Paralegal

Job Responsibilities Mission Statement: The mission of the State of South Carolina Department of Insurance is to protect the insurance consumers, the public interest, and the insurance marketplace by ensuring the solvency of insurers; by enforcing and implementing the insurance laws of the State; and by regulating the insurance industry in an efficient, courteous, responsive, fair, and equitable manner. Office: This position is in the Office of Legal, Legislative & Regulatory Affairs. Under general supervision of the General Counsel, this position offers a variety of administrative support to the attorneys & investigators within the Office of General Counsel. This position coordinates & plans the general administrative functions for the investigative & administrative disciplinary function of the Office of General Counsel & assists in developing, establishing & coordinating office procedures. Maintains the confidentiality of all confidential documents & communications within the Office of General Counsel & Department of Insurance & complies with the Rules of Professional Responsibility; receives, answers & forwards all calls; prepares drafts of correspondence & other legal documents; receives & directs visitors; schedules appointments; manages & maintains files for the attorneys & investigators supported by this position. Opens & closes all investigation & legal files for investigators & attorneys within the Office of General Counsel as directed; redacts appropriate documents & scans them into Time Matters; files & serves other investigative & legal documents as needed; performs standard administrative duties following established methods & procedures. Initiates drafts of legal documents for attorney review & approval as directed; files & serves various legal documents in which the Department is named as a party; prepares affidavits of service or mailing or certificates of service as necessary; proofreads & edits correspondence & legal documents. Assists in maintaining legal files. Tracks and coordinates requests for discovery & other legal documents with the attorney, agency, company or tribunal as necessary. Assists with the scheduling of hearings with the Department & secures the court reporter when required; transcribes recordings of proceedings, if necessary and performs related duties as required. Reviews investigation & other files for scanning or archiving in accordance with the State Retention Schedule. Performs related duties as required. Minimum and Additional Requirements A Bachelor’s degree or high school diploma and a minimum of 2 years’ experience as a paralegal within a law office or equivalent experience. Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision, pay attention to detail & be able to prioritize work under tight deadlines & time schedules. Preferred Qualifications Experience with assisting in preparation of basic legal correspondence & documents such as motions, pleadings, notices, administrative subpoenas & responses to requests for public information & consent orders; be able to communicate clearly & in writing, have basic research skills, including familiarity with SC Code & Code of Regulations publications & West Reporter series (S.E., S.E.2d, etc.); be able to interact courteously & professionally with members of the public & government officials, must exercise the ability to obtain, organize & analyze information needed or used to effectively represent the South Carolina Department of Insurance in accordance with written or oral instructions; must be able to follow written & oral instructions; have experience with basic document review & organization. Have knowledge of court rules & procedures. Advanced computer & typing skills, be experienced in the use of Westlaw & Excel software, demonstrate proficiency in the use of MS Word, PowerPoint, & Outlook & Time Matters software; Experience with online court filing systems, e.g., SC Courts E-Filing System. Additional Comments Educational Credentials: Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application will be required to submit a sealed, certified copy of the transcript(s) prior to beginning employment. Failure to produce an official, certified transcript will result in any conditional offer of employment being rescinded. Equal Opportunity Employer: It is the policy of the South Carolina Department of Insurance to provide equal employment opportunities to all job applicants and employees without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including, but not limited to, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions and lactation), disability or age. Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions. The Department of Insurance offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes: Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year 15 days sick leave per year 13 paid holidays State Retirement Plan (pension plan option) and Deferred Compensation Programs Employee Assistance Program Free counseling sessions for employees and household members Free legal counseling Free financial counseling Flexible Work Schedules Compressed work weeks Part-time telecommuting Flex-time Contingent upon completing required probationary period Free Gym Access Growth Opportunities Certifications/designation program allowing for salary increases and bonuses Infants at Work Program Employees eligible to bring their newborn/infant to the workplace Free Parking #J-18808-Ljbffr