for medical and/or religious exemptions from the vaccination requirement will be considered on an individual basis, to the extent required by law.

Equal opportunity: NCLEJ is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We strongly encourage people of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ people, and people from other historically disenfranchised communities to apply. NCLEJ does not discriminate because of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital or parental status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, record of arrest or conviction, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. NCLEJ makes every effort to assure that its recruitment and employment provide all qualified individuals, including individuals with disabilities, with full opportunities for employment in all positions.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and qualifications for the role.

Application process: Please submit a resume and cover letter via this link: https://ideali.st/E7vWKg Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis; we guarantee consideration for applications received by May 31, 2023.
NCLEJ is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need assistance applying, please contact Michelle Peeples at [email protected] or 212-633-6967. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.