Job Description

The Roderick and Solange MacArthur Justice Center (“MJC”) is looking for a paralegal passionate about transformational justice and criminal legal system reform, de-incarceration, and trial work. The Litigation Paralegal position is an exciting opportunity to be part of these important efforts. The successful candidate will be based in MJC’s Illinois office and will perform a range of duties to support the MacArthur Justice Center’s legal work. 

MJC is a public interest law firm that litigates high-impact civil rights and systemic reform cases at the trial and appellate levels, in courts around the country. 

MJC is a national organization, with offices in Chicago, St. Louis, New Orleans, Oxford, Mississippi, and Washington D.C. For more information about MJC, and the Illinois office, visit:

The criminal legal system disproportionately harms people of color, people from low-income communities, people who were formerly incarcerated, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ individuals. We strongly encourage people who identify within these and other communities underrepresented in the legal profession to apply. All applicants must have and be committed to the cultural competence required to work with clients and co-workers who come from different backgrounds and experiences.

Role and Responsibilities:

• Case management and litigation tasks:Managing document productions and discovery in electronic format, using document management software;
• Drafting simple legal documents and templates;
• Coordinating and proofing court filings, including formatting briefs, appendices, and exhibits according to court rules; and
• Checking citations for accuracy and formatting, according to Bluebook rules;
• Calculating deadlines and maintaining case calendars;
• Researching rules of procedure for court venues and ensuring adherence;
• Managing service of process for new cases;
• Creating and maintaining witness and subject files;
• Scheduling depositions;
• Preparing for and supporting lawyers in the presentation of evidence in jury and bench trials and other hearings; 
• Corresponding with clients people seeking representation by email or letter, arranging client and witness phone calls, and conducting in-person client and witness visits in jails and prisons, as needed; 
• Corresponding with experts, witnesses, and co-counsel, as needed.

Experience and Qualifications

•  Bachelor’s/Associate’s degree in relevant field (criminal justice, law, psychology, sociology etc.) or paralegal certificate preferred;
• 1+ years as a trial-level paralegal, including experience filing pleadings in federal and state court, maintaining a litigation docket, managing and organizing large volumes of discovery, supporting clients, conducting trial preparation and supporting lawyers in jury and bench trials and hearings, preferred;
• Technological proficiency, including with Adobe Pro, Microsoft Office 365, and case management; trial presentation software such as Relativity and Trial Director a plus;
• Comfortable working in detention centers and with people caught up in the criminal legal system;
• Energetic self-starter with a desire to make change in the criminal legal system;
• Ability to collaborate and to foster a team environment, a commitment to creating a working environment that is inclusive, equitable and welcoming, and a willingness to honor the diverse experiences and perspectives of MJC staff and clients;
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to follow through on assignments independently, to manage multiple projects at once, to work well under pressure, and to be flexible in the event of changing priorities and deadlines;
• Excellent writing and editing skills.

 The successful candidate must be available to work full-time (40 hours per week/ regular business hours). They should have the flexibility to occasionally work outside of regular hours of operation. Some travel may also be required depending on case needs. A hybrid remote schedule is temporarily in place, subject to change based on local, state or federal health guidelines.

 LOCATION:  Chicago, IL (hybrid in-office and remote work)

 COMPENSATION: The salary is competitive and includes an excellent benefits package. The salary range for a litigation paralegal is $52,000 to $58,000 and is eligible for overtime.

  TO APPLY:  Please submit the following: 

• A cover letter addressing your experience relevant to the considerations above.
• A resume; and
• Two references.

 Applications will be reviewed and interviews scheduled on a rolling basis. Applications will be accepted through  December 10, 2023 or until the position is filled.

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