Job Announcement
Legal Assistant – Olympia
External
The Northwest Justice Project (NJP) is a not-for-profit law firm with a mission
of Combatting Injustice • Strengthening Communities • Protecting Human
Dignity. NJP secures justice for people in or near poverty through high
quality legal advocacy that promotes the long-term well-being of low-income
individuals, families and communities through legal representation,
community partnerships, education and other advocacy. NJP’s Olympia office
seeks a full-time, experienced Legal Assistant to support our fast pace field
office and attorneys. The primary practice areas include family law, housing,
consumer, and public benefits. This is a full-time position. Spanish speaking
skills are preferred.
JOB DUTIES:
Prepare and edit correspondence, legal pleadings and other
documents independently and consistent with attorney
instructions.
Assist attorneys doing appellate work including, but not limited
to, formatting pleadings, doing tables of authority and tables
of content, assembling appellate briefs, etc.
Supporting attorneys in all aspects of litigation including, but
not limited to, filing affirmative litigation, discovery, working
with experts, trial, etc.
Maintain legal files and records.
Manage litigation and office calendars.
Assist in filing pleadings, recording documents and arranging service of process.
Assist in client communication, fact development, limited computerassisted legal research and community outreach/education where
appropriate.
Coordinate client/ interpreter/attorney scheduling, communicate
regularly with advocates and clients, and assist attorneys with work
related to community engagement and/or legal clinics.
Perform investigative work (research facts, gather discovery, access data bases etc.) as requested.
Maintain a professional working relationship with our clients and the community.
Perform reception duties: Assist with individuals coming into office seeking services;
answer telephones; manage office voicemail box.
Clerical/administrative/other office tasks assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Qualified applicants should have demonstrated experience and
knowledge of Washington State court rules; Thurston, Lewis, and Mason
County Superior and District Court procedures and local rules, including,
but not limited to, knowledge of family law procedure, including the
Thurston, Lewis, and Mason County Superior Court family law local rules;
or a willingness to learn these procedures and rules.
Experience supporting attorneys in discovery in civil matters
Experience supporting attorneys doing appellate work including
formatting appellate briefs, table of authorities, table of contents and
filing, serving and managing appeals.
Experience working with mandatory family law and other mandatory court forms.
Working knowledge of federal and state rules and procedures.
Experience filing in federal court helpful
Possess strong organizational/time management skills: successfully
manage multiple duties/tasks and deadlines and prioritize work.
Demonstrated intermediate/advanced computerskills in Microsoft
Office Suite including Word, Excel and Outlook and be open to
learning new software applications.
Use and operate office machines such as copiers, scanners, etc. effectively.
Be accurate and detail-oriented.
Possess strong verbal and written communication skills.
Demonstrate cultural competence and sensitivity in working with diverse clients,
communities, and colleagues.
Manage stress and work calmly under pressure.
Ability to work within a team environment and to work independently.
Spanish fluency preferred.
NJP has an organizational commitment to fight racism and to incorporate equity and
inclusion in both the work we do and work environment we create. All staff are expected
to uphold this commitment and approach their role with a desire to learn and grow in this
area.
COMPENSATION:
Salary is based upon years of experience, with an annual salary range of $43,410 – $75,995.
This is a non-exempt position. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, which includes
100% paid employee health premiums and significant premium shares for family health
premiums, as well as generous time off.
Hours of work: NJP’s typical client office hours are 9:00 – 5:00, Monday through Friday.
TO APPLY: Submit cover letter and resume to resume@nullnwjustice.org . Cover letter and
email subject line should clearly reference “Legal Assistant – Olympia”. Cover letter should
include description of any past experience, personal or professional, with low income or
other marginalized communities. The Northwest Justice Project is especially interested in
qualified candidates whose professional, personal and/or service experience allow them to
contribute to and support the legal aid community’s commitment to race equity.
Application Deadline: February 26, 2021.
NJP is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and fosters an environment free of barriers
and discriminatory practices. NJP actively promotes mutual respect, acceptance, teamwork and
productivity. NJP is committed to maintaining an organization whose staff, Board and clients
are diverse in background, experience, race, color, national origin, gender, age, religious
reference, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, sensory,
mental or physical abilities, veteran status, and other qualities that strengthen the program
while reinforcing its commitment to basic fairness. People of color, people who identify as
transgender, lesbian, gay, or bisexual, and those with disabilities are strongly encouraged to
apply. Individuals needing a reasonable accommodation for the application or interview
process or for more information about the project should contact the Human Resources
Department by calling (206) 464-1519.