Current Openings

POSITION SUMMARY: 

Under the general supervision of an attorney, paralegals support the delivery of quality legal services to clients by performing tasks that require substantive knowledge regarding the matters to which they are assigned. Representative duties may include research and investigation; organizing and compiling relevant data and materials; reviewing, analyzing and summarizing documents; drafting memos, correspondence, and legal documents; cite checking and fact checking legal documents; and communicating with attorneys and clients regarding factual and organizational issues. This position exercises a moderate to high degree of discretion and independent judgment.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS: 

• Bachelor’s Degree or certificate from an ABA approved Paralegal training program or equivalent work experience is required.
• At least two years of Litigation Paralegal and/or Case Clerk experience; prior experience working on complex litigation cases is required.
• Substantive knowledge of the procedures, terminology and documents relating to complex litigation matters, products liability, and toxic tort cases.
• Outstanding organizational skills, interpersonal skills, delegation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to both understand the “big picture” and pay attention to detail.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office software (Word, Outlook, Excel), LEXIS, Westlaw, and other law office software.
• Excellent analytical skills and the ability to understand and summarize case-related documents.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work effectively within a team environment and to work proactively.
  • Strong time management skills and the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment manage and meet case work deadlines; ability to coordinate multiple tasks concurrently.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

1. Investigation and Factual Analysis:  Traces documents and other physical evidence. Locates and assists in interviewing witnesses. Conducts research, including examining public records, public websites and databases, and reviewing and analyzing evidentiary material.
2. Case Information Management:  Coordinates the organization of case materials and files to meet the unique needs of each case. Prepares summaries, abstracts, chronologies of events, casts of characters and statistical reports using the case materials. Coordinates with the litigation team working on the matter.
3. Discovery:  Assists in all phases of discovery.
   • Reviews documents to identify potential deponents. As requested, production, prepares depo notices, subpoenas or subpoenas duces tecum. Retrieves and organizes case materials relevant to each witness who is to be deposed and prepares witness files or binders for the attorney(s). Identifies potentially relevant documents to use as exhibits. May attend certain depositions to handle exhibits and take notes. Compiles, reviews and indexes deposition exhibits. Tracks deposition transcript corrections and witness signatures.
   • Requests for Production. Reviews documents produced by other parties and checks for compliance with document requests. Arranges for the reproduction and/or scanning of produced documents. Drafts subpoenas duces tecum to obtain relevant documents from non-parties. Integrates documents from other parties and non-parties into the manual and/or computer-based systems, coordinating with the litigation support department as needed. Prepares fact memoranda regarding the production and reproduction of documents. Prepares status reports and recommends follow-up activities. Based on the documents received, prepares and/or updates chronologies, fact summaries and witness files as warranted. Reviews and summarizes medical records.
   • Reviews discovery requests sent by other parties and prepares index of documents that are needed in order to respond to the requests for productions. Searches electronic and hard-copy case materials for the relevant documents. Obtains documents from clients as needed. Under supervision of case attorney(s), screens documents for relevance, privilege and work product, as well as for compliance with the document requests. Assembles and maintains privilege and document production logs. Supervises the review and photocopying of originals by opposing counsel. Prepares fact memoranda regarding the production and reproduction of documents. Prepares status reports and recommends follow-up activities.
4. Research:  Assists attorneys in identifying issues of fact and compiles substantive support for contentions. Includes reviewing documents, and use of internet resources. Summarizes research results.
5. Settlements:  Prepares materials and data to assist the attorneys in preparing for settlement conferences, including an up-to-date summary of the status of discovery activities. Assists in the preparation of materials and data for settlement conferences.
6. Trial, Hearing, Arbitration and Mediation:  Prepares and organizes exhibits and drafts exhibit roster. Organizes trial/arbitration/mediation notebooks or databases. Assists in preparing witness lists, subpoenas, pre-trial orders, and jury instructions. Arranges witnesses’ attendance. Coordinates or assists in the preparation of visual aids and supporting documentation. On occasion may be requested to attend trial, hearing, arbitration or mediation to coordinate and monitor exhibits and exhibit roster. Sets-up and coordinates off-site trial facilities.
7. Teamwork:  Demonstrates effective teamwork and provides assistance to other Paralegals as time permits. Works cooperatively and collaboratively with other departments and individuals in the firm.
8. Productivity:  Prepares and completes work within timeframes established for each legal matter. Prepares and submits time sheets on a timely basis. Meets the firm’s productivity expectations regarding billable hours. Paralegals are expected to work additional or overtime as required.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS: 

Paralegals are supervised by the partners to whom they are assigned. On a day-to-day basis they work under the supervision of partners and associates as assigned. Issues with workflow are managed by the Paralegal Coordinator and the Human Resources Director.