Litigation Paralegal

Role Overview

• Proactively serve as the focal point for litigation team communications and centralized repository for information on project assignments and status
• Work with secretaries and docketing personnel to ensure that both calendar systems contain accurate and current information
• Oversee creation, indexing, and continued maintenance of complex case files and document collections
• Proofread legal memoranda to identify and correct typographical and grammatical errors; check all citations to legal authorities and to the evidence for accuracy of citations and forms of citation consistent with The Bluebook and/or specific court requirements; verify history of cited cases
• Coordinate and manage court filings, either in paper or electronic form as determined by court requirements
• Perform complex legal and fact research and analysis; retrieve and review documents from clients, other parties, and outside sources such as the Internet, public agencies, courts or libraries, as well as case, statutory and/or regulatory law; prepare memoranda or summaries documenting research
• Manage the creation and maintenance of special collections of documents (including witness files, subject and issue files, experts’ reliance documents, etc.)
• May prepare initial drafts of discovery requests and responses and other pleadings and memoranda
• Assist with and participate in collection of client and other parties’ documents; manage detailed tracking of document collection; work with litigation support to ensure proper collection of electronic documents and files
• Conduct interviews of witnesses and file custodians
• Work with litigation support to retain vendors, as needed, for all aspects of document production and review; conduct quality control assessment of work performed by vendors
• Draft memoranda or other documents memorializing in detail the processes used in collecting and producing client documents
• Conduct initial review of client documents to determine responsiveness and relevance and to identify documents protected by attorney-client privilege; draft privilege logs
• Prepare preparation of exhibits for use at depositions and maintain a system to track marked exhibits
• Manage the collection and status of deposition transcripts; perform searches in the deposition full-text database; summarize deposition transcripts
• Assist with trial, arbitration, mediation, or deposition proceedings (tasks include, but are not limited to: preparation of exhibit and witness lists, designations of deposition testimony, preparation of the trial brief)
• Coordinate logistics with court personnel and other counsel
• Work with trial support vendor and/or internal litigation support staff to select, prepare, and operate courtroom technology; coordinate set-up and use of technology with courtroom personnel and other counsel
• Assist attorneys at trial, arbitration, mediation, or deposition (e.g., track and manage trial exhibits, coordinate with witnesses, operate courtroom presentation tools, act as liaison with court personnel, and summarize trial testimony)
• Accurately and completely record billable time spent and tasks performed in accordance with firm policy and client-imposed billing protocols; enter and release time promptly in compliance with the firm’s announced deadlines
• Accurately and promptly submit records of hours worked in compliance with the firm’s established deadlines
• Maintain regular and consistent attendance and punctuality. Adhere to schedule by being timely on breaks, lunches and meetings
• Accept and perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Requirements

• 5+ years of paralegal experience, depending upon practice area and position available
• Bachelor’s degree and completion of paralegal program of study, or clear demonstration of equivalent knowledge and skill
• Knowledge of court and agency procedures and rules
• Highly developed skills in time and task management
• Highly developed attention to detail in striving for perfection in the firm’s work product and client service
• Advanced proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office computerized business applications (Word, Excel, and Outlook) for the creation and editing of complex documents, spreadsheets, and e-mail
• Proficiency in the use of computerized legal research and document review/hosting databases; like LexisNexis, Westlaw, PACER, Relativity, IPRO for performance of legal and fact research and effective management of complex eDiscovery, evidence and case files
• Proficiency in the use of trial support software, like Trial Director and OnCue, very desirable
• Experience in supporting complex commercial litigation matters across multiple offices in multiple jurisdictions preferred
• Post-college level writing and oral communication skills
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with lawyers, clients and staff
• High degree of attention to detail
• Flexibility to work overtime and/or travel on occasion.

Benefits

• Choice of health and vision insurance plans
• 2 paid volunteer days for qualifying community service work
• Dental plan
• Fertility and adoption benefit
• Paid sabbatical after 13 years of service
• Tuition reimbursement
• Commuter benefits
• Retirement contribution