Paralegal

Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable sexual and reproductive health care for all people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With more than 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect, and without judgment, striving to create equitable access to health care. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable education and information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.

Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that supports the independently incorporated Planned Parenthood affiliates operating health centers across the U.S. Planned Parenthood Action Fund is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit membership organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. The Action Fund engages in educational, advocacy, and electoral activity, including grassroots organizing, legislative advocacy, and voter education. Planned Parenthood values the experience of employees, and our cultural ethos is “In This Together” which aims to support a workplace culture that centers on belonging, learning, and individual recognition.

Planned Parenthood's Litigation & Law department seeks applicants for one Paralegal position located in New York, NY. PPFA operates on a hybrid schedule, requiring at least 2 days per week in the office. This position reports to the Director of Operations in Planned Parenthood's Litigation & Law department.

Applicants should submit a cover letter (including applicant’s pronouns, if comfortable disclosing), resume (clearly indicating the applicant’s month/year of anticipated or completed college graduation), and a writing sample (any original text written solely by the applicant that the applicant feels best represents their writing abilities). We strongly encourage candidates to apply by April 11th, 2025 to ensure review of their application.

This position is a two-year commitment with an expected end in summer 2027, though a one-year extension may be possible. 

Planned Parenthood Litigation & Law department is seeking a Paralegal who can begin work in early June 2025 and continue through June 2027. Successful applicants have been individuals interested in gaining entry-level work experience before applying to law/graduate school or other public policy positions.

Purpose:

The four-person paralegal team provides support for the team of approximately 20 attorneys in Planned Parenthood's Litigation & Law department who conduct reproductive rights litigation and policy work.

Engagement: 

The Paralegal will work most closely with the members of the Planned Parenthood Litigation & Law department, as well as with colleagues from other departments on occasion.

Delivery:

• Cite-checking and copy-editing briefs and other legal documents. 

• Assisting in the production and service of legal filings.

• Completing legal and factual research using Westlaw, academic databases, and the internet.

• Using G Suite programs to write, edit, and analyze non-legal documents related to reproductive rights.

• Responding to requests for information.

• Performing various administrative tasks including printing; compiling binders; completing out-of-office errands; assisting with department finance tasks; maintaining case dockets and departmental resources; tracking litigation deadlines; attending and taking notes at team meetings; assisting with hiring and onboarding new staff; and making travel and meeting arrangements.

• Contributing to the department’s ongoing work to center the communities most affected by laws restricting access to sexual and reproductive health and rights

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): 

• Bachelor's degree; 

• Superior research, writing, and editing skills (knowledge of Westlaw and G Suite not required; we will train as needed); 

• Demonstrated interest in social justice  (including, but not limited to, internships, academic work, extracurricular activities, volunteer experience, etc.); 

• Ability to work as part of a team as well as independently; 

• Ability to learn complex tasks and concepts quickly; 

• Excellent communication skills, including ability to accurately and succinctly impart knowledge and skills to others; 

• Attention to detail; initiative; resourcefulness; ability to juggle multiple tasks and prioritize; and 

• Commitment to antiracism and diversity, equity, and inclusion across differences in race, ethnicity, religion, ability, cultural background, socioeconomic status, gender identity and expression, and sexual orientation.

Travel: 0-10% domestic travel

Total offer package to include generous vacation + sick leave + paid holidays, individual/family provided medical, dental and vision benefits effective day 1, life insurance, short/long term disability, paid family leave and 401k. We also offer voluntary opt-in for Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Transportation/Commuter accounts.   

We value a truly diverse workforce and a culture of inclusivity and belonging. Our goal is to attract qualified candidates and encourage applications from all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.  We're committed to creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion, respect and integrity, customer focus, and innovation.

PPFA participates in the E-Verify program and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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*PDN-HR

Roles that are denoted as NYC, DC, or both will work a hybrid schedule and are expected to work in their assigned PPFA office a minimum 2 days per week unless the role is denoted as onsite, which requires working onsite full time or 5 days per week.