Paralegal

Paralegal

Paralegals assist and provide a range of legal support and administration to lawyers and other legal professionals engaged in criminal, civil, or administrative law.

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Works collaboratively with assigned attorneys and support staff in preparing legal documentation and/or processing transactions.
• Interviews clients; locates and interviews expert witnesses.
• Assists in the drafting and filing of legal documents including but not limited to discovery motions, summary judgement motions, appellate briefs, affidavits, memoranda, and letters.
• Investigates information to respond to litigation discovery requests or other information inquiries.
• Performs legal research and analysis, both manually and on computers; compiles, analyzes, and summarizes data.
• Manages cases and files; organizes and maintains files.
• Performs factual and technical investigation and analysis of case issues.
• Assists in all phases of case preparation including discovery and trial.
• Prepares for and attends trials.
• Reviews and finalizes litigation budgets with outside counsel.
• Prepares jury instructions and trial binders; coordinates trial exhibits.
• Monitors legal fees, budgets, and project status.
• Provides general logistical help and supports the maintenance of legal files.

The minimum qualifications (knowledge, skills, and abilities) include:

• Bachelor's Degree, Associates Degree, or Certificate program in paralegal studies
• Minimum of three years of experience working as a paralegal with a law firm or in-house legal department.
• Equivalent combination of education and/or experience considered
• Preferred experience with mass tort litigation within an MDL or JCCP
• Minimum of two to three years of experience with federal civil litigation and California litigation and must be familiar with FRCP and CCP
• Strong organizational skills
• Energetic, hands-on, self-starter who can succeed with minimal supervision.
• Understanding and knowledge of legal procedures, rules of counsel, and local rules
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills, analytical, and critical thinking skills
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
• Ability to operate basic office equipment such as a copy machine, fax machine, printer, scanner, computer
• Prior experience with Filevine, Lead Docket, Smart Advocate, and Adobe Acrobat Pro preferred
• Ability to be detail-oriented, diligent, and flexible
• Ability to handle conflicting time demands and focus on task completion with little direction or need for supervisory follow-up
• Ability to work and maintain patience with diversified individuals of various backgrounds and professional competencies
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in a professional manner

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.