Paralegal
Job Summary
Under the supervision of an attorney, the Paralegal reviews and prepares documents, researches, and investigates facts of cases that often involve a high volume of documents such as accident and expert reports, deposition testimony, and medical and banking records.
Supervisory Responsibilities
The Paralegal is assigned a Legal Assistant, but the role is more in line with delegation of tasks than supervisory.
Duties/Responsibilities
· Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze and reason independently and prioritize projects and workload, handling legal emergencies when necessary.
· Writing Skills: Ability to communicate and organize ideas clearly, effectively, and succinctly in written format. Proofreading (grammar, typos, etc.).
· Verbal Skills: Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with attorneys, staff, clients, insurers, witnesses, and other counsel.
· Communication: Keeps attorneys, staff, and clients informed of deadlines and case status.
· Delegation: Ability to work well with others, delegating when appropriate and necessary.
· Flexibility Under Pressure: Ability to revise and juggle priorities based upon changes or needs, to follow through and meet deadlines, with accommodation of attorneys' schedules.
· Judgment: Exercises critical thinking by analyzing legal issues consistent with level of experience or asking for guidance when appropriate or confused by an issue.
· Case Understanding: Knowledge of technical/medical information for case investigation and development based on experience. Ability to recognize theme, issue, goals, in case and work towards stated goals.
· Time entry and billing: Timely and consistently enters and releases time into timekeeping software.
Required Skills/Abilities
· Detail-oriented and professional.
· Ability to organize and prioritize tasks.
· Extremely proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.
· Works and presents a positive and courteous demeanor with attorneys and staff.
· Basic understanding of office equipment.
· Basic understanding of paralegal procedures and systems such as research, investigation, and the difference between substantive and non-substantive legal work.
· Experience with billing software and the nature of insurance defense client guidelines as they relate to billing.
· Flexible and adaptable in various situations and when interacting with many different personalities.
· Ability to function in a team setting with Partners, Associates, and Support Staff.
· Knowledge of, or ability to quickly acquire, familiarity with the roles and function of the assigned department, and any specifically applicable laws or guidelines.
· Dependable with a respect to confidentiality and policies.
Education/Experience
· High school diploma required/Associates degree preferred.
· One year of office experience required; two years preferred.
· Paralegal certificate preferred but not required.
