The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) is seeking two Legal Administrative Assistants in our Chapel Hill, NC office. These individuals will join our Administrative team and report to the NC Office Manager. The Legal Administrative Assistant will have a full range of legal support responsibilities, including court-related filings and research tasks. In addition, the legal assistant will assist with various administrative duties to ensure efficient and well-organized office operations. This is an excellent opportunity to join a highly successful, nationally recognized organization that is effectively addressing some of the most pressing and challenging environmental issues throughout the South and the nation.
Depending on experience, the selected candidate will be hired as a Legal Administrative Assistant or Legal Administrative Assistant II; we welcome applicants at both levels. SELC also offers a career pathway that includes paralegal and senior paralegal roles.
Legal Administrative Assistant – The ideal candidate has a clear interest in environmental law, a strong academic record, and demonstrated research and writing skills. We are looking for someone who has actively sought out environmental experience through coursework or internships; familiarity with environmental regulations and issues is a plus. Prior work experience is not required.
Legal Administrative Assistant II - The ideal candidate has at least two years of relevant legal experience, with litigation support experience strongly preferred. We are looking for someone who is ready to step into a fast-paced legal environment and contribute meaningfully from day one. Familiarity with environmental issues is a plus, though candidates with strong legal administrative experience and transferable skills are encouraged to apply.
SELC has a hybrid work model that offers employees flexibility to work remotely up to two days per week. This is a full-time, non-exempt position.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Provide general in-person administrative support, including answering phones, greeting guests, managing mail and office supplies, and assisting with a range of day-to-day office needs, including rotating kitchen and coffee duties.
- Plan and coordinate meetings and events, including reservations, logistics, and setup and breakdown support.
- Attend meetings and take notes as needed.
- Respond to inquiries from the public seeking legal assistance or representation.
- Arrange travel and assist with expense coding.
- Coordinate with experts, assist with retainer agreements, and submit and track invoices.
- Assist with PowerPoint presentations for internal and external use.
- Provide legal support to SELC attorneys, which may include preparing and submitting filings in state and federal courts, utility commissions, and before federal and state agencies; researching local court rules; proofreading and editing legal documents; preparing attachments and exhibits; and supporting other litigation related tasks.
- Maintain files including pleadings, transcripts, memos, and correspondence; compute and calendar court deadlines.
- Assist with the logistical and evidentiary preparations for judicial and administrative proceedings (including depositions, mediations, hearings and trials).
- Assist in the collection and review of documents and records obtained through public records requests, including writing summaries or memos.
- Perform factual research and synthesize information into clear, well-organized memos, reports, and fact sheets for use in legal proceedings and policy work.
- Provide backup coverage across the legal assistant team as needed.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- High level of proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including advanced word processing in Word, formatting and formulas in Excel, and creating professional PowerPoint presentations; demonstrated aptitude for learning legal-specific software.
- Proficiency in Adobe Acrobat across a range of functions, including editing, combining, compressing, and organizing PDF documents.
- Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail, with a commitment to doing work carefully and completely.
- Proactively seeks out new knowledge and adapts quickly to new tasks and environments.
- Highly dependable, punctual, and able to manage time effectively and prioritize under tight deadlines.
- Demonstrated ability to take initiative, follow through independently, and adapt to different working styles and levels of direction across multiple teams.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to clearly convey information, actively listen, and build relationships with colleagues grounded in respect.
- Cheerful outlook and enthusiasm for both administrative support and legal or research tasks.
- Must be able to lift and carry items weighing 50 pounds.
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience with NetDocs and e-discovery software a plus.
- A genuine interest in and commitment to helping SELC create and foster an equitable and inclusive workplace that welcomes people from across the rich racial and cultural diversity of our region.
About SELC:
The Southern Environmental Law Center is one of the nation’s most powerful defenders of the environment, rooted in the South. With a long track record, SELC takes on the toughest environmental challenges in court, in government, and in our communities to protect our region’s air, water, climate, wildlife, lands, and people. Nonprofit and nonpartisan, the organization has a staff of 250, including more than 160 legal and policy experts and advocates. Headquartered in Charlottesville, VA, SELC has offices in Asheville, Atlanta, Birmingham, Chapel Hill, Charleston, Nashville, Richmond, and Washington, DC.
At our core, we are place-based, rooted in our region, and connected with the communities and clients we serve. We believe in an equitable and inclusive workplace that welcomes people from across the rich racial and cultural diversity of our region and values diverse perspectives. We approach our work with the highest level of integrity, holding ourselves to high standards with an emphasis on honesty, accountability, and thoughtfulness. We value collaboration and camaraderie, realizing we are strongest when we work together and knowing that everyone has a critical role to play. We strive for impact through a strategic, bold, pragmatic, and ambitious outlook that is dedicated to achieving powerful results. We believe in these values and in the power of SELC. We hope you consider joining us. Learn more at https://www.selc.org/.
Compensation & Benefits:
SELC offers salaries competitive with other leading environmental nonprofits nationally and provides an excellent benefits package. Actual placement within the ranges below will depend on factors such as relevant experience, education, skills, and internal equity considerations.
Legal Administrative Assistant position:
The wage range for this full-time and nonexempt position is $24.04/hour - $28.56/hour, based on experience. The annualized equivalent is approximately $50,000 – $59,400 assuming full-time hours.
Legal Administrative Assistant II position:
The wage range for this full-time and nonexempt position is $27.89/hour - $33.32/hour. The annualized equivalent is approximately $58,000 - $69,300 assuming full-time hours.
For more details about our benefits package, please visit our Careers page.
SELC is a PSLF (Public Service Loan Forgiveness) eligible employer.
All employees are required to reside in our region. SELC will provide relocation reimbursement up to a specific dollar amount for those relocating at least 50 miles from their current primary residence.
To Apply:
To apply, click on the ‘Apply’ button to be directed to an online application where you may upload your application materials. Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, and professional references. The initial deadline for receipt of complete applications is Sunday, August 9 at 11:59 pm ET. However, applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
SELC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace environment. We are eager to welcome new team members who share this commitment. Qualified individuals of all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
Pay: $24.04 - $33.32 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- 403(b)
- AD&D insurance
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Free parking
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Opportunities for advancement
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Travel reimbursement
- Vision insurance
- Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Chapel Hill, NC 27514
