Legal Practice Assistant, Alaska Regional

Earthjustice is seeking applications for a full-time Legal Practice Assistant to join the Alaska Regional Program. This role is based in our Juneau, Alaska office. Our ideal candidate would be available to start as soon as possible.

Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization. We take on the biggest, most precedent-setting cases across the country. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people’s health; to preserve magnificent places and wildlife; to advance clean energy; and to combat climate change. We partner with thousands of groups, supporters, individuals, and communities to engage the critical environmental issues of our time and bring about positive change. We are guided by a passionate, ambitious vision for the future for people and our planet: until justice stands for all, we will never rest. We are here because the earth needs a good lawyer.

Founded in 1971, Earthjustice has a distinguished track record of achieving significant, lasting environmental protections. We achieve this by hiring people who share a passion for justice and a healthy environment. Our headquarters are in San Francisco with offices in Anchorage, Bozeman, Chicago, Denver, Honolulu, Houston, Juneau, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, Seattle, Tallahassee and Washington, D.C.

Responsibilities:

The Legal Practice Assistant I (LPA) will work under the direct supervision of the Legal Practice Manager to provide administrative support for the Alaska regional office. The Legal Practice Assistant will assist the Legal Practice Manager to provide for the efficient functioning of the Alaska regional office located in Juneau and Anchorage, which includes twelve attorneys, three professional staff, and one communications professional. The LPA will help manage the administrative aspects of the office, facilities management, budgeting, accounts payable, client billing, administrative litigation, and computer/technology issues with assistance from the IT Department. The LPA also may assist with administrative tasks such as implementation of the file retention policy, preparing court filings, assisting with electronic filing, and other duties as assigned. This position offers an excellent opportunity to work in a collaborative team environment committed to protect irreplaceable natural and cultural resources, mitigate climate change, and build community partnerships and environmental justice.

Administrative and Litigation Support (75%)

• Assist with the acquisition, operation, and maintenance of all basic office equipment (computers, printers, copier, scanner, video-conferencing system, etc.), troubleshoot hardware and software issues, and coordinate service and repairs;
• Maintain and purchase office supplies as needed;
• Assist with planning travel and arranging staff meetings, office trainings and retreats, and other teambuilding functions;
• Assist as needed with scheduling and coordination of conference room and video-conferencing equipment;
• Serve as primary office and phone reception, including monitoring office e-mail account and contact lists;
• Handle mail processing;
• Maintain administrative entries in office calendar;
• Assist the Legal Practice Manager in maintaining administrative and litigation-related paper and electronic files, and implementing file retention policies and procedures;
• Provide support for litigation as needed, including preparation, processing, and distribution of litigation-related documents, effecting service, maintaining Juneau office reference library, and other related litigation duties;
• Assist with intake of and responses to inquiries requesting attorney representation, consistent with office protocols;
• Able to stand in for Legal Practice Manager when necessary;Other duties as assigned.

Facilities Maintenance (<15%)

• ​Assist with solicitation and selection of vendors, maintenance of contracts, accounts and purchase of supplies, equipment and services for Juneau building;
• Assist with facilities maintenance and general management of the Juneau building, act as liaison with Juneau building contractors;
• Maintain kitchen and common areas in the Juneau building;
• Support office security needs, including developing and communicating emergency procedures, serve as safety coordinator for Juneau building / office emergencies. 

Financial Administration (<5%)

• Process invoices and other financial documents to send to Legal Practice Manager;
• Assist staff as needed with expense reimbursement forms;
• Assist Legal Practice Manager with managing client billing, and fee and cost awards;
• Assist Legal Practice Manager as needed with any and all other financial matters.

Personnel Administration (<5%)

• Participate in recruiting efforts; schedule interviews; make travel arrangements; and assist in onboarding of new personnel;
• Support attorney filings for bar membership and court admissions, lobbying, and other legal practice administrative requirements.

Qualifications:

• College degree or equivalent experience.
• Litigation experience a plus.
• Interest in and knowledge of environmental or social justice issues a plus.
• A can-do attitude, meticulous attention to detail, and an unrelenting commitment to high performance standards.
• Excellent research, analytical, writing, and computer skills (word processing, databases and spreadsheets, Internet, etc.).
• Self-motivated and able to work independently without supervision.
• Ability to work effectively with remote staff and to maintain confidential information.
• Flexible, punctual, highly reliable, and available for occasional evening and weekend work.
• Good problem solver.
• Excellent organizational, verbal, and written communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Basic knowledge of office equipment.
• Excellent computer skills in word processing and other office applications, e.g., word processing, Microsoft Office suite, Adobe Acrobat, databases and spreadsheets, internet, etc.
• Interest in, commitment to, and knowledge of environmental and/or social justice issues desired, but not necessary.
• Demonstrates an awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.
• Commits and contributes to the creation of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences.

We offer a mission- and employee-focused work environment and a competitive compensation package, including excellent benefits. Earthjustice is an equal opportunity employer and highly values diversity. As a 501(c)(3) organization, Earthjustice is a qualifying employer for purposes of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.

Salary is dependent on experience and location.

Salary range in Juneau, AK:  $51,800-57,500

To Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a:

• Resume.
• One- or two-page cover letter that addresses at least the following subjects: (1) why you are drawn to Earthjustice’s mission and whether there are particular legal, environmental, or justice issues that inspire you and (2) aspects of your background that demonstrate competence to work with a diverse group of colleagues and clients.

Preference will be given to applications submitted by August 6, 2023. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Professional references will be collected for finalist candidates later in the process.

Please reach out to jobs@earthjustice.org if you are having technical difficulties submitting your application. No phone calls, drop-ins, or hard copies.

Earthjustice is driven by a passion for justice, partnership, and excellence. Our core values lead us to seek a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds to achieve our mission and to maintain an inclusive environment where all staff are valued and respected. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to employment practices that ensure that employees and applicants for employment are provided with equal opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, or any other factor specified under applicable laws that is not related to the position.

For positions located within the City and County of San Francisco:  Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment-qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

For positions located within the City of Los Angeles:  We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.