Civil Litigation Paralegal

Litigation ParalegalAssists attorneys in all aspects of litigation with a primary focus on product liability, construction, commercial and administrative law. Position requires working with clients and attorneys to prepare and maintain documents. Administers multiple deadline-sensitive case management duties. Tracks project deadlines, identifying and applying various guidelines of differing jurisdictions. This position requires someone who is extremely well organized and a self-starter.Hourly Non-ExemptOther Responsibilities— Specific Areas:In certain cases, preparation of stipulation extending period in which to answer or otherwise respond to complaint;Preparation of initial draft of answer or other responsive pleadings;Obtain and index/organize all documents provided by the client relative to the litigation, including chronology of documents;Preparation of initial draft of interrogatories, requests for admissions and requests for production of documents;If necessary, schedule appointment with expert witness(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, when necessary;In certain cases, review of deposition transcript and preparation of outline of same;Extensive preparation and organization of client's documents for production, in certain cases by e-discovery;Extensive organization of documents produced, in certain cases by e-discovery;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, for example, motions to compel, motions to show cause, motion in contempt;Schedule court reporter and arrange for location for deposition;The litigation paralegal may be requested to do limited legal research, jury verdict research, expert witness research, obtaining case law, sherardizing and cite checking in cases from briefs; (the litigation paralegal should have a good working knowledge of Westlaw);Preparation and selection 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 and potential testimony using litigation support software;In certain cases, the paralegal will be asked to attend arbitration/trial with the attorney;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, precise and docketing statements as well as preparation of outline of trial transcript;In certain cases, preparation of post-judgment documents, including principes for certificates of judgment; non-wage garnishments and wage garnishments;The litigation paralegal should follow-up various details in specific cases as requested the assigning attorney;Closing files: work on organizing all files, with detailed index for easy retrieval in the future, inThe 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:Minimum five years' experience in litigation law practice; construction experience preferredStrong understanding of litigation terms and technological skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, some knowledge of the capabilities of litigation software such as: RelativitySuperior research skills, including the use of online services, databases and the InternetSuperior organizational skillsProject and case management skills including a strong aptitude for managing and prioritizing multiple projects and deadlinesExcellent written and verbal communication skills as well as analytical, problem solving and decision-making skillsAbility to work independently and maintain a high degree of confidentialityPhysical Requirements:Sitting frequently, six out of eight hours per daySitting position static for up to one-half hour at a timeLifting and carrying up to 20 pounds occasionally, up to one hour per dayBending and stooping occasionally, up to one-half hour per day