Family Law Paralegal

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Paralegal Job Summary

The Paralegal provides comprehensive legal and administrative support to attorneys by assisting with case management, legal research, document preparation, client communication, and trial preparation. This position requires excellent organizational skills, sound judgment, professionalism, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced law firm environment. The position is fully in-office and may require occasional local travel to courts or other legal proceedings.

Salary

• $50,000-$70,000 annually depending on experience

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Meet with attorneys, clients, witnesses, court personnel, and other professionals regarding assigned cases and legal matters.
• Serve as a professional point of contact for clients, attorneys, court personnel, and third parties, providing courteous and effective communication.
• Draft legal documents, including routine pleadings, motions, affidavits, discovery requests and responses, and other legal correspondence.
• File legal documents with courts in accordance with applicable judicial procedures, including electronic filing where appropriate.
• Retrieve filed documents and make court filings with local and surrounding courts as necessary.
• Conduct legal research and analyze statutes, regulations, case law, legal articles, and other legal authorities; prepare written summaries and analyses for attorneys.
• Interview clients and witnesses and prepare summaries of statements and relevant case information.
• Prepare, organize, maintain, store, and retrieve physical and electronic case files, including evidence, depositions, pleadings, correspondence, and other case-related materials.
• Assist attorneys with trial and hearing preparation, including organizing exhibits, preparing trial notebooks, coordinating witnesses, and attending court proceedings when necessary.
• Maintain accurate records of billable time and case-related activities.
• Perform general administrative duties, including copying, scanning, filing, ordering office supplies, and assisting with the day-to-day operations of the office.
• Support attorneys and other staff members in meeting the needs of clients, cases, and firm operations as assigned.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Strong technology skills with the ability to work effectively in a legal practice that prioritizes digital file management and electronic workflows while maintaining necessary physical records.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and client service skills with the ability to communicate professionally with clients, attorneys, court personnel, and third parties.
• Understanding of legal terminology, court procedures, legal research methods, and legal document preparation.
• Excellent organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong time management skills and the ability to prioritize multiple assignments while meeting deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality while exercising sound judgment and discretion.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn legal practice management software.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Prior experience in family law and/or civil litigation strongly preferred.
• Experience working in a law firm environment.
• Experience with electronic court filing systems.
• One (1) to three (3) years of paralegal experience preferred. Recent graduates with exceptional internships or relevant legal experience may also be considered.

Education and Experience

• Associate degree in Paralegal Studies or a related field required; bachelor's degree preferred.
• Paralegal certificate required.
• Previous paralegal or related legal experience preferred.

Work Environment and Professional Expectations

• This is a full-time, in-office position. Regular on-site attendance during the firm's established business hours is required.
• Employees are expected to report to work on time and maintain reliable attendance.
• Occasional local travel to courts, government offices, or other locations may be required based on case assignments.
• Employees are expected to maintain a business casual to business professional appearance appropriate for a law firm, with business professional attire required when appearing in court or meeting with clients as appropriate.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting while working at a desk and computer.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 15 pounds.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person