About the Role
The National Student Legal Defense Network (Student Defense), in partnership with the National Legal Aid & Defender Association, is seeking a mission-driven, highly organized Paralegal to join our dynamic, remote legal team. In this pivotal role, you will champion the rights of students and student loan borrowers across the country, working directly with attorneys and policy advocates to hold predatory institutions and government actors accountable. This is a unique opportunity to combine your legal support expertise with a passion for educational equity and economic mobility, helping to shape high-impact litigation and systemic advocacy.
As a key member of our legal team, you will support efforts that span the entire student lifecyclefrom recruitment practices and educational quality to debt relief and repayment protections. Through impact litigation, policy advocacy, and public records investigations, Student Defense secures relief for students who have been targeted by abusive practices. You will ensure that our groundbreaking legal strategies are grounded in the lived experiences of real borrowers, providing both vital administrative oversight and hands-on litigation support in a fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibilities- Case Development & Outreach: Support case development by conducting strategic plaintiff outreach, performing initial factual case research, vetting prospective clients, and creating explanatory written materials.
- Litigation & Administrative Support: Assist a dedicated team of attorneys by formatting and preparing legal documents for filing, cite-checking, and proofreading complex legal motions and memoranda.
- Discovery & Case Management: Review discovery materials, communicate with co-counsel and clients, and serve as the main administrative lead to ensure smooth, organized legal operations.
- Public Records Management: Coordinate Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and other public records requests, including drafting requests, tracking deadlines, and organizing electronic files.
- Intake Coordination: Manage the client intake pipeline by screening individuals, responding to legal questions in a timely and professional manner, and preparing summaries for attorneys.
- Communications Assistance: Help maintain the organization's website and social media presence, manage outreach lists, and assist with drafting or editing compelling communications materials.
- Experience: A minimum of 12 years of professional work experience, preferably within a law firm, public interest organization, or in-house legal department.
- Education & Skills: Strong familiarity with legal terminology, litigation processes, and administrative support. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential.
- Research & Technology: Proven ability to conduct meticulous factual and legal research, manage electronic file structures, and use legal database software.
- Mission Alignment: A deep, demonstrated commitment to social justice, consumer protection, and the mission of advancing students' rights and holding bad actors accountable.
- Location Requirements: This is a remote position, but candidates must reside in the Washington, D.C. area to attend occasional in-person meetings, events, and collaborative team sessions.
- Competitive Salary: Highly competitive compensation starting at $60,000+ per year, commensurate with your experience.
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance packages to keep you and your family healthy.
- Retirement Planning: Pre-tax retirement match program to support your long-term financial security.
- Flexible & Remote Work: Enjoy the flexibility of a work-from-home schedule combined with local, collaborative team engagements.
- Professional Growth: Opportunities for mentorship and skill development within a nationally recognized, high-impact non-profit legal environment.