Legal Associate Editor

Takejusticeback; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 62,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading organization devoted to ensuring justice. The Legal Associate Editor will play a vital role in the editorial process of key publications, contributing to both substantive content and stylistic excellence. If you have a JD and a passion for legal journalism, this is an excellent opportunity for you.

Benefits

Hybrid work schedule

Comprehensive health insurance

Generous paid leave

Subsidized transit and/or parking

Professional development opportunities

Company social events

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of editorial experience in a magazine, newsletter, or newspaper setting.
• Strong editing and writing skills on complex legal topics.
• Knowledge of tort law and legal citation formats (ALWD) desired.

Responsibilities

• Research and develop article ideas and solicit manuscripts for peer reviews.
• Edit and proofread for style, clarity, accuracy, and organization.
• Participate in editorial planning and assist with visual concepts.

Skills

Research skills

Reporting skills

Writing skills

Proofreading skills

Organization skills

Education

JD degree

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Corporate HeadQuarters - Washington, DC

Position Type: Full Time

Education Level: Graduate Degree

Salary Range: $62400.00 - $73000.00 Salary/year

Travel Percentage: None

Job Shift: Day

Job Category: Media - Journalism - Newspaper

Description

The American Association for Justice (AAJ) works to preserve the constitutional right to trial by jury and to make sure people have a fair chance to seek justice when they are injured by the negligence or misconduct of others - even when it means taking on the most powerful corporations.

AAJ is seeking a Legal Associate Editor for its Publications department. The Legal Associate Editor plays a critical role in maintaining the editorial excellence of Trial magazine and its companion publications, Professional Negligence Law Reporter and Products 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 develop article ideas and identify appropriate authors.
• Solicit and evaluate manuscripts for Trial and arrange for manuscript peer reviews.
• Write news stories and feature articles for Trial (monthly print magazine) and Trial News (monthly online newsletter).
• Write various recurring department sections in Trial.
• Edit and rewrite content for style, clarity, accuracy, and organization.
• Proofread for grammar, punctuation, spelling, style, and layout.
• Craft headlines, subheads, deks, and other editorial content as needed.
• Read and review page proofs to identify and correct layout issues, formatting inconsistencies, and editorial errors before final publication.
• Participate in art meetings to develop visual concepts for articles and covers.
• Assist with editorial planning.
• Serve as backup to the Managing Editor of Professional Negligence Law Reporter and Products Liability Law Reporter as needed.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of editorial experience in a magazine, newsletter, or newspaper setting.
• JD degree preferred; alternatively, at least 3 years of legal publishing experience required.
• Proven ability to edit and write about complex legal topics with clarity and precision.
• Strong research, reporting, and writing skills, particularly for news and feature articles.
• Excellent proofreading skills and strong command of AP style.
• Knowledge of tort law and legal citation formats (ALWD) strongly desired.
• Experience with online publishing environments and content management systems preferred.
• Experience working with volunteer authors, peer reviewers, and members of professional associations is a plus.
• Superior organizational skills, attention to detail, and sound editorial judgment.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced publishing environment.
• Flexible, self-motivated, and able to adapt to shifting priorities and responsibilities.
• Preference given to candidates with demonstrated experience editing manuscripts and reviewing page proofs.
• Occasional travel may be required.

Salary Range: $62,400 - $73,000

Benefits and Perks for Working with AAJ:

• Hybrid work schedule, onsite Tuesday through Thursday and 100% remote work for the month of August (for most employees)
• Comprehensive health insurance which includes, medical, dental, vision, life, disability, flexible spending account (FSA), and 401K with an employer match
• Generous paid leave (e.g., vacation, sick, personal, parental), 11 federal holidays, and paid time off between Christmas and New Years
• Subsidized metro transit and/or parking benefits
• Professional development opportunities
• Company social events
• Office conveniently located ½ block from Gallery Place/Chinatown metro station in downtown Washington, DC

AAJ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No phone calls please!