Legal Assistant

  Legal Assistant

Job Description

Department:                       Legal

Employment Type:             Full-time 

Location:                             Houston

Supervisory:                        No

Union position:                   Yes

Pay Class:                           Non-exempt

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

The ACLU is the nation’s foremost defender of civil liberties and civil rights, dedicated to defending the Bill of Rights and advocating for marginalized communities through litigation, legislation, and public education. The ACLU of Texas, founded in 1938 and headquartered in Houston, is one of the largest ACLU affiliates in the nation. The ACLU of Texas has regional offices in Austin, Brownsville, Dallas, and El Paso.

Whether it’s protecting the rights of immigrants, ending mass incarceration, achieving full equality for the LGBT community, or preserving the right to vote and reproductive rights, the ACLU takes up the toughest civil rights and liberties cases to defend all people from government abuse and overreach.

ROLE OVERVIEW

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

Responsibilities and Expectations Include:

• Assist in case management, including maintenance of client relationships, court records and electronic files.
• Anticipate and identify litigation tasks in case management including but not limited to 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 appropriate, and managing responses.
• Perform general administrative work, including preparing documents for filing in court, assisting with finalizing motions, cite-checking, proof reading, and using PACER and Westlaw.
• Oversee management of intake process, including coordinating weekly intake review and data entry.
• Lead recruitment for intake interns and manage intake internship program.
• Prepare reports including but not limited to metrics and maintain docket

• 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 and ability to work in a fast-paced
• workplace, including working nights and weekends when necessary.
• Knowledge of diverse groups, experience working with a multicultural workforce.
• Sensitivity and appreciation of cultural differences is required.
• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Spanish speaking and writing proficiency preferred.
• Willingness and ability to travel.
• Houston based location is preferred but not required.
• Bilingual is preferred but not required.

Compensation:

Starting salary is $50,000/year in alignment with parameters of ACLU of Texas’s salary scale. Excellent benefits include a generous paid time off policy; medical, dental and vision insurance; 401(k) plan with an employer match; life and long-term disability insurance, and generous paid holidays.

This job description provides a general but not comprehensive list of the essential responsibilities and qualifications required. It does not represent a contract of employment. The ACLU of Texas reserves the right to change the job description and/or posting at any time without advance notice.

The ACLU of Texas is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. The ACLU of Texas encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, or veteran status

The ACLU of Texas undertakes affirmative action strategies in its recruitment and employment efforts to assure that persons with disabilities have full opportunities for employment in all positions