PARALEGAL I

Job Description

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
High School diploma or equivalent and a paralegal certificate. A minimum of two (2) years of relevant legal or legal secretarial experience. Must have knowledge of Microsoft Office, Windows, and a general knowledge of litigation case management. Experience with LexisNexis or Westlaw research, e-filing systems, PACER and Abacus systems and WordPerfect is preferred. Must possess excellent oral and written communication skills. An Associate's degree in a related field may substitute for the required experience.

SUMMARY
Responsible for providing legal and administrative support to assigned attorneys within the Department of Legal Services and outside counsel. Supports senior associate and associate attorneys with case preparation, document management, court filings, service of process, citations, scheduling, discovery, and other litigation-related activities. Performs routine legal research, compiles and organizes information, prepares legal correspondence and litigation documents, and maintains physical and electronic case files. Provides backup support to other paralegals as needed and assists with coordinating litigation matters handled by outside counsel. Performs assigned duties in accordance with departmental procedures, applicable court rules, and established Authority policies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Obtains and reviews information related to legal proceedings, court records, filings, and case activity. Compiles and provides relevant information and documentation to assigned attorneys in support of legal and administrative matters.

2. Organizes and maintains litigation case files in physical and electronic formats, including correspondence, discovery materials, pleadings, exhibits, and related documents. Maintains litigation matters in the applicable case management system; prepares routine legal documents and materials for attorney review; and assists attorneys in preparing for depositions, hearings, mediations, and trials.

3. Performs e-filing of legal documents with appropriate state courts and files federal case documents through Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER). Monitors filing deadlines and prioritizes assignments based on court deadlines, case activity, and time constraints.

4. Serves as primary departmental contact for routine service of process and citations. Coordinates the receipt, processing, routing, and tracking of legal services and citations received by the Authority and ensures prompt delivery to the appropriate attorney or paralegal.

5. Reviews, distributes, and tracks mail and correspondence. Ensures timely routing to appropriate staff. Assists with routine subpoenas and non-party requests by coordinating document collection, tracking deadlines, and providing materials for attorney review.

6. Assists with discovery by maintaining logs, gathering and organizing responsive materials, drafting responses, and tracking productions. Coordinates litigation-related events, maintains calendars, and alerts attorneys to key deadlines and proceedings.

7. Supports matters assigned to outside counsel by coordinating documents, information, scheduling, and communications, and provides backup support for in-house legal staff, including paralegals as needed.

8. Conducts routine legal research and compiles and organizes information as directed. Organizes and closes litigation files for archival or Records Center transfer in accordance with retention schedules.

9. Coordinates with internal and external parties to obtain information and completes assigned legal matters. Assists with Open Records Act requests by gathering records, maintaining documentation, coordinating with MARTA departments, and supporting timely responses.

10. Performs other related duties as assigned, including Transit Ambassador assignments.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
If you are a qualified individual with a disability, you have the right to request that MARTA make reasonable accommodations in order to help you accomplish your work, which must still be performed in all its essential functions.

Grade: 13

Salary Range: $40,000-$60,000

MARTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.