Paralegal, Child Welfare Litigation

OVERVIEW

A Better Childhood, a national organization dedicated to improving public child welfare systems through the use of systemic, broad-based class action litigation, is seeking a paralegal to assist our team of attorneys. The paralegal will provide support to attorneys developing significant, ground-breaking federal litigation in both district and federal appeals court throughout the country. Our work involves investigating these systems, developing relationships with local communities, partnering with national and local law firms, and bringing and prosecuting suits that will establish the rights of children under the Constitution and federal statutes.

This is a great opportunity for someone interested in law and passionate about the rights of children to gain experience and get exposure to the processes and procedures in a major effort to more firmly establish a concrete body of law to improve child welfare systems. This position is full time.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct factual and legal research, including analysis of children's records and available data
• Assist with investigations into new cases
• Maintain contacts with local participants in different jurisdictions
• Draft and finalize papers, letters, and other documents as needed
• Serve as liaison for public contacts, expert witnesses, and other stakeholders
• Develop and maintain processes for organizing discovery and document review
• Participate in meetings and calls with stakeholders and take notes as needed
• Assist with administrative tasks such as calendar management and printed materials

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree
• Some knowledge of legal system and litigation process
• Excellent research, writing, and organizational skills
• Experience with legal research
• Interest and demonstrated knowledge in data analysis
• Experience using Excel (PivotTables, VLOOKUPs, etc.)
• Interest in public interest work and a passion for ABC’s mission
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, listen and learn from feedback, and make decisions in accordance with established policies
• Attentiveness to detail and overarching goals
• Ability to thrive in a busy, multi-tasking, and time-pressured environment
• Accuracy, integrity, and discretion
• Good sense of humor
• Willingness to travel

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience using LexisNexis
• Familiarity with discovery platforms (Relativity, etc.)
• 1 year of experience working in a non-profit office or similar organization

LOCATION

Due to restrictions caused by COVID-19, we are working out of our central Manhattan office two to three days per week. The other days are remote.

HOW TO APPLY

ABC values diversity in our workforce and encourages candidates of diverse backgrounds to apply.

ABC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, or status with regard to public assistance.

We will review candidates on a rolling basis. No phone calls please.

Applications, including resume and cover letter should be sent to jobs@abetterchildhood.org.