Compensation for this position is $50,000 with benefits that include paid vacation, medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k), life and long-term disability insurance, and generous paid holidays. This is a grant funded 2-year position.
All staff are required to have the COVID-19 vaccine unless an employee has a medical or religious exemption that makes them unable to receive the vaccine. Reasonable accommodations will be made with staff and their direct supervisor with final determination made by the Executive Director. The
Work of the ACLU of Oklahoma
The American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma is a nonprofit, non-partisan, privately funded organization devoted exclusively to the defense and promotion of the individual rights secured by the U.S. and Oklahoma constitutions.
The ACLU-OK comprises of two separate corporate entities, the American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma, Inc, and the American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma Foundation. The two corporations share the same overall mission, office space, and employees. The job posting refers collectively to the two organizations under the name “ACLU of Oklahoma.”
The ACLU-OK is an affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union, a national not-for-profit, non-partisan, voluntary organization founded in 1920. The ACLU is a nationwide network of staffed offices in every state, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Its purpose is to protect those rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The Oklahoma affiliate was established in 1964 and opened its first headquarters in 1973.
The ACLU-OK has a proud history of advocating in Oklahoma for the rights of institutionalized persons; educators; students; persons who speak out against governmental abuse; women; and minorities of religious, ethnic, or racial character.
The ACLU-OK works closely with its national headquarters in New York, its national lobbying office in Washington, D.C., and affiliates in every state across the country and Puerto Rico. It also works in coalition with many other organizations to improve the quality of life for all by preserving freedom.
The ACLU-OK is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. The ACLU-OK encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, socio- economic circumstance, or record of arrest or conviction. We do not conduct criminal background checks on our candidates.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Produce and file pleadings in federal courts and occasionally state courts in Oklahoma and deliver courtesy copies of filings to the court clerk.
- Draft and send or execute correspondence and legal documents, including letters, motions, court forms, petitions, subpoenas, discovery documents, and requests for public records.
- Manage and coordinate databases, case files, correspondence files, public records production, etc.
- Research and analyze court rules, relevant litigation, and factual issues where appropriate.
- Assist attorneys with investigations, legal and other research, proofreading and citechecking, review of public records, and case summaries. •
- Serve as liaison with co-counsel and clients.
- Organize intake calls, emails, and letters and respond to emails and letters.
- Handle general administrative duties, including processing invoices, tracking expenses and case costs, preparing expense reports, assisting with travel arrangements, and ordering supplies.
- In all responsibilities, prioritize racial justice and systemic equality.
- Traveling, as well as some work on nights and weekends, may be necessary.
- Along with all employees, maintaining a positive, respectful, welcoming, and professional work environment for employees and volunteers.
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
Required
- Knowledge of legal terminology, citation conventions, electronic court filing systems, and electronic research tools
- Ability to keep organized in a fast-paced environment, to manage several projects simultaneously, and to adjust to frequently changing demands.
- Excellent research, writing, and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work proactively, collaboratively, and independently as needed.
- Commitment to centering the voices and leadership of directly impacted people.
- Commitment to civil rights, civil liberties, and social justice consistent with the mission and goals of the ACLU.
- Commitment to diversity that values all individuals and respects differences in race, ethnicity, age, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, ability, socio-economic circumstance, and record of arrest or conviction.
- Commitment to building or deepening understanding of racial equity.
- Commitment to non-partisanship per ACLU policy that stipulates the ACLU will not endorse or oppose a candidate or political party.
- Willingness to travel within Oklahoma.
- Willingness to, as necessary, work evenings and weekends.
Desired
- Bachelor’s degree.
- Prior experience as a litigation paralegal.
- Familiarity with or experience working on social justice issues in Oklahoma.
- Persons who have been impacted by legal systems are encouraged to apply.
TO APPLY: Submit a resume, cover letter, and writing sample in a combined pdf in that order to jobs@acluok.org. Name PDF with your full name and “Paralegal Application.”
Include “Paralegal Application” in the subject line. We will review applications on a rolling basis. No in-person applications or phone calls, please. All applications will be treated confidentially