Litigation Assistant

Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) is seeking a Litigation Assistant to carry out its mission to assist and defend public employees who protect the environment. PEER achieves this goal via litigation, engagement in regulatory and administrative processes, and advocacy.

The Litigation Assistant will provide administrative and litigation support services for PEER. This position reports directly to the General Counsel. 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, certificates, assembling exhibit lists, etc.
• Creating court appendices and addenda as required by applicable court rules.
• Filing and service of paper and electronic filings.
• Ensuring PEER follows all court and administrative tribunal rules .
• Creating, organizing, and maintaining case files and contacts.
• Submitting and tracking new matters and board approval requests, litigation updates, maintaining data for matters, etc.
• 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.
• Supporting attorneys in gaining admission to courts, registration renewals, and creating and managing e-filing accounts.
• 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: motions, declarations, proposed orders, cover letters, FOIA requests, pro hac vice applications, etc.
• Communicating with courts, experts, co-counsel, opposing counsel, and other external parties as requested by attorneys.
• Conducting factual and legal research under attorney supervision.
• Tracking relevant dockets and issues related to the work of PEER, 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 .
• General case-related administrative assistance (hard copies, correspondence, file management, maintaining case management system, tracking case updates).

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• At least one year of paralegal or legal assistant experience in a litigation setting, as demonstrated by:
• Strong grasp of legal citation convention
• Familiarity with civil and appellate procedure and court rules
• Strong proofreading skills
• Proficiency with Westlaw or Lexis preferred (PEER uses Lexis), Microsoft Office applications, and Adobe Acrobat
• Excellent research, writing, and computer skills
• A can-do attitude, meticulous attention to detail, and an unrelenting commitment to high performance standards.
• 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.
• Flexible, punctual, highly reliable, and available for occasional evening and weekend work, including the 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, and who is comfortable working with supervisors to identify and implement improvements in PEER's systems and processes.
• Able to perform work with high level of autonomy and minimal supervision.
• 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.
• Interest in and knowledge of environmental or government issues a plus.

Salary and Benefits:

The salary range for the Litigation Assistant position is $50,000 – $60,000.

Washington, DC area candidates preferred, but fully remote candidates will be considered.

We have excellent leave, flextime and remote work possibilities. Quality of life issues are paramount to our staff.

PEER is an equal-opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. PEER is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

Meet some but not all our qualifications? Don’t let that deter you from applying. If you believe that you could excel in our organization and believe in our mission, we hope you apply. We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. Please use your cover letter to tell us about your interest in our work and what you would bring to the role for which you are applying.