Legal Administrative Assistant

New Jersey Department of Children and Families; Charlottesville (VA); Hybrid; USD 56,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

The Southern Environmental Law Center seeks a Legal Administrative Assistant for its Charlottesville office. This role involves supporting attorneys with legal and administrative functions in a hybrid work setting. Applicants should have a Bachelor's degree and extensive legal support experience, alongside strong organizational and communication skills.

Qualifications

• At least three years of legal support experience.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with PCs and Microsoft Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Provides legal support to attorneys including research and court-related filings.
• Maintains files and assists with logistical preparations for judicial proceedings.
• Assists with general administrative support like scheduling and responding to requests.

Skills

Communication

Organizational Skills

Time Management

Attention to Detail

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent mix of education and experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe

Job description

The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) is accepting applications for aLegal Administrative Assistantto join our Charlottesville, VA office. This is an excellent opportunity to join a highly successful, nationally recognized organization that is effectively addressing some of the most pressing and challenging environmental issues throughout the South and the nation.

The principal responsibilities of the Legal Administrative Assistant are to provide support to the attorneys in the office and perform and coordinate administrative functions. This support will fall into two main categories. The assistant will have a full range of legal support responsibilities, including court-related filings and research tasks. In addition, the legal assistant may assist with various administrative duties to ensure efficient and well-organized office operations.

SELC has a hybrid work model that offers employees flexibility to work remotely up to two days per week. This is a full-time, non-exempt position.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provides legal support to SELC attorneys, which may include assisting with the preparation and submission of filings in state/federal courts and utility commissions and comment letters to federal and state agencies, researching local court rules, proofreading and editing written materials, preparing attachments and exhibits, and other litigation support tasks.
• Maintains files including pleadings, transcripts, memos, and correspondence, computes and calendars court deadlines.
• Reviews citations and verifies citations to the record.
• Assists with factual research and preparation of memos, reports, fact sheets, and presentations for attorney meetings, appearances, and conferences.
• Assists with the logistical and evidentiary preparations for judicial and administrative proceedings (including depositions, mediations, hearings, and trials).
• Assists in the collection and review of documents and records obtained through public records requests.
• Communicates with experts, assists with retainer agreements, and submits and tracks invoices.
• Arranges travel; assists with coding expenses.
• Plans and coordinates meetings and events, including reservations, logistics, and setup/breakdown support.
• Provides general administrative support which includes printing, copying, scanning, mailing, and assistance with scheduling meetings and other events. Takes meeting notes, as needed.
• Answers the main phone line and helps to respond to requests for legal assistance or representation, as needed.
• Assists with rotating coffee and kitchen duties.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent mix of education and experience.
• At least three years of legal support experience.
• Exceptional attention to detail with a proven track record of strong organizational and administrative skills.
• Excellent time management skills and sound judgment in prioritizing tasks, knowing when to work independently and when to seek guidance or clarification.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively, convey information clearly, and build positive working relationships.
• Proficiency with PCs and Microsoft Office applications, including editing and working with PDFs in Adobe, formatting and formulas in Excel spreadsheets, advanced word processing skills in Word, and creating professional Power Point presentations.

Desired Qualifications:

• Interest in environmental protection and SELC’s mission.
• Litigation experience.
• Experience with One Drive, SharePoint, and NetDocuments.
• A genuine interest in and commitment to helping SELC create and foster an equitable and inclusive workplace that reflects the rich racial and cultural diversity of our region.

About SELC:

The Southern Environmental Law Center is one of the nation’s most powerful defenders of the environment, rooted in the South. With a long track record, SELC takes on the toughest environmental challenges in court, in government, and in our communities to protect our region’s air, water, climate, wildlife, lands, and people. Nonprofit and nonpartisan, the organization has a staff of over 200, including more than 130 legal and policy experts, and is headquartered in Charlottesville, VA, with offices in Asheville, Atlanta, Birmingham, Chapel Hill, Charleston, Nashville, Richmond, and Washington, DC.

At our core, we are place-based, rooted in our region, and connected with the communities and clients we serve. We believe in an equitable and inclusive workplace that reflects the rich racial and cultural diversity of our region and allows diverse perspectives to come to the forefront. We approach our work with the highest level of integrity, holding ourselves to high standards with an emphasis on honesty, accountability, and thoughtfulness. We value collaboration and camaraderie, realizing we are strongest when we work together and knowing that everyone has a critical role to play. We strive for impact through a strategic, bold, pragmatic, and ambitious outlook that is dedicated to achieving powerful results. We believe in these values and in the power of SELC. We hope you consider joining us. Learn more athttps://www.southernenvironment.org/.

Compensation & Benefits:

SELC offers salaries competitive with other leading environmental nonprofits nationally and provides an excellent benefits package. The salary range for this position is $56,000 – $69,000. For more details about our benefits package, please visit ourCareers page.

SELC is a PSLF (Public Service Loan Forgiveness) eligible employer.

SELC will also provide relocation reimbursement for those relocating for an SELC position, up to a specific dollar amount and contingent on the move being at least 50 miles from the current primary address.

To Apply:

To apply, click on the ‘Apply Now’ button below to be directed to an online application where you may upload your application materials. Applicants must submit a cover letter and resume. The initial deadline for receipt of complete applications is Friday, July 4^th. However, applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

APPLY NOW

SELC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace environment. We are eager to welcome new team members who share this commitment. Qualified persons of all backgrounds—including traditionally underrepresented individuals such as people of color, women, people with disabilities, veterans, and LGBTQ candidates—are strongly encouraged to apply.