Summary :
Assists attorneys in litigation area of law. Position requires working with clients and attorneys to prepare and maintain documents. Administers multiple, deadline-sensitive case management duties. Tracks project deadlines.
Job Classification :
Reports to all attorneys within the department.
Essential Duties:
Assists attorneys in litigation area of law. Position requires working with clients and attorneys to prepare and maintain litigation documents. Administers multiple, deadline-sensitive case management duties. Tracks project deadlines.
Other Responsibilities – Specific Areas:
Medical Malpractice Litigation:
- Review and organization of initial file materials, pleadings and records;
- Preparation of motions and orders extending period in which to answer or otherwise respond to complaint and discovery;
- Obtain and index/organize all documents provided by the client relative to the litigation;
- Review of interrogatories and requests for production of document served upon our client; after discussing these with the attorney, the paralegal should forward copies to the client with specific instructions as to how they should be answered;
- Review of client’s draft answers to interrogatories and discussion with attorney concerning same; preparation of any necessary revisions of answers;
- Schedule appointment with expert witnes(es), prepare draft letter to expert, forwarding materials for his/her review;
- Preparation of initial draft notices of depositions, scheduling of reporter and conference room, preparation of subpoena;
- Extensive preparation and organization of client’s documents for production;
- Extensive organization of documents produced;
- Scheduling of witness interview, informing witness of trial dates; in certain cases, the paralegal may be asked to conduct an initial interview;
- Preparation of motions as requested by assigning attorney;
- Preparation of and marking exhibits for depositions and/or trial;
- Pre-trial check of jury questionnaires and jury lists;
- If necessary, work with attorneys on arbitration/trial exhibits;
- In cases which are settled, preparation on an initial draft of release and dismissal entry;
- In cases to be appealed, preparation of Notice of Appeal, praecipe and docketing statements as well as preparation of outline of trial transcript;
- The litigation paralegal should follow-up various details in specific cases as requested the assigning attorney;
- Send materials to experts, corresponding with experts regarding case/record review.
Miscellaneous
- Schedule court reporter and arrange for location for depositions;
- Keep in contact by telephone, e-mail or correspondence with requesting counsel about status of filings or service of subpoena.
To reiterate, the above listing is by no means exhaustive, however, it does give a basic outline of the type of work which the litigation paralegal will be asked to perform.
Education, Experience and Skills Required :
- Bachelor’s degree in an ABA approved Paralegal program preferred
- Three to five years’ litigation experience preferably in medical malpractice
- Strong understanding of litigation terms and technological skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint
- Superior organizational and time management skills
- Project and case management skills including a strong aptitude for managing and prioritizing multiple projects and deadlines
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills as well as analytical, problem solving and decision making skills
- Ability to work independently and maintain a high degree of confidentiality
Physical Requirements :
- Sitting frequently, six out of eight hours per day
- Sitting position static for up to one-half hour at a time
- Lifting and carrying up to 20 pounds occasionally, up to one hour per day
- Bending and stooping occasionally, up to one-half hour per day
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $60,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
Travel requirement:
Application Question(s):
- I have a minimum of 3 years experience in a litigation law practice.
Work Location: In person