Legal Assistant, Mills Legal Clinic, Stanford Law School
Stanford University
Job Number: 89007
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 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. In addition to supporting clinics' litigation, the Legal Assistant will also provide overall administrative support to four attorneys and numerous law students who represent the clinics' clients. Candidates should also have proven excellent time management and interpersonal skills, as well as exercise strong attention to detail. 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 the assigned clinics and to the Director of Operations 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, processing expert or clinic expenditures, and preparing and distributing teaching materials, including on the university's online course-management system (Canvas)
Manage the clinics' litigation calendars, as well as coordinate and manage attorney schedules and activities, including all logistics and calendar management
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
Maintain clinic's web presence and program outreach on the MLC web page, in quarterly newsletters or via other web and social media sites
Coordinate travel arrangements for attorneys, students and guest speakers
Support and provide guidance to 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 information and instruct incoming students in the use of client case management database, time-keeping software, calendaring, and other clinic specific applications.
Triage mail, phone calls, emails and fax transmissions, processing and distributing time-sensitive documents effectively
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
Plan and organize clinic-specific and/or departmental events and activities
Participate in MLC teambuilding, projects and meetings
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 is a plus.
QUALIFICATIONS
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Proven ability to independently exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, take initiative, and be flexible and professional at all times
Ability to multitask effectively
Proficiency in computer applications and a good understanding of databases (systems used: Word, PowerPoint, Excel,Best Authority, Google Mail, Skype, Westlaw/Lexis, Clio)
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Proactive work style and history of collaborative teamwork
Ability to work well with Stanford colleagues, Mills Legal Clinic clients and with external organizations.
PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS/EXPERIENCE
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
Knowledge of how to research legal codes, court procedures and rules
Ability to prioritize, problem solve and efficiently manage time to meet deadlines
Strong proofreading and writing skills
Commitment to public service strongly preferred
* - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.
WORKING CONDITIONS
May work extended hours during peak business cycles.
Why Stanford is for YOU? Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:
Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, and the ability to audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
A healthier you. Climb our rock wall or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums. (When we can return to campus)
Applications should be submitted as soon as possible and will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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. Additional Information
Job:
Location: School of Law, Stanford, California, United States Schedule: Classification Level:
To be considered for this position please visit our web site and apply on line at the following link:stanfordcareers.stanford.edu
Stanford is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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Located between San Francisco and San Jose in the heart of Silicon Valley, Stanford University is recognized as one of the world's leading research and teaching institutions. Leland and Jane Stanford founded the University to "promote the public welfare by exercising an influence on behalf of humanity and civilization." Stanford opened its doors in 1891, and more than a century later, it remains dedicated to finding solutions to the great challenges of the day and to preparing students for leadership in a complex world. The University's thriving diverse community is comprised of nearly 7000 undergraduate students, 12000 graduate students, 2000 faculty members, 1900 postdoctoral scholars, and over 11,000 academic and administrative staff in seven schools including several interdisciplinary research centers and institutes. The campus spreads over 8000 contiguous acres and nearly all undergraduates live on campus. Stanford offers bachelor's and master's degrees in addition to doctoral degrees (PhD, MD, DMA and JD) plus a number of professional and continuing education programs and certifications. More at http://facts.stanford.edu and http://www.stanford.edu. Stanford is an equal empl...oyment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Stanford also welcomes applications from others who would bring additional dimensions to the University’s research, teaching and clinical missions.