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Legal Assistant, Mills Legal Clinic

Employer
Stanford Law School
Location
Stanford, California
Closing date
May 31, 2019

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Focus Areas
Crime / Legal-related, Education, Religion / Faith-based
Job Function
Administrative / Clerical, Legal
Position Type
Full Time
Degree Level
Bachelors
Experience Level
Administrative

Stanford Law School seeks a full-time Legal Assistant to support the work of two of the ten clinics within the Mills Legal Clinic (MLC): the Criminal Defense Clinic (CLC) and the Religious Liberty Clinic (RLC). The mission of all of the clinics within MLC is to provide law students with the practical experience of working with real clients and communities on real cases under the supervision of clinical faculty while offering superb pro bono representation to underserved individuals, communities and nonprofit organizations.

PURPOSE

The Legal Assistant will have substantial administrative responsibilities in a fast-paced and dynamic work environment involving competing priorities and deadlines. Applicants should have significant experience supporting litigation, preferably in both state and federal courts, and enjoy both team and independent work. Candidates should also have proven excellent time management and interpersonal skills, and exercise strong attention to detail. In addition to supporting the clinics’ litigation, the Legal Assistant will also provide overall administrative support to the four attorneys and numerous law students who represent the clinics’ clients. The Legal Assistant will contribute to the dual mission of the MLC and will become part of the thriving clinical community at Stanford Law School. This position reports to the faculty directors of both clinics and to the associate director of the Mills Legal Clinic.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES 

Note: Not all unique aspects of the job are covered by this job description.

  • Perform litigation paralegal responsibilities including preparation, serving, and filing of legal pleadings (including preparation of exhibits and materials) in trial and appellate courts both in hard copy and electronically; conduct procedural research; provide formatting assistance; and assist with document production
  • Provide a full range of legal administrative support to both clinics including processing forms, copying and printing documents, and preparing and distributing teaching materials, including on the university’s online course-management system
  • Manage the CDC and RLC's litigation calendars
  • Perform administrative duties associated with taking on new clients for representation, including compliance with MLC’s conflict of interest policies, creation of hard and electronic files, and other office systems
  • Coordinate travel arrangements for attorneys, students and guest speakers
  • Support law student involvement in litigation and office procedures including management of student State Bar certification and conflict of interest clearance processes as required
  • Organize and maintain complex filing systems, both electronic (via online case management system) and paper-based
  • Manage client/case database
  • Plan and organize CDC and RLC events and activities
  • Triage mail, phone calls, emails and fax transmissions, processing and distributing time-sensitive documents effectively
  • May coordinate and manage attorney schedules and activities, including all logistics and calendar management
  • Screen telephone calls from clients, responding independently to general inquiries when appropriate, and making swift and accurate judgments in forwarding inquiries and requests to attorneys or other offices
  • Prioritize and juggle multiple projects simultaneously and independently, often under pressure and in a fast-paced environment
  • Participate in MLC team projects and meetings
  • Maintain CDC and RLC's web presence on the MLC web page and other web and social media sites
  • Assist with other projects as needed including administrative tasks for the larger clinical program

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Associate's degree and at least three years of relevant professional experience or combination of education and relevant experience. Bachelor's degree and paralegal experience strongly preferred. Significant prior experience in a law office or legal non-profit environment a plus.
QUALIFICATIONS

  • Litigation and legal administrative experience with proven ability to perform in a fast-paced law office environment working with multiple supervisors, and interacting well with a variety of personalities
  • Proven ability to independently exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, take initiative, and be flexible and professional at all times
  • Knowledge of how to research legal codes, court procedures and rules
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Ability to multitask effectively
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Proactive, can-do work style and history of collaborative teamwork
  • Ability to prioritize, problem solve and efficiently manage time to meet deadlines
  • Strong proofreading and writing skills
  • Commitment to public service strongly preferred
  • Proficiency in computer applications and a good understanding of databases (systems used: Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Best Authority, Google Mail, Skype, Westlaw/Lexis, Clio)

WORKING CONDITIONS 

May work extended hours during peak business cycles.
WORK STANDARDS

  • Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and students, clinic clients, external organizations, court clerks and co- and opposing counsel
  • Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned
  • Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu

BENEFITS

Stanford University provides a full range of benefits including robust medical, life, vision and dental insurance options. Additionally, Stanford staff are offered a large array of work-life benefits such as a Caltrain Go Pass, commute club incentives, wellness programs, health improvement classes and more.

THE WORK OF THE CDC AND RLC

Students in the CDC represent indigent individuals accused of misdemeanors in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. Typical cases include drug use or possession, assault, theft, and driving offenses.

RLC students represent individuals and groups facing legal obstacles in the practice of their religion; for example, prisoners seeking to follow the tenets of their faith behind bars, employees seeking religious accommodations at work, or religious groups seeking to serve the homeless. RLC students chiefly handle trial-level matters, but also occasionally file appellate briefs and appear before public agencies.

More information about the work of these two clinics can be found athttps://law.stanford.edu/mills-legal-clinic/.

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants must:

  1. submit a resume via http://m.rfer.us/STANFORD21a6FB, job number 82952; and
  2. email (i) a resume, (ii) cover letter describing interest and prior experience, and (iii) a list of three references to the Mills Legal Clinic hiring manager at millsclinic@law.stanford.edu.

Applications should be submitted as soon as possible and will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled with an anticipated start date in late August.

Stanford University is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Stanford Law School seeks to hire the best talent and to promote a safe and secure environment for all members of the university community and its property. To that end, new staff hires must successfully pass a background check prior to starting work at Stanford University.

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