Pro Bono Coordinator / Litigation Paralegal
At a glance
Squire Patton Boggs
Full-time
New York, US
16 July 2025
This role involves working with the Pro Bono Partner on administering the firm-wide pro bono program, as well as providing litigation support to the firm's Public Service Initiative (hereinafter "PSI"). The PSI team consists of three attorneys who focus on pro bono matters (largely including postconviction death penalty and life sentenced cases). This role provides a unique opportunity to gain substantive legal experience as well as exposure to commercial law firm pro bono practice management.
The Pro Bono Coordinator/Litigation Paralegal will assist the PSI team with advocacy; legal and factual research; and administrative coordination. This individual will also work closely with the Pro Bono Partner to support the administration of the Pro Bono Program.This role provides logistical support for the program and assists the Pro Bono Partner regarding information management, reports and presentations.
The Successful Candidate
PSI Litigation Support Responsibilities:
Work will include both legal and factual research; general case, records, and calendar management; and some travel to meet with clients and witnesses (we have ongoing cases in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas).Assignments mayinclude: preparingtimelines or witness files for depositions, hearings, and trials; discovery management and analysis; research of various criminal legal issues; drafting, editing, proofreading and filing a variety of legal correspondence and pleadings; fact and cite checking; organization and document management; and communications with internal and external stakeholders, including our incarcerated clients and their families.
Pro Bono Program Support Responsibilities:
Work will include: Assisting in coordinating occasional pro bono "clinics" (short term legal advice consultations) and other firm sponsored pro bono events and trainings, including the firm's annual pro bono awards. Organizing reports on pro bono work both internally and for external reporting. Crafting and/or proofreading content on the firm's pro bono work for media, social media, and/or the firm's website. Assisting in responding to pro bono surveys and reports requested by various media outlets, bar associations and referral agencies. Perform other pro bono related duties as assigned.
Candidates should anticipate an approximate 60%/40% split in PSI and Coordinator responsibilities.
The Successful Candidate
Qualified candidates must possess a Bachelor's Degree. Investigative, paralegal, or similar experience strongly desired. Administrative experience is strongly preferred. Demonstrated interest in criminal justice and criminal justice reform is a plus.A driver's license is also preferred. Ability to travel, subject to federal, state and firm-imposed health protocols is required. The ideal candidate will take initiative, pay close attention to detail, and bring strong project management skills to the role.
Knowledge & Skills:
- Exceptionally strong communication skills, both oral and written
- Excellent organizational skills and a strong aptitude for detail
- Ability to coordinate and manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines
- Ability to proofread legal documents for clarity, accuracy, and consistency
- Proficiency with the Bluebook and cite-checking is preferred
- Working familiarity with Lexis, Westlaw and Pacer is preferred
- Ability to analyze and apply federal and state court practice rules
- Demonstrated interest in public service and serving low-income clients
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Ability to be flexible and to work independently, at times with minimal supervision,
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with a variety of people including senior professionals and low-income clients
- Excellent judgment, including sensitivity with confidential information
Required Experience
- 2-4 years of relevant experience required, prior experience working in pro bono, legal aid and/or public interest law, or a law firm preferred. Experience in criminal law a plus.