Senior Litigation Assistant, Midwest Regional

Earthjustice is accepting applications for a full-time Senior Litigation Assistant to join the Midwest Regional Office in Chicago, Illinois. The successful applicant will provide administrative and litigation support services to our team of lawyers who are fighting for access to clean air and water, protection of precious places, and the transition away from fossil fuels.

This role will be based in Chicago and will be expected to come to the office a minimum of approximately 1x/week.  Our ideal candidate would be available to start as soon as possible.

Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization.  We take on the biggest, most precedent-setting cases across the country. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people’s health; to preserve magnificent places and wildlife; to advance clean energy; and to combat climate change. We partner with thousands of groups, supporters, individuals, and communities to engage the critical environmental issues of our time and bring about positive change. We are guided by a passionate, ambitious vision for the future for people and our planet: until justice stands for all, we will never rest. We are here because the earth needs a good lawyer.

Founded in 1971, Earthjustice has a distinguished track record of achieving significant, lasting environmental protections. We achieve this by hiring people who share a passion for justice and a healthy environment. Our headquarters are in San Francisco with offices in Anchorage, Bozeman, Chicago, Denver, Honolulu, Houston, Juneau, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, Seattle, Tallahassee and Washington, D.C.

This role will be based in Chicago and will be expected to come to the office a minimum of approximately 1x/week.  Our ideal candidate would be available to start as soon as possible.

Responsibilities:

The Senior Litigation Assistant will join our existing litigation supprot team member, who serves as poth a Litigation Practice Administrator and Litigation Assistant, to provide administrative and litigation support services for for the attorneys. We represent clients in federal and state courts, public service commissions, and other administrative forums. This position reports directly to the Supervising Senior Attorney. Tasks may include but are not limited to the following:

• Preparation and editing of documents for filing, including proofreading, cite checking, bluebooking, formatting, producing tables of contents and authorities, assembling exhibit lists, etc.
• Filing and service of paper and electronic filings.
• Ensuring all court rules are met.
• Creating, organizing, and maintaining case files and contacts.
• Submitting and tracking new matters and board approval requests, litigation updates, maintaining data for matters, etc.
• Supporting attorneys in gaining admission to courts, registration renewals, and creating and managing e-filing accounts.
• Computing and calendaring court deadlines.
• Assisting in the collection, processing, and review of incoming and outgoing discovery productions.
• Assisting attorneys with deposition and hearing preparation, including organizing document binders, printing exhibits, creating exhibit lists, communicating with court reporters, etc.
• Cite-checking data figures and numbers. Generating research notes, memoranda, summaries, tables, maps, and other visuals as needed.
• Drafting basic pleadings and other case-related documents under attorney supervision, including case initiating documents, proposed orders, cover letters, FOIA requests, pro hac vice applications, etc.
• Communicating with courts, experts, co-counsel, opposing counsel, and government officials as requested by attorneys.
• Tracking relevant dockets and issues related to the work of the Midwest team  via the Federal Register, agency web sites, various distribution lists, media outlets, etc.
• Participating in conference calls and meetings when relevant to the position and/or assigned projects.
• Operating all office equipment (e.g., copier).
• Supporting team by scheduling meetings, taking notes, receiving packages, scanning mail, managing office supplies.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Two plus years of paralegal or legal assistant experience in a litigation setting.
• Interest in and knowledge of environmental or social justice issues a plus.
• Meticulous attention to detail, and an unrelenting commitment to high performance standards.
• Excellent research, analytical, writing, and computer skills (word processing, databases and spreadsheets, Internet, etc.).
• Knowledge of the entire Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat.
• The ability to organize, set priorities among multiple assignments, meet deadlines, and function calmly under pressure.
• The ability to work effectively with remote staff and to maintain confidential information.
• The ability to coordinate workflow and assignments with fellow Litigation Assistants in the Clean Energy Program and to mentor peers.
• 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.
• A team player who will enthusiastically take on tasks that range from intellectually challenging to more mundane administrative work.
• Demonstrates an awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.
• Commits and contributes to the creation of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences.

We offer a mission- and employee-focused work environment and a competitive compensation package, including excellent benefits. Earthjustice is an equal opportunity employer and highly values diversity. As a 501(c)(3) organization, Earthjustice is a qualifying employer for purposes of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.

Salary is dependent on experience and location. Salaries reflect FY24 ranges.

Salary range in Chicago, IL: $77,000 - $85,500

To Apply:

Interested candidates should submit:

• Resume.
• One- or two-page cover letter that addresses at least the following subjects: (1) why you are drawn to Earthjustice’s mission and whether there are particular legal, environmental, or justice issues that inspire you and (2) aspects of your background that demonstrate competence to work with a diverse group of colleagues and clients.

Preference will be given to applications submitted by May 28, 2023. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Professional references will be collected for finalist candidates later in the process.

Please reach out to jobs@earthjustice.org if you are having technical difficulties submitting your application. No phone calls, drop-ins, or hard copies.

Earthjustice is driven by a passion for justice, partnership, and excellence. Our core values lead us to seek a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds to achieve our mission and to maintain an inclusive environment where all staff are valued and respected. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to employment practices that ensure that employees and applicants for employment are provided with equal opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, or any other factor that is not related to the position.

For positions located within the City and County of San Francisco:  Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment-qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

For positions located within the City of Los Angeles:  We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.