States United Democracy Center, a nonpartisan organization focused on the critical role states play in election protection, is seeking a Legal Assistant to be part of our Legal Team.

About the Organization: 

The States United Democracy Center is a new and growing nonpartisan organization advancing free, fair, and secure elections. We focus on connecting pro-democracy state and local officials, law enforcement leaders, and other partners across the U.S. with the tools and expertise they need to safeguard our democracy. During the 2020 election, then as the Voter Protection Program, we quickly became a go-to resource for state leaders, the press, and partner organizations. By bringing together current and former governors, secretaries of state, attorneys general, and law enforcement leaders for the first time, we helped build a nonpartisan firewall against those trying to undermine democracy. Now as States United, we support these partners in protecting the integrity of elections, holding those who seek to undermine democracy accountable, and preventing acts of political violence.

Job Overview:

The Legal Assistant provides high-level administrative and research support to the Legal team, with a particular focus on our Accountability work. The Legal Assistant is responsible for scheduling, preparing for daily meetings and events, creating briefing materials, taking notes, drafting agendas, and making travel arrangements, among other administrative tasks.

Reporting to the Legal Department Manager the Legal Assistant also conducts online research, prepares memos, copy edits legal and other documents, and helps manage external relationships and provide support to state partners.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct online research using academic and legal databases and the internet and write background memos. 
• Cite check, fact check, and copy edit legal briefs and other legal documents, research, reports, and other materials. 
• Draft correspondence, memos, and other materials. 
• 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. 
• Set up and maintain file systems, document sharing, to do lists, and work stream trackers. 
• Assist in 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 

• The following demonstrated skills and competencies: 

• • Strong research, writing, and editing skills 
  • Strong organizational and administrative skills 
  • Strong attention to detail 
  • 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. 
• A positive attitude and demonstrated concern for people and community, self-confidence, common sense, good listening ability, and a collaborative orientation. 
• Ability to adapt to changing tasks, priorities, and challenges within the team dynamic 
• Some evening and weekend work is required.

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.

We encourage individuals to submit their application for consideration even if they believe they do not have all of the preferred qualifications.

Compensation and Benefits:

Salary will be $57,000 as well as 100% employer paid health, vision, and dental plans; matching retirement benefits; generous paid time off.

Our offices are located in Boston, MA, New York, NY, and Washington, DC. 

This position will include flexibility to be remote. 

States United Democracy Center is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment 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.