Pay: $48,000 – $62,000 per year (Paralegal); $58,000 – $74,000 per year (Senior Paralegal)
Job Type: Full-time
Work Location: In person (Tulsa, OK)
About Oklahoma Appleseed
Oklahoma Appleseed Center for Law & Justice (Oklahoma Appleseed) is a nonprofit organization that fights for justice and opportunity for all Oklahomans. We take a system-based approach to complex issues such as criminal justice, education policy, voting access, and economic justice, and we take our work wherever we believe we can do the most good, whether it's the courthouse, the Capitol, or the community.
Commitment to Equity
Oklahoma Appleseed is committed to diversity, inclusion, equity, and dismantling systemic racism that produces inequitable outcomes for communities of color. These foundational values are central to our mission to increase justice and opportunity for all Oklahomans.
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced, detail-oriented paralegal with a passion for social justice, legal reform, and cases that have a meaningful impact. This position is open at two levels — Paralegal and Senior Paralegal. The level and salary offered will depend on the successful candidate's experience, credentials, and demonstrated ability to work independently and with a team.At either level, this role supports our legal team through legal research, factual investigation, document drafting, case management, and regular communication with clients, applicants, partner organizations, and the courts. Much of our litigation is criminal-appellate and post-conviction in nature — including resentencing work under the Oklahoma Survivors' Act (OSA) — and the investigative work behind those cases is central to this position.
Key Responsibilities: These responsibilities apply to both levels.
Investigation & Records
- Conduct investigative work for survivors' cases, including requesting and obtaining police, medical, jail, and Department of Corrections records.
- Review transcripts, case files, exhibits, and media coverage of clients' underlying cases to identify evidence relevant to OSA criteria.
- Interview potential witnesses and maintain thorough, organized records of investigation results and applications.
Legal Research & Drafting
- Conduct legal research and gather relevant case law, statutes, and regulations to support litigation and advocacy efforts.
- Draft pleadings from templates, along with motions, correspondence, and other legal documents; proofread and edit for accuracy.
- Research inquiries from people who contact the organization seeking help, including matters outside OSA, to help determine whether we can assist.
- Monitor legislative and policy developments relevant to the organization's mission.
Hearing & Trial Preparation
- Assist attorneys in preparing for hearings, depositions, and trials.
- Collect, organize, and label exhibits, and build exhibit notebooks for hearings.
- Prepare comprehensive hearing notebooks for attorneys, assembling exhibits, filings, records, and supporting materials into a single, well-organized resources.
- Assist attorneys in identifying and coordinating expert witnesses.
Case Management & Document Production
- Manage case files and maintain case-management systems; we use Practice Panther and are working to implement Everlaw.
- Maintain trackers showing case progress and application status, and keep all records accurate and up to date.
- Handle document production, including scanning, e-filing, and preparing and mailing letters and correspondence.
- Coordinate communications, meetings, hearings, and deadlines with clients, attorneys, and other stakeholders.
Communication & Collaboration
- Communicate regularly and compassionately with clients and applicants, many of whom are survivors of abuse.
- Interface with partner organizations that also work on OSA matters.
- Contribute your perspective on cases and case strategy as a valued member of the legal team.
- Assist in drafting reports, presentations, and summaries for internal and external stakeholders.
- Support the organization's public interest projects, including events, training sessions, and community outreach initiatives.
Additional Responsibilities — Senior Paralegal
- In addition to the responsibilities above, the Senior Paralegal is expected to:
- Independently manage case dockets, deadlines, and appellate records with minimal supervision.
- Draft more substantive and original documents beyond templates, with attorney review.
- Assemble and cite-check appellate records and briefs, ensuring compliance with Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals and other applicable court rules.
- Take lead responsibility for complex or high-volume matters and help refine the organization's investigative and case-management systems, including our use of Practice Panther and Everlaw.
- Serve as a resource to newer staff and volunteer attorneys.
Qualifications
All candidates
- Education: Associate or Bachelor's degree in Paralegal Studies or a related field, or equivalent experience.
- Proficiency in legal research tools (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis) and case management software; experience with Practice Panther or e-discovery platforms such as Everlaw is a plus.
- Strong investigative and records-gathering skills, including obtaining records, reviewing case materials, and interviewing witnesses.
- Ability to communicate sensitively and maintain confidentiality when working with clients who have experienced trauma.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with excellent attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize deadlines, and work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
- Demonstrated commitment to social justice and the mission of Oklahoma Appleseed. F
- amiliarity with Oklahoma state and federal court procedures is a plus.
Paralegal level
- 3–5 years of paralegal experience, preferably in civil rights, public interest, or nonprofit law.
- Paralegal certification preferred.
Senior Paralegal level
- 5+ years of substantive paralegal experience, including litigation and/or appellate practice.
- Paralegal certification (e.g., NALA CP/ACP) or equivalent strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to manage dockets, records, and investigations independently and to draft with limited supervision.
- Experience with criminal appellate or post-conviction practice — including appellate-record assembly and cite-checking — strongly preferred.
Benefits
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- Health, dental, and vision insurance.
- 401(k) with matching.
- Paid time off, including holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
- Opportunities for professional development and continuing education. A collaborative and mission-driven work environment.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit the following to [email protected] with the subject line “Paralegal / Senior Paralegal Application”:
- A cover letter explaining your interest in the role and your qualifications.
- A current resume.
- Contact information for three professional references.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Oklahoma Appleseed Center for Law and Justice is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those from underrepresented communities.
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply.
Schedule: 8-hour shift; weekends as needed
Pay: $48,000.00 - $74,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
