Juvenile Law Center advocates for rights, dignity, equity and opportunity for all youth in the family policing (also called the child welfare or dependency system) and criminal legal systems (also called juvenile justice and criminal justice systems).

Juvenile Law Center uses multiple approaches to accomplish our ends: legal advocacy, policy advocacy, youth-led advocacy, and strategic communications. Our strategies are interconnected. We pair impact litigation with policy advocacy and community organizing to push for lasting and transformative change. Our policy agenda is informed byand often conducted in collaboration withyouth, family members, and grassroots partners. Our youth advocacy campaigns respond to legal and policy opportunities in the field. In all of our work, we seek out strategic communications opportunities to enhance the work and to shape public opinion. We seek opportunities across the country to work where we can respond to identified needs in the community, build on local partnerships, leverage legislative and legal reform opportunities, and create momentum for change.Current issues can be found here.

Position Purpose

The primary function of this position is to assist the legal team by finalizing and filing amicus and appellate briefs in courts nationwide, with a heavy focus on cite checking and BlueBooking legal citations as well as researching court rules to calendar court deadlines and ensure pleadings are court compliant.

Paralegals are an integral part of Juvenile Law Centers legal team and advocacy strategy. The part-time paralegal is responsible for supporting the legal team and will work across Juvenile Law Centers project areas on amicus, appellate, and affirmative civil litigation in state and federal courts across the country. The work will include collaborating with legal and non-legal staff, colleagues, courts, and partners across a wide range of jurisdictions and prioritizing competing deadlines and assignments in a fast-paced and highly collaborative environment. The ideal candidate will have impeccable attention to detail and the ability to work both within a team and independently with minimal supervision.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and Paralegal Certificate from an ABA approved program required,orat least 3 years of related work experience cite checking and/or engaging in amicus or appellate work

Required Skills

• Solid cite checking and Bluebooking skills
• Proficient use of Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat Pro, and Westlaw or Lexis
• Experience using CM/ECF, PACER, and/or state e-filing systems
• Impeccable attention to detail and strong organizational skills
• Strong work ethic and commitment to see assignments completed thoroughly and timely
• Strong sense of professionalism, including ability to manage multiple deadlines
• Ability to work effectively, both collaboratively with internal colleagues; external partners; and court personnel
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Strong research, writing, and oral communication skills

Additional Skills and Experiences Preferred

• Previous experience with amicus or appellate advocacy
• Experience using Best Authority or Microsoft Table of Authorities

Position Information

This is a part-time hybrid position, requiring one day onsite per week. This position requires 20 hours per week, 4 hours per day, Monday through Friday. The Part-Time Paralegal reports to the Legal Operations Manager.

This is a non-supervisory position and as such this position will be a member of the union. All non-supervisory staff at Juvenile Law Center are members of the National Organization of Legal Services Workers (NOLSW), UAW Local 2320.