Justice Specialist

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a dedicated and meticulous Justice Specialist to join our dynamic team. This pivotal role serves as the backbone of our justice-focused initiatives, providing critical support across case management, legal research, policy analysis, and stakeholder engagement. You will be instrumental in ensuring the smooth operation of our programs and contributing directly to our mission of promoting fairness and equity. This is an exceptional opportunity for an individual with a passion for social justice to apply their skills in a meaningful and impactful way, working alongside experienced professionals in the legal, policy, and advocacy fields. You will be a key player in turning strategy into action and helping individuals and communities navigate complex legal landscapes.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Paralegal or Legal Assistant
Social Worker or Case Manager
Recent Graduate (Criminal Justice, Public Policy, Pre-Law)

Advancement To:

Senior Justice Specialist or Lead Specialist
Policy Analyst or Government Affairs Manager
Program Manager or Director

Lateral Moves:

Compliance Analyst
Community Outreach Coordinator
Grant Writer or Development Officer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Conduct comprehensive legal and factual research using online databases (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis), public records, and other sources to support case development, policy formulation, and strategic initiatives.
Manage a diverse caseload from intake to resolution, maintaining detailed and confidential case files, tracking deadlines, and ensuring all procedural requirements are met in a timely manner.
Draft, review, and prepare a wide range of legal documents, including pleadings, motions, affidavits, subpoenas, and correspondence under the supervision of senior staff or attorneys.
Act as a primary point of contact for clients, providing them with information, resources, and support as they navigate complex legal and administrative systems.
Investigate the facts of cases by interviewing clients and witnesses, gathering and analyzing evidence, and compiling comprehensive investigative reports.
Monitor legislative and regulatory developments at the local, state, and federal levels, analyzing their potential impact on our organization and the communities we serve.
Assist in the development and implementation of advocacy campaigns and policy reform strategies, including drafting position papers, testimony, and public comments.
Coordinate and collaborate with a network of external stakeholders, including government agencies, law enforcement, court personnel, community-based organizations, and other legal professionals.
Prepare detailed reports, presentations, and data visualizations to communicate research findings, case progress, and program outcomes to internal and external audiences.
Facilitate restorative justice processes, mediations, or other alternative dispute resolution sessions between involved parties to foster healing and accountability outside of traditional court proceedings.
Provide direct support to attorneys and program managers in preparation for hearings, trials, and meetings, including organizing exhibits, preparing witness files, and managing logistics.
Develop and deliver educational workshops and training materials for community members and partner organizations on topics related to legal rights, justice system navigation, and available resources.
Maintain and update internal databases and case management systems with a high degree of accuracy to ensure data integrity for reporting and analysis.
Assist with the grant application and reporting process by gathering necessary data, drafting narratives, and ensuring compliance with funder requirements.
Analyze systemic issues and trends emerging from caseloads to identify opportunities for broader-impact litigation and policy advocacy.
Triage incoming requests for assistance, conducting initial screenings and needs assessments to determine eligibility and appropriate next steps.
Organize and maintain extensive document productions, utilizing e-discovery software and techniques to manage large volumes of electronic data.
Provide administrative and logistical support for large-scale projects, community meetings, and coalition-building activities.
Uphold the highest standards of confidentiality and ethical conduct in all interactions with clients, partners, and sensitive information.
Participate in regular team meetings to provide case updates, contribute to strategic planning, and collaborate on complex challenges.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to uncover trends and insights.
Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap by identifying gaps and opportunities for improvement.
Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements.
Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team.
Assist in onboarding and mentoring new team members, interns, or volunteers.
Represent the organization at conferences, public forums, and networking events.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Legal Research & Analysis: Proficiency with legal research platforms such as Westlaw, LexisNexis, and Pacer.
Case Management Software: Experience using tools like Clio, LegalServer, or similar case management systems.
Legal Document Preparation: Skill in drafting, formatting, and proofreading legal correspondence, pleadings, and motions.
Data Management & Analysis: Competency in using spreadsheets (Excel, Google Sheets) for data tracking, analysis, and reporting.
Policy Analysis: Ability to read, interpret, and summarize legislation, regulations, and public policy documents.
Investigative Techniques: Knowledge of methods for conducting witness interviews, background checks, and evidence gathering.
E-Discovery Tools: Familiarity with principles and software for managing electronic discovery (e.g., Relativity, Logikcull).
Public Speaking & Presentation: Ability to clearly and confidently present information to diverse audiences.
Grant Writing & Reporting: Basic understanding of the grant lifecycle and experience assisting with proposals or reports.
Bilingual Proficiency: Fluency in a second language (e.g., Spanish, Mandarin, ASL) is highly desirable.

Soft Skills

Exceptional Communication: Superior written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex topics clearly and compassionately.
Critical Thinking: Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to assess situations and identify effective solutions.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to work, ensuring accuracy in documentation, data entry, and legal filings.
Empathy & Cultural Competency: Ability to work effectively and respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds and those in crisis.
Discretion & Ethical Judgment: Unwavering commitment to confidentiality and professional ethics.
Resilience & Composure: Ability to remain calm and effective while working under pressure and managing sensitive or distressing subject matter.
Organizational & Time Management: Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, meet tight deadlines, and work independently.
Collaboration & Teamwork: A proactive and supportive team player who thrives in a collaborative environment.
Advocacy & Persuasion: A passion for advocating on behalf of others and the ability to build a compelling case.
Adaptability: Flexibility to navigate changing priorities and emergent needs within a dynamic work environment.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university.

Preferred Education:

Master’s degree in a relevant field or a Paralegal Certificate from an ABA-approved program.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Criminal Justice / Criminology
Public Policy / Public Administration
Law / Legal Studies / Pre-Law
Sociology / Social Work
Political Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2-5 years of professional experience in a related field.

Preferred:

Direct experience working within a law firm, non-profit legal services organization, government agency (e.g., public defender's office, prosecutor's office, court system), or in a corporate compliance role. Experience with direct client service or community advocacy is highly valued.