Torchora
Back to Home

Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Justice Apprentice

💰 $38,000 - $55,000 Annually (DOE)

LegalApprenticeshipEntry-LevelGovernmentPublic SectorAdministrative

🎯 Role Definition

Are you passionate about the principles of justice and eager to build a career in the legal field from the ground up? This role requires a highly organized and motivated Justice Apprentice to join our dynamic team. This is a unique developmental role designed to provide comprehensive, hands-on training in the core functions of a legal or justice-focused environment. You will work directly alongside experienced attorneys, paralegals, and case managers, providing critical administrative and procedural support. The Justice Apprentice will be instrumental in the day-to-day management of case files, document preparation, and legal research, gaining invaluable insight and foundational skills for a successful career in the justice system.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Recent Graduate (Paralegal Studies, Criminology, Political Science)
  • Administrative or Executive Assistant with an interest in law
  • High School Graduate with exceptional aptitude and a passion for the justice system

Advancement To:

  • Paralegal or Senior Paralegal
  • Case Manager
  • Compliance Officer or Analyst
  • Junior Legal Counsel (upon completion of law school)

Lateral Moves:

  • Legal Secretary
  • Court Clerk Assistant
  • Policy Analyst Assistant

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Assist senior legal staff with the preparation, drafting, editing, and proofreading of a wide range of legal documents, including correspondence, pleadings, motions, and discovery requests.
  • Conduct foundational legal and factual research using online legal databases (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis) and public record repositories to support case development and strategy.
  • Organize, manage, and maintain complex electronic and physical case files, ensuring all documents are properly indexed, scanned, and filed according to firm protocols.
  • Meticulously manage case calendars, docketing critical deadlines for court filings, discovery responses, statutes of limitations, and client meetings to ensure timely compliance.
  • Serve as a professional and courteous point of contact for clients, providing non-legal case status updates, gathering necessary information, and scheduling appointments under attorney supervision.
  • Prepare and assemble comprehensive trial binders, exhibit lists, and other critical materials for depositions, hearings, mediations, and trials.
  • Coordinate with court clerks, external counsel, and third-party vendors for scheduling, document delivery, and information gathering.
  • Assist in the discovery process by organizing, bates-stamping, and redacting documents for production, and helping to prepare responses to interrogatories and requests for documents.
  • Draft routine legal correspondence and memos for internal and external use, ensuring accuracy and professionalism.
  • Process and manage incoming and outgoing mail, faxes, and electronic communications related to specific cases.
  • Handle the intake process for potential new clients, gathering preliminary information and ensuring all data is entered accurately into the case management system.
  • Support the preparation of witness files and coordinate witness availability for interviews and testimony.
  • Assist in the electronic filing (e-filing) of legal documents with federal, state, and local courts, ensuring adherence to specific court rules and procedures.
  • Maintain and update client contact information and case-related data within the firm's case management software.
  • Prepare check requests, process invoices, and assist with tracking case-related expenses for client billing and internal accounting.
  • Provide general administrative support to the legal team, including photocopying, scanning, and managing office supplies.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to identify trends in case data.
  • Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap by ensuring data integrity and proper documentation.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements for our legal tech platforms.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data and legal operations teams.
  • Assist in the evaluation and implementation of new legal technologies and software to improve efficiency.
  • Help create and maintain internal training guides and process documentation for legal support tasks.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • High proficiency in the full Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
  • Familiarity with legal research databases such as Westlaw, LexisNexis, or similar platforms.
  • Experience with or ability to quickly learn case management software (e.g., Clio, MyCase, ProLaw).
  • Accurate and efficient typing skills (minimum 55 WPM).
  • Basic understanding of legal terminology and court procedures.
  • Knowledge of electronic court filing (e-filing) systems is a significant plus.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy and organization.
  • Superior written and verbal communication skills for interacting with clients and colleagues.
  • Unwavering integrity and a high degree of discretion when handling sensitive and confidential information.
  • Proactive problem-solving abilities and strong critical thinking skills.
  • A collaborative, team-player mindset with a positive, can-do attitude.
  • Excellent time management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Resilience and composure when working under pressure.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent with a demonstrated interest in the legal field.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's Degree in Paralegal Studies, or a Paralegal Certificate from an ABA-approved program.
  • Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Paralegal Studies
  • Pre-Law
  • Criminology / Criminal Justice
  • Political Science
  • Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0-2 years of experience in an administrative, customer service, or office support role. No direct legal experience is required, but a strong, demonstrable interest in the justice system is essential.

Preferred: Prior internship or volunteer experience in a law firm, corporate legal department, government agency, or non-profit legal organization is highly desirable.

Explore More Careers