Sr. Litigation Assistant

Earthjustice • Los Angeles, CA

90d • $81,700 - $90,800

About The Position

Earthjustice seeks a full-time, in-person Litigation Assistant/Senior Litigation Assistant for our Community Partnerships Program in Los Angeles, CA. Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people’s health; preserve magnificent places and wildlife; advance clean energy; and combat climate change. We partner with thousands of individuals and communities to engage in the critical environmental issues of our time and bring about positive change. We are here because the earth needs a good lawyer. Earthjustice’s Community Partnerships Program (“CPP”) works hand-in-hand with frontline communities fighting for a safe, just, and healthy environment. We provide community-led movements with legal and advocacy resources to help challenge polluters and ensure access to environmental benefits — no matter how long the fight. CPP acts collectively with our community partners to transform social and political structures that stand in the way of equal access to a healthy environment. We take on the status quo by fighting to close dangerous regulatory loopholes; open access to information and records; increase transparency in environmental decision-making and polluting operations; and enforce federal, state, and local laws meant to protect communities from environmental harms. CPP is seeking a Litigation Assistant/Senior Litigation Assistant to provide litigation and administrative support for the team’s litigation and advocacy activities. The Litigation Assistant/Senior Litigation Assistant will: provide litigation services, including legal advocacy assistance, factual research, and drafting; assist in case development and management; and help ensure the overall effectiveness of litigation support in CPP. The Senior Litigation Assistant will report to the Legal Practice Manager. This is a full-time (37.5 hours/week), hybrid role. This role requires in-person attendance at our Los Angeles office and is not a remote work position.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• 2+ years of experience in a legal assistant position in a litigation setting, as demonstrated by strong grasp of legal citation conventions; strong proofreading skills; proficiency with Westlaw or Lexis.
• Proficient in software and other technology used to support litigation work such as Microsoft Office Applications, file management, Adobe PDF, and PACER/ECF. Experience with eDiscovery platforms a plus.
• Excellent research, analytical, and writing skills.
• Familiarity with CEQA a plus.
• Able to perform work with high level of autonomy and minimal supervision.
• Ability to define and organize priorities among multiple assignments, meet deadlines, and effectively collaborate under pressure.
• Work effectively with remote staff and maintain confidential information.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage complex information.
• Flexible, punctual, highly reliable, and available for occasional evening and weekend work.
• Ability to work for extended periods on the computer as needed to meet filing deadlines.
• Understanding that CPP’s work may range from intellectually challenging to more mundane administrative work.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and edit documents for filing, including: proofread, cite check, BlueBook, format, produce tables of contents and authorities, assemble exhibit lists, prepare statutory and regulatory addenda, etc.
• File and serve paper and electronic filings in agency and court venues.
• Maintain familiarity with rules and procedures of courts and agencies relevant to the CPP’s work.
• Track relevant dockets and issues related to the program work via the Federal Register, agency web sites, various distribution lists, media outlets, etc.
• Communicate with courts, experts, co-counsel, opposing counsel, and other external parties as requested by attorneys.
• Assist attorneys with case development and coordination of standing work, such as conducting interviews and drafting and editing declarations.
• Draft FOIA and public records requests, FOIA appeals, and follow-up communication with agencies.
• Draft program-related documents such as comment letters, motions, pleadings, status reports, notices, requests for extensions of time, and stipulations.
• Support all aspects of administrative record and public record reviews by reviewing documents; preparing review notes or analysis; and as requested by attorneys, communicating with agency staff or opposing counsel regarding production.
• Manage all aspects of discovery, including: collection, processing, and review of documents; creating document review flows and protocols; with attorney approval, communicating with opposing parties regarding productions; preparing deposition summaries and/or requests for and responses to discovery.
• Cite-check data figures and numbers. Conduct factual and legal research; generate research notes, memoranda, summaries, and other analyses as needed.
• Retrieve legal documents from agencies, libraries, and internet sources.
• Assist attorneys with deposition and hearing preparation, including: organizing document binders, printing exhibits, creating exhibit lists, communicating with court reporters and couriers, etc.
• Coordinate logistics for trials, administrative hearings, or other proceedings; stay informed of changes or updates to court and venue guidelines.
• Coordinate case management tasks, such as preparing retainers and litigation holds; reviewing compliance with orders; calendaring and tracking deadlines; creating templates; maintaining matter data; tracking board approval requests.
• Support attorneys in gaining admission to courts, submitting pro hac vice applications, renewing court registrations, and creating and managing e-filing accounts.
• Participate in conference calls and meetings and communicate with clients, courts, experts, and other parties when relevant to the position and/or assigned projects.
• Provide logistical and planning support for local partner activities, such as public hearings and community advocacy events.
• Collaborate with staff as needed to improve litigation support and administrative infrastructure for the team and Earthjustice generally.
• Act as data steward in partnership with staff to ensure records and information comply with organizational policies.
• Provide backup to Legal Practice Manager.
• Participate in hiring committees, as requested and available, by reviewing applications, assisting with interviews, and creating and promoting inclusive hiring processes.
• Assist with onboarding and training new employees.
• Keep informed and maintain proficiency in current programs and applications relevant to CPP’s case work; coordinate training and help develop reference materials with team as needed.
• Organize and assist with logistics for occasional social events.
• Operate and perform minor troubleshooting of all office equipment (copier, postage meter, etc.) and provide basic technical assistance to staff (word processing, e-mail software, etc.).
• Engage in general office operations and support as needed (e.g., receiving packages, scanning mail, managing office supplies, taking notes, greeting visitors).
• Contribute towards an equitable and inclusive work culture that encourages partnership, active listening, and integrating diverse perspectives.
• Support Earthjustice’s core values of partnership, inclusion, justice and excellence.
• Communicate regularly with the team and encourage staff to raise concerns and to provide ongoing feedback.
• Other tasks as assigned and as needed.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Excellent, comprehensive benefits
• Casual and congenial work environment

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees