Employment Status: Regular, Full Time
FLSA Status: Salary, Exempt
Location: Montpelier, Vermont
Compensation: $70k to $74k for candidates with 3-5 years of experience as a paralegal; $75 to $80k for candidates with 6+ years of experience as a paralegal
Start Date: Target February 2027

Position Summary

The American Civil Liberties Union of Vermont (ACLU-VT) seeks experienced applicants for a full-time Paralegal position. Reporting to the Legal Director and closely supporting each of ACLU-VT's staff attorneys, the Paralegal will help advance civil liberties and civil rights in Vermont by managing a range of litigation support projects, in both state and federal court, at all stages of litigation – from initial pleadings to appeals. The work of the Paralegal will also involve coordinating and implementing e-discovery solutions, organizing paper and electronic case files, managing public records requests, and maintaining the legal team’s various operational systems and protocols.

The ideal candidate will have excellent communication, writing and editing, and organizational skills as well as some legal case management experience.

Position Location

The ACLU of Vermont currently follows a hybrid office policy with program-specific in-office expectations. This policy is internally revisited annually. The Paralegal will be expected to work from ACLU-VT’s Montpelier office at least two or three days per week, with additional days as necessary, with the exact hybrid schedule to be set in conversation with their supervisor.

About Our Team

We are a passionate, highly motivated group of lawyers, public policy experts, communications professionals, organizers, and fundraisers, and we are looking for exceptional talent to join our team. We are committed to fostering a strong internal culture of belonging, with an emphasis on inclusive and equitable practices and organizational diversity. The Paralegal will have a strong awareness of, and willingness to engage in, the difficult and transformative work of challenging systems of oppression, institutional and structural racism and ableism, and implicit bias in a variety of settings. To learn more about us, visit our  website.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for case management, including preparing, formatting, filing, and serving legal documents; assisting with finalizing pleadings and exhibits, including proofreading, cite checking, and creating tables of authorities and contents; assisting in preparing discovery requests and responses and in document review; engaging in client/prospective client screening, communication, and management, in class and non-class cases; and gathering and preparing materials for depositions, client meetings, oral arguments, and court hearings.
• Coordinate all logistics for meetings, hearings, service of process, courtesy copy delivery, and other litigation support, including co-counsel and partner organization collaboration.
• Conduct Westlaw and PACER searches and document retrievals, along with other internet research.
• Maintain and organize electronic case files and legal docket.
• Support and manage the administrative logistics of working with cooperating attorneys and out-of-state attorneys, including preparing court admission paperwork.
• Engage in factual investigative work and research to support the development of cases or advocacy, including drafting and managing public records requests.
• Review, document, and manage submissions to our “Share Your Story” submission system.
• Monitor implementation of settlement agreements.
• Contribute to a collaborative culture that centers racial justice, inclusion, participation, psychological safety, and collaboration.
• Collaborate with colleagues by providing input on and coordinating the implementation of legal program policies, procedures, and systems – such as the case management process; paper and electronic filing systems; and legal docket tracking.
• Participate in the development of the legal department’s vision, plans, and priorities.
• Provide administrative and organizational support as needed, including scheduling meetings and preparing agendas and notes.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate is a well-organized and reliable person with a sharp eye for detail and excellent communication, writing and editing, and organizational skills who also has legal case management experience. They are a collaborative team player who enjoys working independently, jointly, and at times under pressure. They are willing to learn new things and possess many or all of the following qualifications:

• At least three years of experience working as a paralegal in a law firm, legal non-profit or legal services organization, or in state or federal courts.
• There are no required levels of education for application. However, a relevant bachelor’s degree or completion of a paralegal certificate program is preferred.
• Working knowledge of Vermont and federal court websites and procedures for filing pleadings and briefs.
• Experience exercising sound judgment and maintaining client confidentiality.
• Experience conducting reliable and thorough legal and legislative research on relevant databases, such as PACER and Westlaw, and accurately communicating findings to attorneys or advocates.
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice, civil liberties, and civil rights; committed to advancing the ACLU’s values, mission, goals, and programs.
• Exceptional writing, legal and policy research, and analytical skills.
• The ability to give and receive feedback constructively.
• Proven ability to work with emotional intelligence, work through conflict with integrity, and operate within principles of solidarity when working in partnership with constituencies impacted by oppression.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, both in the workplace and in collaboration with community partners and constituents. Proven ability to work in a manner that respects differences in race, ethnicity, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion, ability, and socio-economic circumstance. Demonstrated knowledge of – or commitment to building or deepening understanding of – racial equity.
• Proficiency with technology & computer systems: Outlook, Windows, Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, and Zoom in particular. Experience with case management software a plus.
• Willing to work irregular hours as needed, including occasional travel and evening and weekend meetings.

Compensation and Benefits

We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse workforce through various equity initiatives, which include equitable pay practices. Competitive compensation is commensurate with experience. The starting salary for this position is $70,000 to $74,000 for candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience as a paralegal, and $75,000 to $80,000 for candidates with 6+ years of experience as a paralegal.

We understand how vital our work is and at the same time understand the toll engaged activism can take. Our goal is to retain staff, and we believe that having a robust benefits offering is vital in meeting that goal. Our benefits include fully employer-paid medical and dental insurance for staff members, their dependents, and spouse or domestic partner; life insurance and disability; defined contribution plan with employer match; generous vacation and sick leave, in addition to 14 paid holidays; and paid sabbatical. This position is full-time, salaried, and exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

How to Apply

• Email a cover letter and resume to [email protected]
• Include in the subject line of the email: your last name and ACLU-VT Paralegal

*Please let us know if there are any accessibility accommodations we can provide to you during the application or hiring process.

We will begin reviewing applications on October 26, and they will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled, at which time the job announcement will be removed from our website.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Hiring

ACLU-VT is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive office culture. We believe that having a board, staff, and volunteer base with diverse personal and professional backgrounds enhances our ability to meet our mission and creates an environment where all members of our community can thrive. ACLU-VT strongly encourages applications from all identities. No applicant will be discriminated against because of race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or prior involvement in the criminal justice system.

About ACLU of Vermont

The ACLU of Vermont integrates litigation, policy advocacy, organizing, public education, and strategic communications to defend and advance civil liberties for all people across a broad range of constitutionally protected rights and freedoms. Founded in 1967 and based in Montpelier, the ACLU of Vermont is the statewide affiliate of the national ACLU, a nationwide organization with a presence in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington, DC. The ACLU fights tirelessly for the principle that every individual’s rights must be protected equally under the law, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or national origin.