Job Description

Democracy Defenders Action, a 501(c)(4) organization

Full time, Exempt, Remote (preference for DC)

Organizational Overview

Democracy Defenders Action (DDA) is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization dedicated to defeating election sabotage and denial, fighting autocracy, and building a resilient democracy. DDA also provides general administration for a group of related independent entities including Democracy Defenders Fund (c3), Democracy Defenders PAC, and Democracy Defenders Projects – the home for the new media entity, The Contrarian. Democracy Defenders Action was founded in 2023 by Ambassador Norm Eisen (ret.), alongside other leading figures in democracy defense, elections, and law, to counter the authoritarian threat to our democracy. 

Role Summary

DDA seeks a Paralegal/Legal Assistant to assist attorneys with general administrative support related to litigation, education, advocacy, policy projects, and other activities. Paralegals/legal assistants will engage in a diverse range of cases and priorities while working with internal and external staff. 

Persons with a Paralegal Certification will have a Paralegal title, whereas those who do not will have a Legal Assistant title. This is a full-time, exempt position based in Washington, DC. The Paralegal/Legal Assistant works within the Rapid Response Team.

Responsibilities

• Manage and organize case files, case dockets, and litigation calendars. Includes meticulous management of electronic case files and management of ECF and Pacer accounts; 
• Provide support for editing, production, and filing of briefs, exhibits, legislative testimony, and other documents, including formatting, proofreading, and cite-checking, as well as tables of authorities and public education tools; 
• Under the direction of attorneys, manage administrative and logistical aspects of litigation and/or project work, such as organizing discovery requests and responses, coordinating depositions, scheduling interviews, meetings, hearings, etc.; 
• Prepare and proof routine legal documents; 
• Stay informed about court rules, local rules, and internal court operating procedures, including deadlines; 
• Provide administrative and other support for hearings, trials, and oral arguments; 
• Conduct factual research, including through public records requests and access to databases; 
• Use electronic/online systems to obtain cases and pleadings in matters related to DDA work; 
• Coordinate, manage, and track communications with partners, co-counsel, amici, etc.; 
• Provide support for and schedule events and meetings; 
• Coordinate with accounting to ensure timely submission and processing of timesheets, travel, and other expenses, including attorney bar/court memberships; 
• Other duties and special projects as assigned; and 
• Willingness to travel for organizational retreats, functions, and events, and work on-site as needed.

Desired Qualifications and Skills

• At least two years of experience in a related position, preferably Legal Assistant/Litigation Paralegal preferred; 
• An Associate’s Degree plus a Paralegal Certificate or Bachelor’s Degree is strongly preferred; 
• Excellent communications and interpersonal skills; 
• Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to multi-task and prioritize work to ensure timely completion; 
• Demonstrated strong writing and editing skills and the demonstrated ability to review and synthesize factual information; 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team; 
• A high degree of proficiency in Google Drive, Office 365 and its apps, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, as well as video communication formats (Teams, Zoom, etc.); 
• Experience in and a high degree of proficiency in learning databases, program management software, and other tools. Knowledge of Monday.com, PACER, ECF, and relational case management databases is a plus; and
• Interest in safeguarding American democracy.

This job is fully remote, except occasional domestic travel will be expected, as described above. We offer optional access to office space in Washington, DC.

The salary range for this position is $75,000 - $95,000, based on experience, plus strong benefits and a generous PTO policy. 

Democracy Defenders Action is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants of all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to applications@statedemocracydefenders.org with your last name followed by “Rapid Response Paralegal” in the subject line.

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