Protect Democracy
Protect Democracy seeks several experienced, mission-driven Paralegal & Litigation Specialists . For these particular roles, we are only considering candidates with three or more years of federal filing experience in civil litigation.
By joining Protect Democracy as a Paralegal & Litigation Specialist, you’ll support multi-faceted litigation and legal advocacy projects focused on preventing authoritarianism, including work aimed at:
Pushing back against unlawful executive actions and egregious administrative overreach;
Defending advocates, journalists, and institutions from government censorship or unlawful discrimination; and/or
Challenging illegal voter purges, voter intimidation by law enforcement, and unauthorized compilation of voter data.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced paralegal who wishes to hone their skills in all stages of impact litigation, case management, writing and research, and communications—over time, developing expertise in one or more area(s) of our legal work.
An ideal candidate for this role brings a flexible, action-oriented mindset; excellent writing, research, and communication skills with a keen eye for detail; and a collaborative, team-oriented approach. We strongly encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds and from across the political and ideological spectrum to apply. A commitment to our mission and cross-ideological strategy for defending our democracy is essential.
The priority deadline to apply for this role is October 15, 2026; we will review applications received after that date on a rolling basis.
You can work remotely from nearly any location in the United States*; travel is required and may, at times, be for extended periods.
As Paralegal & Litigation Specialist, your responsibilities are to:
Support litigation by:
Managing and organizing case files and documents,
Preparing and finalizing legal memos and pleadings,
Coordinating court filings, and
Help lead the discovery process;
Conduct research, synthesize findings, and draft related memoranda, reports, and other communications;
Cite-check and Bluebook, fact-check, proofread, and assist with drafting court filings, letters, and other public-facing documents;
Engage professionally with clients, opposing counsel, partner organizations, and other external stakeholders;
Draft external-facing communications materials, including press releases, social media, talking points, outreach emails, op-eds, and blog posts;
Coordinate logistics for calls, including creating agendas, and drafting internal-facing communications (i.e. emails, presentations);
Project manage components of litigation projects, including developing work plans, tracking and communicating progress toward goals, and offering and soliciting feedback along the way;
Maintain and, at times, create information management systems, processes, and tools within and amongst impact teams;
Strategize with other team members—actively contribute ideas during impact and litigation project brainstorming sessions and propose projects to advance Protect Democracy’s mission;
Contribute to culture-building initiatives across the organization.
The ideal candidate brings:
A minimum of three years of filing experience in civil litigation, including familiarity with:
Supporting litigation through preparing, finalizing, and filing pleadings in court, cite checking and Bluebooking documents, drafting discovery materials and correspondence; and preparing administrative documents like pro hac vice applications;
Navigating federal rules of civil procedure and state/local court rules;
Case management/litigation administration (including managing large quantities of documents and case file and folder organization);
Strong writing, researching, editing, and proofreading skills;
Experience project managing, ideally in a legal context;
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
Comfort giving feedback and managing “up, down, and sideways”;
Nimbleness and an ability to perform well in a rapid-paced environment;
Eagerness to learn new research, communications, legal and policy skills and processes;
Ability to foster collaborative relationships and work in a team environment with people with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives;
Rigorous attention to detail and the highest standards for excellence in execution;
Ability to track, prioritize, and balance a diverse set of responsibilities;
A passionate commitment to the preservation of democratic norms and institutions, and an understanding that our democracy has never fully represented communities of color.
Preferred, but not required:
Paralegal certification;
Experience with Filevine;
Experience with e-Discovery systems (i.e. Everlaw, Relativity).
Compensation
This position is FLSA Non-Exempt and eligible for overtime pay. The starting salary range for this role is $84,300 - $99,200 commensurate with the candidate’s relevant experience, capabilities, and skills, and in alignment with internal equity.
Protect Democracy seeks several experienced, mission-driven Paralegal & Litigation Specialists . For these particular roles, we are only considering candidates with three or more years of federal filing experience in civil litigation.
By joining Protect Democracy as a Paralegal & Litigation Specialist, you’ll support multi-faceted litigation and legal advocacy projects focused on preventing authoritarianism, including work aimed at:
Pushing back against unlawful executive actions and egregious administrative overreach;
Defending advocates, journalists, and institutions from government censorship or unlawful discrimination; and/or
Challenging illegal voter purges, voter intimidation by law enforcement, and unauthorized compilation of voter data.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced paralegal who wishes to hone their skills in all stages of impact litigation, case management, writing and research, and communications—over time, developing expertise in one or more area(s) of our legal work.
An ideal candidate for this role brings a flexible, action-oriented mindset; excellent writing, research, and communication skills with a keen eye for detail; and a collaborative, team-oriented approach. We strongly encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds and from across the political and ideological spectrum to apply. A commitment to our mission and cross-ideological strategy for defending our democracy is essential.
The priority deadline to apply for this role is October 15, 2026; we will review applications received after that date on a rolling basis.
You can work remotely from nearly any location in the United States*; travel is required and may, at times, be for extended periods.
As Paralegal & Litigation Specialist, your responsibilities are to:
Support litigation by:
Managing and organizing case files and documents,
Preparing and finalizing legal memos and pleadings,
Coordinating court filings, and
Help lead the discovery process;
Conduct research, synthesize findings, and draft related memoranda, reports, and other communications;
Cite-check and Bluebook, fact-check, proofread, and assist with drafting court filings, letters, and other public-facing documents;
Engage professionally with clients, opposing counsel, partner organizations, and other external stakeholders;
Draft external-facing communications materials, including press releases, social media, talking points, outreach emails, op-eds, and blog posts;
Coordinate logistics for calls, including creating agendas, and drafting internal-facing communications (i.e. emails, presentations);
Project manage components of litigation projects, including developing work plans, tracking and communicating progress toward goals, and offering and soliciting feedback along the way;
Maintain and, at times, create information management systems, processes, and tools within and amongst impact teams;
Strategize with other team members—actively contribute ideas during impact and litigation project brainstorming sessions and propose projects to advance Protect Democracy’s mission;
Contribute to culture-building initiatives across the organization.
The ideal candidate brings:
A minimum of three years of filing experience in civil litigation, including familiarity with:
Supporting litigation through preparing, finalizing, and filing pleadings in court, cite checking and Bluebooking documents, drafting discovery materials and correspondence; and preparing administrative documents like pro hac vice applications;
Navigating federal rules of civil procedure and state/local court rules;
Case management/litigation administration (including managing large quantities of documents and case file and folder organization);
Strong writing, researching, editing, and proofreading skills;
Experience project managing, ideally in a legal context;
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
Comfort giving feedback and managing “up, down, and sideways”;
Nimbleness and an ability to perform well in a rapid-paced environment;
Eagerness to learn new research, communications, legal and policy skills and processes;
Ability to foster collaborative relationships and work in a team environment with people with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives;
Rigorous attention to detail and the highest standards for excellence in execution;
Ability to track, prioritize, and balance a diverse set of responsibilities;
A passionate commitment to the preservation of democratic norms and institutions, and an understanding that our democracy has never fully represented communities of color.
Preferred, but not required:
Paralegal certification;
Experience with Filevine;
Experience with e-Discovery systems (i.e. Everlaw, Relativity).
Compensation
This position is FLSA Non-Exempt and eligible for overtime pay. The starting salary range for this role is $84,300 - $99,200 commensurate with the candidate’s relevant experience, capabilities, and skills, and in alignment with internal equity.
Washington State Department of Ecology
Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
The Department of Ecology is hiring an Assistant Program Planner and Performance Coordinator (Management Analyst 3) within the Water Quality Program .
Location:
Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA .
Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station
Schedule:
This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
A minimum of one day per week is required in the office.
Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.
Application Timeline:
Apply by October 12, 2026
Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.
Interviews are tentatively scheduled for October 28. 2026.
Duties
The Assistant Program planner is an exciting position that supports several critical program functions. You will have the chance to develop and refine a wide range of skills and areas of knowledge: the legislative process, policy development, program planning, performance monitoring, and process improvement. You’ll regularly work with program executives and senior staff. It’s a great opportunity for someone who wants to experience a diverse set of duties and learn about environmental protection through several different lenses.
What you will do:
Lead Water Quality’s (WQ) process improvement projects: identify areas where program workflows and systems can be streamlined and automated, then work with appropriate staff to implement those projects.
Support the Water Quality Legislative Liaison: track and research bills; coordinate the development of policy analysis, development, and legislative reports; draft or edit legislative and policy documents.
Support the WQ Program Planner: help develop program strategic and business plans; lead specific portions of the planning process. Work with large data systems and data sets to develop graphs, tables, and charts reflecting program outcomes, and report outcomes to program managers and state systems.
Support the WQ Environmental Justice Planner: Coordinate and support the development of WQ’s environmental justice (EJ) workplans and EJ impact reports.
Qualifications
For detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions, please visit our Recruitment website .
Required Qualifications:
Seven (7) years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position, which must include the following:
Legislative and Policy Analysis – Ability to research and interpret laws, rules, and policy proposals to understand their impacts and provide clear recommendations that support program decisions.
Analytical Thinking and Data Interpretation – Ability to examine complex information and data, identify key issues or trends, and develop practical insights to support informed decision-making.
Project Coordination and Leadership – Ability to organize and guide small to medium-sized projects to keep activities on track, ensure alignment among participants, and achieve timely, quality results.
Process Improvement – Ability to analyze how work is done, identify inefficiencies or gaps, and recommend improvements that make processes clearer, more efficient, and easier to use.
Communication and Presentation – Ability to clearly communicate information in writing and visually to help staff, managers, and partners understand data, decisions, and next steps.
Facilitation and Collaboration – Ability to bring groups together, guide discussions, and support productive teamwork to help groups make decisions and move work forward.
Education involving a major study in business administration, operations management, public administration, organizational studies, health administration, law, environmental law, finance, economics, statistics, environmental management, environmental or public policy, or closely related field; Professional certification in Six Sigma, Lean Black Belt, or Project Management Professional (PMP) may be accepted month-for month, up to one year of qualifying education.
Examples of how to qualify:
7 years of experience.
6 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
5 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
4 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
3 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
2 years of experience AND a Master’s degree or higher.
Desired Qualifications:
A strong customer service ethic.
Self-starter.
Problem-solver.
Attention to detail.
If you are excited about this role and meet the required qualifications, we encourage you to apply.
Supplemental Information
Ecology does not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov .
Our Commitment to DEIR
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect (DEIR) are core values central to Ecology's work. We strive to be a workplace where we are esteemed for sharing our authentic identities, while advancing our individual professional goals and collaborating to protect, preserve, and enhance the environment for current and future generations.
We believe that DEIR is both a goal and an action. We are on a journey, honoring our shared humanity and taking steps to demonstrate our commitment to a vision where each of us is heard, seen, and valued.
Application Process
Ecology seeks diverse applicants: We view diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect through a broad lens including race, ethnicity, class, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, military background, language, education, life experience, physical disability, neurodiversity, and intersectional identities. Qualified job seekers from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Click “Apply” at the top of this page. Complete the entire application, including full work history and responses to all supplemental questions, and attach:
Cover letter, describing your interest in and qualifications for this position
Resume
Because we base our selection on the information you provide, it is in your best interest to complete the application thoroughly. A resume will not substitute for the “work experience” section of the application or vice versa. Applications with blank fields or supplemental question responses with comments such as “see resume” may be considered incomplete.
For detailed application information, please visit our Recruitment website.
Application Attestation: By submitting an application, you are affirming that the information contained in your application and on all attachments is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information, and any false or misleading answers may result in rejection of your application or dismissal if employed.
Need an Accommodation?
If you need reasonable accommodation during the application and/or screening process, including this job announcement in an alternate format:
Please contact us at 360-407-6186 or careers@ecy.wa.gov
If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or 1-800-833-6384.
Questions?
For specific questions about the position location options, schedule, or duties, please contact David Giglio at David.Giglio@ecy.wa.gov
If you need assistance applying for this job, are inquiring about the status of your application, would like to request the full position description, or have any other questions, please contact the Recruitment Team at careers@ecy.wa.gov
About the Water Quality Program
This position works in the Program Manager’s Office, which provides central leadership and support to a program of almost 400 environmental professionals. The Water Quality Program protects and improves water quality through regulations (permits) as well as technical and financial assistance.
About the Department of Ecology
As the State of Washington’s environmental protection agency, we are deeply committed to protecting, preserving, and enhancing Washington’s environment for current and future generations. Joining Ecology means becoming part of a team dedicated to protecting and sustaining healthy land, air, water, and climate in harmony with a strong economy. A career in public service at Ecology allows you to help solve some of the most challenging problems facing our state, while keeping your health and financial security a priority. We combine one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation with a strong commitment to life/work balance. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism, and accountability.
Ecology employees may be eligible for the following: Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s) , Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) , Vacation, Sick, and other Leave *, 11 Paid Holidays per year *, Public Service Loan Forgiveness , Tuition Waiver , Long Term Disability & Life Insurance , Deferred Compensation Programs , Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) , Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA) , Employee Assistance Program , Commute Trip Reduction Incentive , Combined Fund Drive , SmartHealth * Click here for more information
To learn more about Ecology, please visit our website , explore Working at Ecology , check out our Strategic Plan , and connect with us on LinkedIn , Facebook , Instagram , YouTube , or our blog .
Equal Opportunity Employer: The Washington State Department of Ecology is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
Collective Bargaining: This is a position covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.
Note: This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment announcement are filled, the recruitment may only be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days.
Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen
The Department of Ecology is hiring an Assistant Program Planner and Performance Coordinator (Management Analyst 3) within the Water Quality Program .
Location:
Headquarters Office in Lacey, WA .
Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station
Schedule:
This position is eligible for telework and flexible schedule options.
A minimum of one day per week is required in the office.
Schedules are dependent upon position needs and are subject to change.
Application Timeline:
Apply by October 12, 2026
Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.
Interviews are tentatively scheduled for October 28. 2026.
Duties
The Assistant Program planner is an exciting position that supports several critical program functions. You will have the chance to develop and refine a wide range of skills and areas of knowledge: the legislative process, policy development, program planning, performance monitoring, and process improvement. You’ll regularly work with program executives and senior staff. It’s a great opportunity for someone who wants to experience a diverse set of duties and learn about environmental protection through several different lenses.
What you will do:
Lead Water Quality’s (WQ) process improvement projects: identify areas where program workflows and systems can be streamlined and automated, then work with appropriate staff to implement those projects.
Support the Water Quality Legislative Liaison: track and research bills; coordinate the development of policy analysis, development, and legislative reports; draft or edit legislative and policy documents.
Support the WQ Program Planner: help develop program strategic and business plans; lead specific portions of the planning process. Work with large data systems and data sets to develop graphs, tables, and charts reflecting program outcomes, and report outcomes to program managers and state systems.
Support the WQ Environmental Justice Planner: Coordinate and support the development of WQ’s environmental justice (EJ) workplans and EJ impact reports.
Qualifications
For detailed information on how we calculate experience and responses to other frequently asked questions, please visit our Recruitment website .
Required Qualifications:
Seven (7) years of experience and/or education related to the duties of the position, which must include the following:
Legislative and Policy Analysis – Ability to research and interpret laws, rules, and policy proposals to understand their impacts and provide clear recommendations that support program decisions.
Analytical Thinking and Data Interpretation – Ability to examine complex information and data, identify key issues or trends, and develop practical insights to support informed decision-making.
Project Coordination and Leadership – Ability to organize and guide small to medium-sized projects to keep activities on track, ensure alignment among participants, and achieve timely, quality results.
Process Improvement – Ability to analyze how work is done, identify inefficiencies or gaps, and recommend improvements that make processes clearer, more efficient, and easier to use.
Communication and Presentation – Ability to clearly communicate information in writing and visually to help staff, managers, and partners understand data, decisions, and next steps.
Facilitation and Collaboration – Ability to bring groups together, guide discussions, and support productive teamwork to help groups make decisions and move work forward.
Education involving a major study in business administration, operations management, public administration, organizational studies, health administration, law, environmental law, finance, economics, statistics, environmental management, environmental or public policy, or closely related field; Professional certification in Six Sigma, Lean Black Belt, or Project Management Professional (PMP) may be accepted month-for month, up to one year of qualifying education.
Examples of how to qualify:
7 years of experience.
6 years of experience AND 30-59 semester or 45-89 quarter college credits.
5 years of experience AND 60-89 semester or 90-134 quarter college credits (Associate’s degree).
4 years of experience AND 90-119 semester or 135-179 quarter college credits.
3 years of experience AND a Bachelor’s degree.
2 years of experience AND a Master’s degree or higher.
Desired Qualifications:
A strong customer service ethic.
Self-starter.
Problem-solver.
Attention to detail.
If you are excited about this role and meet the required qualifications, we encourage you to apply.
Supplemental Information
Ecology does not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov .
Our Commitment to DEIR
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect (DEIR) are core values central to Ecology's work. We strive to be a workplace where we are esteemed for sharing our authentic identities, while advancing our individual professional goals and collaborating to protect, preserve, and enhance the environment for current and future generations.
We believe that DEIR is both a goal and an action. We are on a journey, honoring our shared humanity and taking steps to demonstrate our commitment to a vision where each of us is heard, seen, and valued.
Application Process
Ecology seeks diverse applicants: We view diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect through a broad lens including race, ethnicity, class, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, military background, language, education, life experience, physical disability, neurodiversity, and intersectional identities. Qualified job seekers from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Click “Apply” at the top of this page. Complete the entire application, including full work history and responses to all supplemental questions, and attach:
Cover letter, describing your interest in and qualifications for this position
Resume
Because we base our selection on the information you provide, it is in your best interest to complete the application thoroughly. A resume will not substitute for the “work experience” section of the application or vice versa. Applications with blank fields or supplemental question responses with comments such as “see resume” may be considered incomplete.
For detailed application information, please visit our Recruitment website.
Application Attestation: By submitting an application, you are affirming that the information contained in your application and on all attachments is complete and truthful. The state may verify this information, and any false or misleading answers may result in rejection of your application or dismissal if employed.
Need an Accommodation?
If you need reasonable accommodation during the application and/or screening process, including this job announcement in an alternate format:
Please contact us at 360-407-6186 or careers@ecy.wa.gov
If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or 1-800-833-6384.
Questions?
For specific questions about the position location options, schedule, or duties, please contact David Giglio at David.Giglio@ecy.wa.gov
If you need assistance applying for this job, are inquiring about the status of your application, would like to request the full position description, or have any other questions, please contact the Recruitment Team at careers@ecy.wa.gov
About the Water Quality Program
This position works in the Program Manager’s Office, which provides central leadership and support to a program of almost 400 environmental professionals. The Water Quality Program protects and improves water quality through regulations (permits) as well as technical and financial assistance.
About the Department of Ecology
As the State of Washington’s environmental protection agency, we are deeply committed to protecting, preserving, and enhancing Washington’s environment for current and future generations. Joining Ecology means becoming part of a team dedicated to protecting and sustaining healthy land, air, water, and climate in harmony with a strong economy. A career in public service at Ecology allows you to help solve some of the most challenging problems facing our state, while keeping your health and financial security a priority. We combine one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation with a strong commitment to life/work balance. We invest in our employees to create and sustain a working environment that encourages creative leadership, effective resource management, teamwork, professionalism, and accountability.
Ecology employees may be eligible for the following: Medical/Dental/Vision for employee & dependent(s) , Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) , Vacation, Sick, and other Leave *, 11 Paid Holidays per year *, Public Service Loan Forgiveness , Tuition Waiver , Long Term Disability & Life Insurance , Deferred Compensation Programs , Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) , Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA) , Employee Assistance Program , Commute Trip Reduction Incentive , Combined Fund Drive , SmartHealth * Click here for more information
To learn more about Ecology, please visit our website , explore Working at Ecology , check out our Strategic Plan , and connect with us on LinkedIn , Facebook , Instagram , YouTube , or our blog .
Equal Opportunity Employer: The Washington State Department of Ecology is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
Collective Bargaining: This is a position covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.
Note: This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment announcement are filled, the recruitment may only be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days.