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. Planned Parenthood organizations serve all people 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, which operate non-profit health centers across the U.S. PPFA also works to educate the public on and advocate for issues of sexual and reproductive health. Formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Planned Parenthood Action Fund is a separate non-profit membership organization tax-exempt under section 501(c)(4). The Action Fund engages in educational, advocacy, and limited electoral activity, including grassroots organizing, legislative advocacy, and voter education in furtherance of the Planned Parenthood mission.
Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) and Planned Parenthood Action Fund (Action Fund) seek two paralegals. This job reports to the Director of Operations & Project Management in
the Public Policy, Litigation and Law department (Lit and Law). Lit and Law provides legal advice to, and, when appropriate, conducts litigation in state and federal courts across the country on behalf of PPFA and Planned Parenthood affiliates in order to protect and expand access to sexual and reproductive health care.
Lit & Law seeks applicants for
two paralegal positions located in Washington, D.C. This position reports to the Director of Operations and Project Management. Applicants should submit a cover letter (including applicant’s pronouns, if comfortable disclosing), résumé (clearly indicating applicant’s month/year of anticipated or completed college graduation), and a writing sample limited to 5 pages (any original text written solely by the applicant that the applicant feels best represents their writing abilities).
This position is a two-year commitment with an expected start date in summer 2026 and expected end date in summer 2028, though a one-year extension may be possible.
Purpose
- The four-person paralegal team provides legal and administrative support for a team of approximately 23 attorneys in Lit & Law.
Engagement
- The paralegal will work closely with the attorneys of Lit & Law, as well as with colleagues from other departments.
Delivery
- Cite-checking and copy-editing briefs and other legal documents.
- Assisting in production, service, and filing of legal documents.
- Conducting legal and factual (non-legal) research for litigation or policy assignments using Westlaw, academic databases, and the internet.
- Using G-Suite, Microsoft Office, and Adobe Acrobat software to write, draft, edit, compile, and analyze documents related to reproductive rights.
- Responding to requests for information from department attorneys and leadership, Legal Division staff, PPFA colleagues, coalition or co-counsel partners, and clients.
- Performing various administrative tasks including, but not limited to: creating and maintaining various spreadsheets; printing and collating documents; compiling trial and hearing binders; completing out-of-office errands; drafting or preparing administrative correspondence to internal and external partners, including Division leadership, co-counsel, firms, and clients; tracking and updating case dockets, case matter folders and departmental resources; tracking litigation deadlines and court scheduling orders; attending and taking notes at team meetings; supporting onboarding of Lit & Law staff and interns; coordinating travel and meeting arrangements for attorneys; assisting with department finance and event planning tasks.
- Attending regular case team, Lit & Law department, Legal division, and PPFA all-staff meetings.
- Contributing to the department’s ongoing work to center the communities most affected by laws restricting access to sexual and reproductive health and rights.
- Accompanying litigation case team to trial or a hearing for on-the-ground paralegal support, based on case needs, team capacity, and department budget limits.
- Maintaining flexibility in working hours, including occasional evenings, weekends, holidays with advance planning (eligible for overtime pay) to meet deadlines and client needs.
- Performing other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities (KSAs)
- A Bachelor’s degree by Summer 2026;
- Successful applicants include individuals who will or have recently completed college graduation and are interested in gaining entry-level legal work experience before applying to law/graduate school or other pursuing a public policy career. Previous experience in a paralegal or legal assistant role, or a law or policy background is not required for this position.
- Superior research, writing, and editing skills (knowledge of Westlaw not required; we will train as needed.)
- Familiarity with, or ability to learn Google Suite, Microsoft Office, and Adobe platforms strongly preferred;
- 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, demonstrating effective time management and task prioritization skills;
- Willingness and ability to learn complex tasks and concepts quickly;
- Excellent communication skills (including via email), and the ability to accurately and succinctly impart knowledge, information, and skills to others with clarity;
- Strong attention to detail; initiative; resourcefulness;
- Ability to respond with composure to a fast-paced work environment, juggle multiple tasks, and adapt quickly to changing priorities to meet competing deadlines;
- Commitment to antiracism and to diversity, equity, and inclusion across differences in race, ethnicity, religion, ability, cultural background, socioeconomic status, gender identity and expression, and sexual orientation.
$70,000 - $70,000 a year
Compensation: $70,000 per year, eligible for overtime
Travel: 0-10% domestic travel
Planned Parenthood's cultural ethos, "In This Together", reflects our commitment to building a workplace culture that fosters belonging, promotes learning throughout the employee lifecycle, and recognizes individual contributions to our mission.
Planned Parenthood Federation of America participates in the E-Verify program. Planned Parenthood Federation of America is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to maintaining a non-discriminatory work environment, and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Planned Parenthood Federation of America is committed to creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion, respect and integrity, customer focus, and innovation.
