Legal Associate Editor
About the position The American Association for Justice (AAJ®) works to preserve the constitutional right to trial by jury and to make sure people have a fair chance to seek justice when they are injured by the negligence or misconduct of others - even when it means taking on the most powerful corporations. AAJ is seeking a Legal Associate Editor with a strong background in editorial work—particularly magazine editing—for its Publications department. We’re looking for an editor and writer who can distill complex legal topics into engaging, accurate, and accessible content for a professional audience. The Legal Associate editor plays a critical role in maintaining the editorial excellence of Trial magazine and its companion publications—Professional Negligence Law Reporter and Products Liability Law Reporter. This position involves editing, proofreading, and contributing original content, all while ensuring strict adherence to style, accuracy, clarity, and formatting standards. The Legal Associate Editor also proofs copy to ensure overall clarity, accuracy, and proper formatting.
Responsibilities
- Research and pitch article ideas that align with AAJ’s mission and audience.
- Identify potential authors with expertise in relevant topics and guide them through the writing and editing process.
- Solicit, evaluate, and manage manuscript submissions, including coordinating peer review.
- Edit manuscripts for style, clarity, tone, accuracy, and organization, ensuring content is engaging and accessible.
- Review content for grammar, punctuation, spelling, style, and layout.
- Craft compelling headlines, deks, subheads, and other content as needed.
- Write news stories, feature articles, and recurring department content for Trial (monthly print magazine) and Trial News (monthly online newsletter).
- Review page proofs for consistency, accuracy, and layout quality before final publication.
- Participate in content planning and art meetings to develop visual concepts for articles and covers.
- Provide backup support to the Managing Editor of Professional Negligence Law Reporter and Products Liability Law Reporter as needed.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree required; equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Juris Doctor (JD) preferred.
- Minimum of 3 years of editorial experience at a magazine, newsletter, or newspaper (not a law review).
- Proven ability to edit and write with clarity and precision.
- Strong news and feature writing skills.
- Excellent command of AP style and proficiency with standard proofreading marks.
- Knowledge of legal citation formats (ALWD) and tort law strongly preferred.
- Experience collaborating with volunteer authors, peer reviewers, and members of professional associations.
- Superior organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize and meet competing deadlines in a fast-paced publishing environment.
- Sound editorial judgment and keen attention to detail.
- Flexible, self-motivated, and able to adapt to shifting priorities and responsibilities.
Nice-to-haves
- Preference given to candidates with experience editing manuscripts and reviewing page proofs.
- Occasional travel may be required.
Benefits
- Hybrid work schedule, onsite Tuesday through Thursday and 100% remote work for the month of August (for most employees)
- Comprehensive health insurance which includes, medical, dental, vision, life, disability, flexible spending account (FSA), and 401K with an employer match
- Generous paid leave (e.g., vacation, sick, personal, parental), 11 federal holidays, and paid time off between Christmas and New Years
- Subsidized metro transit and/or parking benefits
- Professional development opportunities
- Company social events
- Office conveniently located ½ block from Gallery Place/Chinatown metro station in downtown Washington, DC
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