The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) is a non-profit advocacy organization that seeks to advance nutrition and public health in the United States. Among its myriad accomplishments, CSPI led the effort to: ban trans fat in processed foods; include an “added sugars” line for Nutrition Facts labels; include more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in public school meals; and halt advertising by several food industry leaders of junk food to children. CSPI also publishes Nutrition Action Healthletter, a leading nutrition newsletter. In recognition of its contributions to public health, CSPI and its leadership have received numerous awards, including the FDA Commissioner’s Citation and the CDC Hero Award.
CSPI’s Litigation Project pioneered the field of food law in 2004 and ever since has been using litigation to tackle some of the toughest issues in food and nutrition, including, most actively, false and misleading advertising. The Staff Paralegal provides research and project support to the Litigation team, and reports directly to the Litigation Director.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Monitor, review and highlight relevant items in a wide variety of publications and websites.
- Analyze and help proofread Legal Documents for accuracy.
- Help prepare complaints and Legal filings.
- Provide research on a variety of public policy issues using online tools and library research. Summarize and organize research in the form of memoranda, fact sheets and letters.
- Assist with Legal investigation and discovery.
- Assist in numerous administrative matters including maintenance of invoices and expenses.
- Provide support for other departmental activities as needed.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university; and at least one year of related experience and/or training; or exceptional circumstances.
- Excellent research and writing skills with the ability to write routine correspondence, reports and fact sheets.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to speak effectively to individuals about on-going projects.
- Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities and frequent deadlines.
- Computer proficiency with MSOffice applications and database programs, with an emphasis on Word, Excel and PowerPoint; and experience with online research tools.
- Ability to work both independently and with supervision.
- Public interest commitment.
To Apply
Please send a cover letter indicating relevant experience and interest, and résumé, to hr@cspinet.org, and include “Paralegal” in the email subject line.
CSPI offers a generous and comprehensive benefits package along with a healthy working environment. CSPI is an equal opportunity employer. Minorities, women, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.