Paralegal

Environmental Law & Policy Center Of The Midwest Inc; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free gym membership

Vacation and sick days

403b employer contribution/match

Job summary

The Environmental Law & Policy Center Of The Midwest Inc is seeking a skilled Paralegal to join their team in Chicago. As part of a legal support team, you will provide essential assistance to public interest attorneys, managing deadlines and overseeing legal filings.

Qualifications include 7 or more years of experience in a litigation environment, excellent organizational skills, and a strong commitment to environmental protection.

The role offers a hybrid working environment, competitive salary between $72,000 and $78,000, and attractive benefits.

Qualifications

• 7 or more years experience in legal functions preferably in litigation.
• Notary certification or willingness to become notary is necessary.
• Familiarity with online legal filing platforms and Bluebook citations.

Responsibilities

• Directing and overseeing activities of ELPC’s Legal Assistant.
• Supervising active case deadlines and preparing legal documents.
• Ensuring accurate filing and compliance with court rules.
• Supporting attorneys in discovery and case management.
• Conducting factual, legal, and policy research.

Skills

Excellent computer skills with high proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat

Keen attention to detail

Strong organizational skills

Ability to problem solve under pressure

Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

Education

Associate degree required

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Paralegal certification strongly preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe Acrobat

Job description

About ELPC: The Environmental Law & Policy Center is the Midwest’s leading environmental legal advocacy organization. We drive transformational policy changes with national impacts. We show that environmental progress and economic development can be achieved together by putting sustainability principles into practice. We advance climate solutions effectively by accelerating clean renewable energy alternatives to conventional power plants and advancing clean transportation solutions. We protect the Great Lakes and defend the Midwest’s wild and natural places, and we fight for safe, clean water and healthy clean air for all. We combine effective public interest litigation with strategic policy advocacy, sound science, and economic analysis. ELPC produces strong results for the environment in the courtrooms, boardrooms, and legislative hearing rooms across the pivotal Midwest states and in Washington D.C.

Come join our winning team of talented, mission-driven professionals, who passionately work together to protect the environment and natural resources in the Midwest region. We offer a collaborative, upbeat culture, free snacks and a fantastic wellness benefit.

Position Title: Paralegal

Reports to: Senior/Senior Associate Attorney

Location: Chicago, IL - Hybrid work environment with required days in the office each week

Hours Per Week: 37.5

JOB SUMMARY

The paralegal is part of a legal support team at our downtown Chicago headquarters, providing crucial support to about 23 of ELPC’s talented public interest attorneys.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Directing and overseeing activities of ELPC’s Legal Assistant
• Supervising active case deadlines
• Preparing and editing documents to be filed, including:
  • proofreading, cite checking, Bluebooking, formatting, producing tables of contents and authorities, assembling exhibit lists, etc.
  • becoming familiar and ensuring compliance with local practice, scheduling and filing rules for various venues (state, federal, and administrative courts)
• Ensuring accurate, compliant and timely filing and service of paper and electronic filings in a variety of courts.
• Supporting attorneys in discovery, gaining admission to courts, registration renewals, and creating and managing e-filing accounts
• Factual, legal, and policy research
• Assisting support staff as needed, with general administrative work

Education & Experience (years)

• 7 or more years experience in the essential functions detailed above, preferably in a fast-paced litigation environment
• Associate degree required; Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Paralegal certification strongly preferred
• Notary or willing to become a notary

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Excellent computer skills with high proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat
• Keen attention to detail coupled with strong organizational skills
• Ability to problem solve under pressure, handle multiple tasks and deadlines
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

Additional Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with online legal filing platforms, rules of service, and Bluebook citations
• A personal interest in environmental protection or other public interest work

Estimated Travel

Negligible

Special Requirements

Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required during peak times and events. The incumbent may occasionally need to come in a third and/or forth day in a given week when there is a special event.

Compensation

$72,000 - $78,000 annually (based on a 37.5 hour workweek, not including overtime) + attractive benefits including vacation, sick and personal days, free gym membership and 4-12% 403b employer contribution/match.