Washington State Paralegal Association

HIRING ANNOUNCEMENT – PARALEGAL

September 2024

Opportunity

Advocates for the West is seeking a self-starter Paralegal to support our team litigating cases to protect public lands, fish and wildlife, and communities across the American West. Use your passion for nature and your strong organizational skills to help us win for the West! 

About Advocates for the West

Advocates for the West is a non-profit public interest environmental law firm headquartered in Boise, Idaho, with offices and staff in Oregon, Colorado, and Montana. Founded in 2003, we provide free legal counseling and representation to a wide array of conservation groups, Native American Tribes, and individuals, primarily in federal court litigation. 

We work in eleven western states, handling dozens of cases each year with an overall 85% success rate. Our current docket is focused on fighting public lands oil and gas leasing; protecting sage-grouse habitat throughout the Interior West; saving the Pacific Northwest’s salmon, steelhead, and other imperiled fish; defending special places stretching from the coast of California to the Rocky Mountains in Colorado and national forests in northern Washington to the borderlands of Arizona; and protecting communities from mining and pollution. 

Learn more about our work and organization at www.advocateswest.org. 

Position Responsibilities      

The Paralegal is supervised by a Staff Attorney and ultimately reports to the Executive Director. The Paralegal will assist attorneys with a wide range of litigation and program tasks, as follows: 

Litigation Support (50%)

• Assist attorneys with all aspects of cases in federal and state courts;
  
• Help with court filings by editing, proofreading, cite-checking, preparing exhibits, creating tables, formatting, etc.;
  
• Draft notices, declarations, discovery, procedural motions, and correspondence; 
  
• Assist attorneys with organizing, reviewing, and summarizing administrative records; 
  
• Ensure compliance with local court rules and procedures in multiple states; 
  
• Prepare, mail, and e-file pleadings, courtesy copies, and other documents;
  
• Track, calendar, and help attorneys manage case-related deadlines.

Program Support (40%)

• Draft and track Freedom of Information Act requests;
  
• Organize, review, and analyze agency records, Freedom of Information Act responses, discovery responses, and other documents; and
  
• Conduct and organize factual research regarding federal and state agency actions, scientific reports, technical data, and other related issues.
  
• Administrative and Other Support (10%)
  
• Provide assistance to attorneys related to technological issues.
  
• Attend staff meetings, retreats, and trainings; and
  
• Support public education, outreach, and fundraising activities.
  

Desired Qualifications and Experience

a. College degree;
b. Paralegal training, certificate, or equivalent mastery of skills;
c. At least 3 years of experience in a related litigation position;
d. Experience assisting attorneys or judges with federal court litigation;
e. Ability to work independently and follow attorney direction;
f. Detail-oriented, exceptional organizational skills, and able to consistently meet deadlines;
g. Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills;
h. Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google products, PACER/ECF systems, and document-management databases or services; 
i. Strong verbal and written communication skills; 
j. Strong research and analytical skills related to legal, factual, scientific, and policy issues;
k. Familiarity with environmental advocacy or science preferred; and
l. Passion for protecting nature and the American West.

Advocates for the West is committed to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion and justice both in the workplace and in our relationships with clients and partners in the communities we serve. We encourage people from underrepresented backgrounds to apply. Advocates for the West is committed to providing equal employment opportunities without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, age, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, marital status, pregnancy, medical condition, veteran status, religion, and socioeconomic background.

Location

The position may be based in our Boise, ID or Portland, OR offices. We will also consider remote work options. 

Compensation

The Paralegal is a full-time (40-hour/week) salaried, exempt position. The starting salary range for this full-time position is $56,000–68,000, based on experience, with annual increases reflecting cost-of-living, performance and other considerations. We also offer discretionary annual bonus and employer retirement plan contributions. Benefits include medical, vision, and dental insurance, disability insurance, pre-tax medical savings plan, and generous vacation and leave policies, plus a sabbatical program after seven years’ employment. All Advocates for the West employees have access to relevant professional development opportunities.

To Apply

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three references through our application portal: Application Form. Please contact Alexa Ochsner, aochsner@advocateswest.org, if you need assistance. Preference will be given to candidates who apply by November 8, 2024, but applications may be reviewed on a rolling basis as needed.