Public Advocates Inc. seeks a full-time Legal Administrative Coordinator to join its exceptional and dedicated team and provide critical support to our advocacy and attorney staff of nine. The Legal Administrative Coordinator plays an essential role in our organization’s pursuit of social justice by increasing the capacity of the attorneys on our Education Equity Team to fight for quality education for all and those on our Metropolitan Equity Team to advocate for vibrant, mixed-income communities close to jobs and transit. This position will report to the Director of Finance & Administration but much of her/his work will be directly supervised by the attorneys.
Our ideal candidate is flexible, reliable and focused on performing her/his job to meet the high standards of our diverse attorney staff. S/he is able to quickly, effectively and responsively manage multiple tasks, responsibilities and personalities with energy and poise.
Primary Responsibilities:
Provide program support for attorneys: coordinate coalitions (calendar, communication); identify and track legislation; assist with legal clerkship program recruitment, programming; assist w/program event (e.g., webinars, trainings, rallies) logistics, execution; conduct case and/or legislative research; maintain small legal library; assist with client intakes; assist in the creation of reports and informational sheets about our program work; assist in the preparation/formatting/filing of legal documents (on an as-needed basis); assist w/Spanish translation
Provide administrative support for attorneys: schedule meetings; make travel arrangements; prepare expense reports; create/edit/format/proofread documents, spreadsheets, slides; assist with meeting preparation, logistics; assist with mail/email/fax correspondence; create/organize/update files, databases; make copies; etc. (support varies by attorney)
Provide general office support: sort mail; process bank deposits; assist with internal event (e.g., board meetings, annual fundraiser) logistics; other duties as needed, including backup for the office assistant and basic technology/software support (and making the morning coffee!)
Required Qualifications:
A demonstrated commitment to social justice
Strong customer service orientation and ability to exercise good judgment
Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects – often with competing deadlines – quickly and accurately
High degree of self-motivation and a willingness to take initiative
Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with supervisor, attorneys and external parties
Sophisticated knowledge of Microsoft Office suite, in particular Word (advanced formatting skills strongly preferred), Outlook and PowerPoint; familiarity with electronic file management and Google Apps; openness to troubleshooting, learning and teaching others how to use new technology/software
At least two years’ relevant work experience or equivalent
Preferred Qualifications:
Spanish fluency, written (for document translation, e.g.) and oral (for intakes, e.g.)
Knowledge of or experience with the legislative process, grassroots and community organizations, and/or media and press relations
Experience working with community groups
Experience with the litigation process, court rules and pleading formats; experience as a paralegal or legal secretary helpful
Qualities expected of all Public Advocates staff include integrity, high professional standards, and commitment to progressive social change, our mission and working successfully with diverse colleagues, clients and collaborators. Cooperation, patience, candor, flexibility, resilience, optimism, curiosity and sense of humor are valued.
How to apply
Only complete applications that follow these directions will be considered so please read carefully. Applications must include: 1) a cover letter that explains your qualifications, your interest in this position and your reasons for applying to Public Advocates; 2) resume; 3) names and contact information for three employment references and 4) salary history. Submit electronic application (.pdf format preferred) to legaladmin@publicadvocates.org. No phone calls, please.