Legal Assistant

Job Overview:

States United Democracy Center, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to the rule of law and free, fair, and secure elections, is seeking a Legal Assistant to join its Legal team and provide high-level administrative and research support to the Legal team. The Legal Assistant is responsible for scheduling, preparing daily meetings and events, creating briefing materials, taking notes, drafting agendas, and making travel arrangements, among other administrative tasks.

Reporting to the Senior Counsel, the Legal Assistant also conducts online research, prepares memos, copyedits legal and other documents, and helps manage external relationships and provide support to state partners.

Responsibilities:

• Perform all duties in accordance with States United's values of integrity, inclusion, collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
• Support the legal team in task management and program logistics.
• Manage and coordinate schedules; book and schedule internal and external meetings and events (both virtual and in-person); track meeting requests; adjust and prioritize last-minute changes.
• Prepare materials for meetings and events, including agendas, handouts, slide decks, talking points, and briefing memos.
• Take notes at meetings and prepare lists of follow-up tasks.
• Serve as the point of contact for the legal department and related cross-departmental inquires.
• Conduct online research using academic and legal databases and the internet and write background memos.
• Cite check, fact check, and copyedit legal briefs and other legal documents, research, reports, and other materials.
• Draft correspondence, memos, and other materials.
• Set up and maintain file systems, document sharing, to-do lists, and work stream trackers.
• Assist in the production and service of legal filings.
• Collaborate with other members of the States United team to manage logistics and prepare materials for organization-wide events and meetings.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree.
• Up to 2 years equivalent work experience.
• Strong research, writing, and editing skills.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills.
• Self-motivation and the ability to work independently on projects, from conception to completion.
• Ability to work under pressure at times.
• Ability to use sound judgment and discretion in working with confidential and/or sensitive information.
• Strong critical thinking, problem solving, and decision-making skills.
• Professionalism, tact, and diplomacy in interactions with senior professionals and government officials.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues in a demanding and fast-paced environment.
• A positive attitude and demonstrated concern for people and community, self-confidence, common sense, good listening ability, and collaborative orientation.
• Willingness and ability to work beyond the normal workday, on weekends, and/or more than 40 hours a week as necessary.
• Willingness and ability to commit to a minimum of 15% travel time.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working on or familiarity with issues related to elections, voting, and state government.
• Experience working in a law office or other legal setting.
• Experience with cite-checking.

We encourage individuals to apply even if they do not meet all preferred qualifications.

Compensation + Benefits:

• Annual salary will be $58,710.
• States United Democracy Center offers generous benefits including 100% employer-paid health, vision, and dental plans plus matching retirement plans.

We have offices located in Boston, MA; Brooklyn, NY; and Washington, DC. This position may also be remote within the United States, with travel to attend organizational and team meetings and conferences, and other travel as needed.

States United values a diverse workforce and a culture of inclusivity and belonging. We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. Women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.