Litigation Paralegal

Litigation Paralegal

Company: Kia America, Inc. Location: Irvine, CA, US, 92606

At Kia, we're creating award-winning products and redefining what value means in the automotive industry. It takes a special group of individuals to do what we do, and we do it together. Our culture is fast-paced, collaborative, and innovative. Our people thrive on thinking differently and challenging the status quo. We are creating something special here, a culture of learning and opportunity, where you can help Kia achieve big things and most importantly, feel passionate and connected to your work every day. Kia provides team members with competitive benefits including premium paid medical, dental and vision coverage for you and your dependents, 401(k) plan matching of 100% up to 6% of the salary deferral, and paid time off. Kia also offers company lease and purchase programs, company-wide holiday shutdown, paid volunteer hours, and premium lifestyle amenities at our corporate campus in Irvine, California.

General Summary

The Litigation Paralegal will be primarily responsible for supporting in-house attorneys in their management of litigation and will process, review and respond to consumer and commercial litigation and complaints involving Kia America. Key responsibilities include intake, tracking, reporting, investigation and analysis of litigation and pre-litigation matters; preparation of responses to and negotiation with adverse parties; coordinating with in-house and outside counsel and preparing discovery; management of subpoenas and records requests; communication of legal requests and issues to business units; and other duties as assigned. Ability to adjust to changing circumstances and willingness to cross-train into different litigation practice areas within the Legal Department preferred.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Investigating facts, coordinating collection of discovery materials, conducting research and reviewing and revising draft discovery responses
2. Collecting, organizing and archiving pleadings and documents related to pending and completed cases
3. Summarizing cases and providing reporting to the legal dept., other internal departments, and insurers
4. Review and revise Standard Operating Procedures for the litigation team, and complete other projects within the legal department as needed
5. Support in-house attorneys during trials, including by managing certain trial materials and logistics

Communicate with in-house and outside counsel to help manage litigation. Communicate with internal business units, dealers, affiliates, outside/opposing counsel, and others to obtain all necessary documentation and information. Provide assistance and conduct discovery (document, electronic and media-based), as needed. Review and revise draft objections and responses to discovery demands. Review and respond to pre-litigation demands and indemnification requests. Provide assistance to in-house attorneys during trials, including by working with outside counsel and their paralegals on trial support and reporting, and by managing trial logistics for the Legal Department. Review and manage case closure activities to ensure timely resolutions and payment of settlements in pre-litigation and litigation matters, including working with internal business units, outside counsel, and opposing counsel. Maintain and manage litigation reporting. Maintain an efficient and organized work environment to effectively meet the daily needs and changing requests of in-house litigation attorneys.

Qualifications/Education

Bachelor's Degree Paralegal certificate or equivalent

Job Requirement Overall Experience: 3 - 5 years top tier law firm and/or in-house experience Directly Related Experience: Prior experience with single plaintiff and class action litigation Prior experience with automotive litigation helpful Specialized Skills and Knowledge Required Ability to create timely and insightful executive reports and analysis Ability to work quickly and independently Mastery of standard office software (Microsoft Office) and ability to learn other company software systems Requires prior demonstrated managerial, organizational, and interpersonal communications (verbal and written) skills Strong legal and factual analytical abilities Strong understanding of legal calendaring Thorough working knowledge of state and federal rules of civil procedure Competencies Care for People Chase Excellence Every Day Dare to Push Boundaries Empower People to Act Move Further Together Pay Range $77,105.26 - $100,226.82 Pay will be based on several variables that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to, job-related skills, experience, relevant education or training, etc. Equal Employment Opportunities KUS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, including pregnancy and childbirth and related medical conditions, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, legally protected physical disability or mental disability, legally protected medical condition, marital status, sexual orientation, family care or medical leave status, protected veteran or military status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. KUS complies with applicable law governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which KUS has offices. The KUS EEO policy applies to all areas of employment, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, discipline, termination and all other privileges, terms and conditions of employment.