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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Justice Paralegal Intern

💰 Competitive Stipend - Based on Experience

LegalInternshipParalegalPublic InterestSocial JusticeNon-Profit

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a motivated and detail-oriented Justice Paralegal Intern to join our dynamic legal team. In this critical support role, you will be immersed in the day-to-day work of a public interest legal practice, providing essential assistance to attorneys on a diverse and impactful caseload. This internship is designed for an individual with a profound commitment to social justice, who is eager to develop practical legal skills and contribute directly to our mission of advocating for equity and fairness. You will be an integral part of the case lifecycle, from initial client contact to case resolution, gaining invaluable exposure to legal strategy, client advocacy, and the inner workings of the justice system.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Current Law Student (1L, 2L, or 3L)
  • Current Paralegal Studies Student
  • Recent Graduate with a B.A. in Political Science, Criminology, or a related field

Advancement To:

  • Public Interest Paralegal
  • Law Clerk or Staff Attorney (Post-Law School)
  • Policy Analyst or Advocacy Specialist

Lateral Moves:

  • Community Organizer
  • Compliance Specialist in a non-profit or government setting

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Conduct comprehensive and detailed client intake interviews, both in-person and over the phone, to gather facts, identify legal issues, and assess client needs with empathy and professionalism.
  • Perform in-depth legal research on complex case law, statutes, and regulations using platforms like Westlaw, LexisNexis, and other legal databases to support case strategy and legal arguments.
  • Draft, review, and edit a wide range of legal documents, including but not limited to pleadings, motions, legal briefs, affidavits, and discovery requests, under attorney supervision.
  • Assist attorneys with all phases of litigation and trial preparation, which includes organizing exhibits, preparing witness files, and compiling trial binders.
  • Maintain and meticulously organize complex physical and digital case files, ensuring all documents, correspondence, and evidence are properly filed, indexed, and accessible.
  • Serve as a key point of contact for clients, providing regular case updates, gathering necessary follow-up information, and scheduling appointments while maintaining a supportive and professional demeanor.
  • Prepare and manage the electronic filing of legal documents with various state and federal courts, ensuring strict adherence to all procedural rules and deadlines.
  • Accurately summarize lengthy depositions, interrogatories, hearing transcripts, and other case records for efficient attorney review and analysis.
  • Investigate the factual basis of cases by interviewing witnesses, collecting and analyzing public records, and compiling evidence to build a strong case foundation.
  • Prepare comprehensive legal memoranda and reports that clearly synthesize research findings, analyze legal issues, and present potential courses of action.
  • Aid in the preparation of clients for depositions, administrative hearings, and court trials by explaining procedures and reviewing testimony.
  • Manage and monitor case calendars and internal docketing systems to track crucial deadlines for filings, discovery, and statutes of limitations.
  • Diligently cite-check, proofread, and Bluebook legal briefs and memoranda to ensure absolute accuracy and compliance with all relevant court and legal citation standards.
  • Professionally correspond with opposing counsel, court clerks, government agency personnel, and other external parties under the guidance of an attorney.
  • Develop and maintain internal databases and tracking systems for case information, evidence logs, key contacts, and other critical data.
  • Assist in the creation and dissemination of community legal education materials, such as "Know Your Rights" brochures, fact sheets, and workshop presentations.
  • Attend and observe court hearings, depositions, client meetings, and strategy sessions to gain firsthand experience and provide real-time support to attorneys.
  • Research and monitor legislative changes and developments in relevant areas of law that could impact the organization's clients or strategic focus.
  • Collaborate effectively with social workers, community advocates, and other non-legal partners to provide holistic, client-centered services.
  • Support discovery management processes, including the review of large document productions, application of Bates numbering, and preparation of privilege logs.
  • Translate written documents and/or provide verbal interpretation for non-English speaking clients to ensure meaningful access to legal services (if bilingual).
  • Support systemic advocacy and policy reform efforts by researching pressing social issues and drafting letters or testimony for legislative bodies.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist with general administrative tasks crucial to a legal office, including copying, scanning, and mailing legal correspondence and packages.
  • Actively contribute to legal team meetings by providing concise case updates and sharing insights gleaned from research and client interaction.
  • Participate in community outreach events and mobile legal aid clinics to help promote the organization's mission and services to the public.
  • Support grant reporting and internal data collection efforts by accurately tracking case metrics and client demographic information.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • High proficiency in legal research using platforms such as Westlaw, LexisNexis, or Bloomberg Law.
  • Experience with or ability to quickly learn legal case management software (e.g., Clio, LegalServer, MyCase).
  • Strong command of legal citation standards and formatting, specifically The Bluebook or ALWD.
  • Full competency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) for drafting documents, managing data, and professional communication.
  • Familiarity with federal and state court e-filing systems (e.g., PACER, CM/ECF).
  • Demonstrated ability to draft, format, and proofread professional legal documents.
  • Understanding of discovery management principles, including document review and production.
  • Foundational knowledge of civil procedure, rules of evidence, and legal ethics.
  • Experience conducting factual investigations, including interviewing witnesses and gathering public records.
  • Bilingual proficiency in Spanish or another language relevant to the client community is highly valued.
  • Competency in using PDF software (like Adobe Acrobat Pro) for Bates stamping, redaction, and document compilation.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional attention to detail and superior organizational skills to effectively manage multiple competing priorities and deadlines.
  • Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities to deconstruct complex legal and factual problems.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
  • A high degree of empathy, cultural humility, and a trauma-informed approach to client communication and service.
  • Proven ability to work collaboratively and constructively within a team while also being a self-starter who can work independently.
  • An unwavering and demonstrated commitment to social justice, racial equity, and the mission of public interest law.
  • Impeccable professional ethics and sound judgment, with the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
  • Resilience, flexibility, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and often emotionally demanding environment.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Currently enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school (1L or 2L) OR currently enrolled in an accredited paralegal studies associate's or bachelor's degree/certificate program.

Preferred Education:

  • Completion of the second year (2L) of law school or completion of a paralegal certificate program.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Law (Juris Doctor)
  • Paralegal Studies
  • Political Science
  • Social Work
  • Public Policy
  • Criminology / Criminal Justice

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0-1 years of professional legal experience.

Preferred:

  • Demonstrated interest in public interest law or social justice, evidenced through prior internships, volunteer work, relevant coursework, or participation in student organizations (e.g., legal aid clinics, advocacy groups).
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