Nonprofit Legal Assistant Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of philanthropy, the critical role of Nonprofit Legal Assistants is often under-acknowledged.

As the backbone of nonprofit organizations, they ensure compliance, navigate legal complexities, and help uphold the mission of these entities.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Nonprofit Legal Assistant?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker attempting to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the world of nonprofit legal work,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Nonprofit Legal Assistant job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Nonprofit Legal Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

Nonprofit Legal Assistants play a key role in providing legal support services and assisting in daily operations within the legal department of a nonprofit organization.

Their role is vital in ensuring the organization is in compliance with various legal regulations and that its mission is being pursued in a lawful manner.

The duties and responsibilities of a Nonprofit Legal Assistant include:

• Assisting in the preparation of legal documents such as contracts, agreements, and bylaws
• Conducting legal research to support various projects and initiatives
• Helping in the organization and maintenance of legal files and records
• Providing administrative support to the legal team, including scheduling meetings and maintaining calendars
• Communicating with outside legal counsel and other parties on behalf of the organization
• Helping to ensure that the organization complies with all relevant laws and regulations
• Assisting in the preparation of legal briefs and other court documents
• Supporting the legal team during trials by organizing exhibits, taking notes, and handling other tasks as required
• Checking and editing legal forms and documents for accuracy

 

Nonprofit Legal Assistant Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a detail-oriented, organized Nonprofit Legal Assistant to provide administrative and legal support to our organization.

The Nonprofit Legal Assistant’s responsibilities will include drafting and reviewing legal documents, maintaining legal files, conducting research, and assisting with the preparation of legal and regulatory reports.

Our ideal candidate has a strong understanding of legal terms and principles, excellent time management skills, and a high level of professionalism.

Ultimately, the role of the Nonprofit Legal Assistant is to ensure smooth running of our non-profit legal unit and effective case management by providing legal services under the supervision of an attorney.

 

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support to lawyer and enhance office effectiveness
• Handle communication with clients, witnesses etc.
• Administratively support and attend trials
• Prepare case briefs and summarize depositions, interrogatories and testimony
• Conduct investigations and statistical/documentary research
• Locate and develop case relevant information
• Type up and file basic legal documents and correspondence
• Maintain contact lists
• Monitor deadlines and juggle calendars

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a legal assistant
• Knowledge of constitution, legal terminology, regulations and court system
• Knowledge of MS Office and ability to work with legal technology (court-filing computer systems, transcription software, dictaphone etc)
• Working knowledge of case management software
• Excellent secretarial and organisational skills
• Ability to juggle multiple activities and work under pressure
• Legal Assistant certification or diploma

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Nonprofit Legal Assistant
• Work Environment: Office setting with occasional travel for court proceedings and meetings.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Senior Lawyer or Legal Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $60,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Nonprofit Legal Assistant Do?

Nonprofit Legal Assistants typically work for nonprofit organizations or legal firms that support nonprofit entities.

They offer crucial assistance to attorneys and other legal professionals within their team.

They are responsible for conducting legal research, preparing legal documents, drafting correspondences, and maintaining client files.

They may also be tasked with managing the calendar of their superiors, scheduling appointments, and ensuring that deadlines for submissions are met.

Nonprofit Legal Assistants often handle inquiries from clients and the public, offering information and directing queries to the relevant personnel as necessary.

They may also provide administrative support such as answering phone calls, handling mail, and maintaining databases.

In the nonprofit sector, these legal assistants often work with diverse communities and issues.

They may be involved in various areas like human rights, environmental conservation, education, and health, among others.

They must also stay up to date with the laws and regulations that affect their organization, ensuring all activities comply with legal requirements.

Their role is vital in promoting access to justice and the effective operation of the nonprofit entity they serve.

 

Nonprofit Legal Assistant Qualifications and Skills

A competent Nonprofit Legal Assistant should have the skills and qualifications to meet the specific needs of your organization, such as:

• Strong understanding of legal terminology and principles, as well as experience in legal research and documentation
• Excellent organizational skills to manage various tasks and deadlines efficiently
• Ability to work under pressure while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail
• Superb written and verbal communication skills to interact with clients, colleagues, and other stakeholders
• Strong interpersonal skills to establish positive relationships and work well in a team
• Proficiency in computer skills, including use of legal research software and Microsoft Office Suite
• Familiarity with the nonprofit sector and its legal requirements and regulations
• Problem-solving skills to identify and address legal issues effectively
• Discretion and respect for confidentiality as they will be dealing with sensitive information

 

Nonprofit Legal Assistant Experience Requirements

Nonprofit Legal Assistants should ideally have at least 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through internships, part-time roles, or paralegal roles in a legal setting, preferably within the nonprofit sector.

These professionals typically gain on-the-job experience in roles such as Legal Secretary, Paralegal, or Administrative Assistant in a law firm or legal department.

Familiarity with legal terminology, court filing procedures, and legal document formatting is often required.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience usually have a solid understanding of the legal field and have developed essential skills, such as legal research, case management, and client relations.

They may also have experience in grant writing, fundraising, and other nonprofit specific tasks.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are expected to have a comprehensive understanding of legal procedures and may have some supervisory experience.

They are often capable of handling more complex tasks such as compliance management, contract negotiation, and assisting with legal strategy development for the nonprofit organization.

 

Nonprofit Legal Assistant Education and Training Requirements

Nonprofit Legal Assistants typically require a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent.

However, many employers prefer candidates with a post-secondary certificate or associate degree in paralegal studies or a related field.

These programs provide foundational knowledge in legal terminology, legal processes, and documentation, which are key aspects of a Legal Assistant’s role.

Courses may include topics on civil litigation, legal research and writing, and specialty law topics relevant to the nonprofit sector like charitable law, and nonprofit governance.

In addition to formal education, nonprofit Legal Assistants often need to be familiar with specific legal software such as case management tools and databases.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is also often required.

While not always required, certification from a national paralegal organization, like the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) or the American Alliance of Paralegals (AAP), may enhance job prospects.

These certifications typically require a combination of education and work experience.

Experience in a legal setting or knowledge about the nonprofit sector can be beneficial in this role.

In some cases, employers may prefer Legal Assistants who have prior experience working in a nonprofit organization.

Just like any other job, continuous learning and skill development are crucial in this role.

Nonprofit Legal Assistants may need to attend training, workshops, and seminars to stay updated with the current legal trends and laws related to nonprofit organizations.

 

Nonprofit Legal Assistant Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Nonprofit Legal Assistant is approximately $46,425 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings can vary greatly based on factors such as prior experience, qualifications, the size of the organization, and the geographic location.

 

Nonprofit Legal Assistant Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Nonprofit Legal Assistant need?

A Nonprofit Legal Assistant should have excellent written and verbal communication skills.

They should also have strong organizational and multitasking skills, given the variety of tasks involved in the role.

Proficiency with legal terminology and a strong understanding of legal procedures is also important.

They should have good computer skills, particularly with software such as MS Office, and be able to learn new systems quickly.

 

Do Nonprofit Legal Assistants need a degree?

Nonprofit Legal Assistants generally need at least an associate’s degree or a certificate in paralegal studies.

A bachelor’s degree or an advanced certificate can make an applicant more competitive.

Some organizations might prefer candidates who have a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as law, political science, or public administration.

 

What should you look for in a Nonprofit Legal Assistant resume?

When looking at a Nonprofit Legal Assistant’s resume, pay attention to their educational background and any legal certifications they hold.

Look for experience in nonprofit organizations or legal environments.

Strong organizational, research, and writing skills are crucial.

Familiarity with legal software and technology is a plus.

Any experience volunteering or working with social causes can also be beneficial, as it demonstrates a commitment to the nonprofit sector.

 

What qualities make a good Nonprofit Legal Assistant?

A good Nonprofit Legal Assistant is detail-oriented, a critical thinker, and able to work under pressure to meet tight deadlines.

They should be comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.

Excellent interpersonal skills are essential for interacting with clients, attorneys, and other staff members.

They should also show a genuine passion for the mission of the nonprofit organization.

 

Is it difficult to hire Nonprofit Legal Assistants?

Hiring for this role can be challenging, as it requires a specific set of skills and often a passion for the nonprofit sector.

Nonprofit Legal Assistants need to have the right mix of legal knowledge and a commitment to the cause.

However, with the right job description and hiring strategy, finding the right candidate is possible.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve illuminated the significant role of a nonprofit legal assistant.

What’s the big revelation?

It’s not just about paperwork.

It’s about orchestrating justice, one case file at a time.

With our comprehensive nonprofit legal assistant job description template and real-life scenarios, you’re fully equipped to embark on this journey.

But why halt your momentum now?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your perfect tool for creating meticulously detailed job postings or for polishing your resume to perfection.

Keep in mind:

Every case you handle contributes to the larger cause.

Let’s bring justice to life. Together.

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