Legal Associate Editor at American Association for Justice – United StatesHYBRID
Recruiter: American Association for Justice
The American Association for Justice (AAJ) works to preserve the constitutional right to trial by jury and to make sure people have a fair chanceto seek justice when they are injuredby the negligence or misconduct of others – even when it means taking on the most powerful corporations.
AAJ is seeking aLegal Associate Editorwith a strong background in editorial workparticularly magazine editingfor its Publications department. Were looking for an editor and writer who can distill complex legal topics into engaging, accurate, and accessible content for a professional audience.
The Legal Associate editor plays a critical role in maintaining the editorial excellence ofTrialmagazine and its companion publicationsProfessional Negligence Law ReporterandProducts Liability Law Reporter. This position involves editing, proofreading, and contributing original content, all while ensuring strict adherence to style, accuracy, clarity, and formatting standards. The Legal Associate Editor also proofs copy to ensure overall clarity, accuracy, and proper formatting.
Essential job duties include:
- Research and pitch article ideas that align with AAJs mission and audience.
- Identify potential authors with expertise in relevant topics and guide them through the writing and editing process.
- Solicit, evaluate, and manage manuscript submissions, including coordinating peer review.
- Edit manuscripts for style, clarity, tone, accuracy, and organization, ensuring content is engaging and accessible.
- Review content for grammar, punctuation, spelling, style, and layout.
- Craft compelling headlines, deks, subheads, and other content as needed.
- Write news stories, feature articles, and recurring department content forTrial(monthly print magazine) andTrial News(monthly online newsletter).
- Review page proofs for consistency, accuracy, and layout quality before final publication.
- Participate in content planning and art meetings to develop visual concepts for articles and covers.
- Provide backup support to the Managing Editor ofProfessional Negligence Law ReporterandProducts Liability Law Reporteras needed.
Requirements:
- Bachelors degree required; equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Juris Doctor (JD) preferred.
- Minimum of 3 years of editorial experience at a magazine, newsletter, or newspaper (nota law review).
- Proven ability to edit and write with clarity and precision.
- Strong news and feature writing skills.
- Excellent command of AP style and proficiency with standard proofreading marks.
- Knowledge of legal citation formats (ALWD) and tort law strongly preferred.
- Experience collaborating with volunteer authors, peer reviewers, and members of professional associations.
- Superior organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize and meet competing deadlines in a fast-paced publishing environment.
- Sound editorial judgment and keen attention to detail.
- Flexible, self-motivated, and able to adapt to shifting priorities and responsibilities.
- Preference given to candidates with experience editing manuscripts and reviewing page proofs.
- Occasional travel may be required.
Salary Range: $62,400- $73,000
AAJ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No phone calls please!
Applications must be submitted through the official careers portal. Female candidates and candidates from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.