Legal Associate Editor

American Association for Justice; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The American Association for Justice seeks a Legal Associate Editor to maintain editorial excellence for Trial magazine and its companion publications. The role includes editing, writing articles, and ensuring clarity and accuracy in legal topics. This hybrid position offers competitive salary, benefits, and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Hybrid work schedule

Paid time off including 11 federal holidays

401K employer match

Tuition assistance

Fitness reimbursement

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.
• Excellent proofreading skills and strong command of AP style.

Responsibilities

• Research and develop article ideas and identify appropriate authors.
• Edit and rewrite content for style, clarity, accuracy, and organization.
• Proofread for grammar, punctuation, spelling, style, and layout.

Skills

Editing

Writing

Research

Proofreading

Attention to detail

Legal citation

Education

JD degree

3 years editorial experience

3 years legal publishing experience

Tools

Content management systems

Job 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.

Responsibilities:

• 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
• Preference given to candidates with demonstrated experience editing manuscripts and reviewing page proofs.
• Occasional travel may be required.

WHAT AAJ PROVIDES: • A hybrid schedule three common days in the office (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) and two days remote (Monday and Friday). • Competitive salary and benefits including: paid time off (e.g., vacation, sick, personal, family leave) • 11 federal holidays and paid time off between Christmas and New Years • 401K employer match • Subsidized healthcare plans for you and your dependents • Dental, vision, disability, and life insurance options are available • Flexible Spending Accounts, pre-tax parking/transit deductions and metro transit subsidy • Company social events• Tuition assistance • Fitness reimbursement • 100% remote for the month of August (for most employees) • Offices conveniently located ½ block from Gallery Place/Chinatown in downtown Washington, DC.

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