Legal Support Specialist

Description

Grade: 8 | Salary Range: $56,300–$63,300; Bonus eligibility!
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Reports to: Designated supervising attorney
Position Type: Full-time, non-exempt, term-limited
Term: December 1, 2026 – December 31, 2027

Organizational Overview

The ACLU of Indiana is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to protecting and expanding civil liberties and civil rights statewide. Our work brings together legal, policy, communications, advocacy, and community engagement professionals to address complex challenges, support affected communities, and advance meaningful change through coordinated efforts.

Same Mission. Wider Reach. 

We are strengthening collaboration across departments, expanding organizational capacity, and building partnerships to better serve Hoosiers throughout Indiana. We invite you to join us!

Position Summary

The Legal Support Specialist is a versatile legal professional who provides substantive paralegal assistance and broad operational support across the ACLU of Indiana's Legal Department. Working under attorney supervision, the Specialist assists with legal research, document preparation, case development, and other litigation-related activities while responding to evolving departmental priorities.

This position is designed to provide flexible capacity wherever support is needed, including litigation, intake, client coordination, records management, legal technology, and general departmental operations. The Specialist works collaboratively with attorneys and colleagues across the organization to support efficient workflows, continuity of services, and coordinated advocacy.

This is a term-limited position through December 31, 2027, with consideration for conversion to a permanent role based on organizational needs, funding, and performance.

Key Responsibilities

Paralegal & Litigation Support

• Conduct legal research, summarize findings, verify citations, and assist with drafting legal documents under attorney supervision.
• Support case development, factual investigations, client and witness interviews, discovery, and evidence review.
• Assist with preparation of pleadings, court filings, exhibits, deposition materials, and hearing or trial documentation.
• Provide case-related coordination, including scheduling, deadline tracking, records requests, and communications with relevant parties.

Legal Department Support

• Assist with maintaining case files, document repositories, legal databases, and confidential records.
• Provide support for intake activities, including information gathering, correspondence, records organization, and routing matters for attorney review.
• Assist with legal technology, document processing, reporting, and workflow improvements as needed.
• Support communications and scheduling involving clients, incarcerated individuals, courts, correctional facilities, and cooperating counsel.
• Provide administrative and logistical assistance across legal functions to maintain continuity and respond to changing workloads.

Collaborative & Organizational Support

• Work with legal, advocacy, policy, communications, and community engagement staff on shared projects and initiatives.
• Assist with research, records, and materials supporting litigation, legislative activities, public education, and community engagement.
• Provide support for legal interns, volunteers, departmental training, events, and special projects.
• Perform other related duties as assigned in response to departmental priorities and organizational needs.

Professional Responsibilities

The Specialist performs delegated substantive legal work under attorney supervision in accordance with applicable professional rules. The position does not independently provide legal advice, determine representation, establish attorney-client relationships, or practice law. Confidential and privileged information must be handled in accordance with applicable legal and organizational requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The ACLU of Indiana is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Requirements

Required

• Associate degree, paralegal training, or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
• Three or more years of experience in paralegal services, litigation support, legal administration, or a comparable legal environment.
• Working knowledge of legal terminology, research, court procedures, and document preparation.
• Strong organizational, research, writing, communication, and technology skills.
• Ability to adapt to changing assignments, manage competing priorities, work collaboratively, and safeguard confidential information.
• Commitment to civil rights, civil liberties, and the mission of the ACLU of Indiana.

Preferred

• Paralegal certificate or comparable legal training.
• Experience with civil rights litigation, court filings, discovery, or legal case management systems.
• Familiarity with electronic records management, legal databases, and departmental operations.
• Experience supporting community-based organizations, volunteers, or incarcerated individuals.