Legal Assistant/Paralegal

Position Summary: The Legal Assistant/Paralegal will directly support the Columbus Advocating Opportunity office in various administrative tasks, including some legal and paralegal responsibilities. The ideal candidate should have a legal background, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to handle sensitive information with discretion. This position plays a crucial role in helping AO achieve its mission as a non-profit law firm of providing comprehensive legal services and whole-person advocacy to survivors of human trafficking and labor exploitation. Legal Assistants/Paralegals are encouraged to participate in professional activities that further their legal and policy-based knowledge in human trafficking and labor exploitation and any related areas of law and policy. Legal Assistants/Paralegals report to the Managing Attorney.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide high-level administrative support to the Columbus AO office:
  • Assist with opening, closing, organizing, and maintaining client case files and working within our electronic project management system
  • Assist with grant data collection, timekeeping, reporting, and compliance
  • Responsible to ensure smooth, efficient, and effective office functioning
  • Prepare and edit correspondence, presentations, and reports.
  • Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with the utmost discretion.
• Communication and Collaboration:
  • Assist the Program Manager and Managing Attorney in serving as a liaison between the Columbus office and AO staff, clients, and external partners.
  • Assist with communication and coordination within the organization, ensuring that tasks and projects run smoothly.
  • Attend meetings as needed, help with team meeting, resource distribution, logistics, and take minutes as needed.
• Project Management:
  • Assist the Program Manager and Managing Attorney in their management of special projects, including grant applications, fundraising initiatives, and advocacy efforts.
  • Assist the Program Manager and Managing Attorney to track project timelines, deliverables, and budgets.
  • Provide technological support, including supporting the implementation of new technological systems.
• Legal Support:
  • Assist AO Staff Attorneys to conduct legal research and prepare memos, reports, and legal documents including pleadings, motions, and contracts.
  • Maintain an organized database of legal documents, case files, and client information in our case management software.
  • Assist with management of case calendars, deadlines, and reminders for AO staff.
  • Complete case filing via mail, fax, email, and e-filing systems.
  • Correspond with court clerks, interpretation and translation services, opposing counsel, witnesses, and other parties as needed.

Desired Skills and Experience:

• Previous experience in a legal or executive support role is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in legal research and document drafting
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills.
• Experience working with those who have endured or are recovering from trauma, underrepresented populations, and individuals from varying socioeconomic backgrounds
• Ability to work collaboratively with other individuals and agencies
• Clerical aptitude and a high degree of accuracy
• Flexible and creative self-starter who can work both independently and within a team
• Detail-oriented and thoughtful attention to messaging and language
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., legal studies, paralegal studies, or a related field) or equivalent experience.
• Sound judgement, integrity, tact, and discretion with ability to maintain confidentiality
• Knowledge of both labor and sex trafficking and exploitation.
• Excellent communication - written, oral, and organizational skills
• Proficient understanding of cultural sensitivity, and ability to collaborate with people from diverse cultural backgrounds
• Strong ability to present information concisely and effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and other project management and reporting software and willing to learn new software
• Commitment to AO's mission and values

PLEASE NOTE: Even if you do not think you meet every single qualification, please apply! We would hate to miss an amazing candidate, and we know that sometimes people do not apply if they do not have every exact criterion. You might be a great fit!