Paralegal

Job Description

Job Description:\n\nThis is a dynamic paralegal role for someone who enjoys working across multiple areas of law while playing an active role in client relationships and case progression. In this position, you may conduct a compassionate intake call with a workers' compensation claimant in the morning, manage civil litigation discovery in the afternoon, and proactively identify what needs to happen next to keep cases moving forward. You will serve as a critical bridge between clients and our legal team, managing both client communication and substantive legal work across workers' compensation, civil litigation, estate planning, and probate and trust administration matters. This role offers genuine autonomy, diverse work, and the opportunity to help shape our systems and workflows as the firm continues to grow. This role is ideal for a paralegal who:Thrives on variety and can shift comfortably between practice areasTakes initiative and ownership rather than waiting to be told what to do nextEnjoys both client interaction and legal analysis or draftingWants to contribute to case outcomes rather than simply complete tasksValues working in a collaborative Anchorage office where contributions are visible and appreciatedCan represent the firm professionally within the local legal community Work Location This is a full-time, in-office position located in Anchorage, Alaska. The role begins with a 90-day in-office training and integration period. We strongly prefer a local candidate who can be present in our office. Limited hybrid flexibility may be considered after the probationary period based on performance, trust, and business needs. What We Offer CompensationCompetitive salary of $80,000 to $100,000 annually based on experienceParalegal work billed at $200 per hourPerformance-based bonus opportunitiesAnnual compensation reviews with merit increases Benefits PackageBenefits begin after the 90-day probationary period.Healthcare stipend to support health insurance costsRetirement benefits through a SEP IRA with employer contribution matchingTime OffTwo weeks of paid vacation after the 90-day probationary period during the first yearPotential for expanded PTO after the first year based on performance and tenureFederal holidays recognizedFlexible holiday schedulingUse it or lose it policy to encourage work-life balance Professional DevelopmentAnnual CLE and professional development budgetSupport for Alaska Paralegal Association membership and involvementPaid time for continuing education and professional certificationsOpportunities to attend legal conferences and training Technology and Work EnvironmentAll technology provided, including a computer, headset, and required softwareModern practice management system utilizing Clio Manage and Clio GrowWell-equipped office space in Anchorage Work Life BalanceSustainable pace with no expectation of excessive overtimeCollaborative culture with direct access to attorneysMeaningful work where you can see the direct impact on client outcomesFull-time schedule of approximately 40 hours per week in our Anchorage office Career GrowthExposure to diverse legal matters across workers' compensation, civil litigation, estate planning, and probate or trust administrationIncreasing responsibility as you demonstrate capabilityOpportunity to develop expertise across multiple practice areas rather than being limited to oneInput into firm systems and workflows as the firm growsOpportunity to become a key member of a growing legal teamEstimated Total Benefits Value approximately $450 to $750 per month in addition to the base salary. Our Culture and Values At Eppler Law, we are building a team rooted in trust, collaboration, and integrity. Our focus is not simply on billable hours but on building a sustainable environment where excellent legal work and personal well-being can coexist. We value proactive problem solvers who take ownership of their work, care deeply about the client experience, and want to grow with a firm that values both excellence and balance. We are small enough that your contributions are visible and meaningful while growing enough to offer real career opportunities. What We ValueAutonomy and initiativeQuality work and attention to detailProactive communicationContinuous improvement and learningWork-life balance and sustainabilityConnection to the Anchorage legal community Why Anchorage Our firm is located in Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, offering a unique combination of urban amenities and unparalleled access to outdoor recreation. Anchorage provides a vibrant legal community, a reasonable cost of living compared to many major metropolitan areas, and a lifestyle unlike anywhere else in the United States. Local candidates are strongly preferred for this position. How to Apply To ensure your application is considered, please submit all required materials. Applications that are missing documents may not be reviewed.Resume highlighting your paralegal experienceCover letter specifically addressing your experience with both client intake and litigation support Your experience with any of the following practice areas:Workers' Compensation, including AWCB filings, medical record management, benefit calculations, and hearing preparationCivil Litigation, including discovery, pleadings, depositions, and court filingEstate Planning, including document drafting and client consultationsProbate or Trust Administration, including court filings, accountings, and beneficiary communicationsA writing sample, such as a legal memorandum, pleading, motion, workers' compensation petition, or client letter you drafted independently Applications without all three components will not be considered. Our Hiring Process We want this to be a great fit for both sides. Our hiring process typically includes:Initial phone screeningZoom interview with our hiring teamZoom interview with the attorney and hiring teamFinal in-person interview at our Anchorage office This position includes a 90-day probationary period with clearly defined expectations and regular feedback. We will initially prioritize local Anchorage candidates. If we do not find the right fit within approximately 21 to 30 days, we may expand our search. Ideal Start Date As soon as possible for the right candidate. Ready to Apply If this role sounds like the next step in your paralegal career, where you can combine strong client service with substantive legal work across multiple practice areas while being part of the Anchorage legal community, we would love to hear from you. Strong local candidates who can demonstrate both client service excellence and substantive legal skills in workers' compensation, civil litigation, estate planning, or probate or trust administration are encouraged to apply. Equal Opportunity Employment Eppler Law, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.Compensation: $80,000 - $100,000 yearlyResponsibilities: Client Intake & Relations (40-50%) Initial Client Contact Case Setup:Conduct initial client intake calls and consultations with professionalism and empathy across all practice areasGather detailed information for workers' compensation claims, including injury details, medical treatment history, employment information, and wage dataCollect estate and trust information, including asset inventories, beneficiary details, and decedent informationAccurately enter and maintain client and case data in Clio Manage and Clio GrowSchedule appointments, hearings, mediations, and client meetings Ongoing Client Communication & Case Management:Follow up proactively after appointments to keep cases progressingCoordinate with clients to obtain necessary documentation (medical records, employment records, financial documents, trust instruments)Provide case status updates to clients and manage expectations professionallyCommunicate with beneficiaries, heirs, trustees, medical providers, employers, insurance adjusters, and third-party administratorsServe as a client-facing representative of the firm's values and professionalism Litigation & Legal Support (40-50%) Workers' Compensation Support:Prepare and file claims with the Alaska Workers' Compensation Board (AWCB)Draft workers' compensation pleadings, including claims, answers, petitions, and controversion noticesManage medical record requests, review, organization, and analysisCalculate and verify temporary total disability (TTD), temporary partial disability (TPD), permanent partial impairment (PPI), and permanent total disability (PTD) benefitsPrepare wage verification and loss calculationsCoordinate independent medical examinations (IMEs) and depositions of medical providersDraft discovery requests and responses specific to workers' compensation mattersPrepare hearing exhibits, witness lists, and trial notebooks for AWCB hearingsMonitor claim status, controversion notices, and AWCB deadlinesCommunicate with claims adjusters, Third-Party Administrators (TPAs), and the Reemployment Benefits AdministratorAssist with settlement negotiations and draft settlement agreements (including Compromises and Releases)Prepare and file Second Injury Fund (SIF) claims when applicable Civil Litigation Support:Draft pleadings, motions, discovery requests and responses, and legal correspondenceConduct legal research and prepare legal memorandaManage discovery processes, including document review, organization, privilege logs, and productionPrepare case files for hearings, depositions, mediations, and court proceedingsCoordinate with opposing counsel and courts regarding scheduling and filingsPrepare deposition summaries and trial exhibitsSupport probate litigation matters as needed Estate Planning Support:Draft estate planning documents, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advance directivesPrepare client estate planning questionnaires and asset/beneficiary summariesCoordinate the execution of estate planning documents with proper witnessing and notarizationAssist with trust funding, including preparation of deeds, assignments, and beneficiary designations Probate & Trust Administration Support (as needed):Assist with probate court filings and trust administration tasksSupport existing probate and trust cases in collaboration with other team membersPrepare beneficiary notifications and coordinate with personal representatives and trustees Case & Workflow Management (10%)Organization Proactive Case ProgressionMaintain organized digital files with meticulous attention to detail across multiple case typesUtilize the Clio stages system to track case progression and ensure visibility into case statusTrack critical deadlines, including AWCB hearing dates, statute of limitations, court filing deadlines, and discovery deadlinesMonitor case progression milestones and proactively move cases forward without constant remindersUse Clio calendaring and task management to ensure nothing falls through the cracks Process Improvement Reporting:Identify workflow bottlenecks and proactively suggest process improvementsAssist with billing and time entryUse Clio reporting features to track performance metrics and case statusMaintain checklists and templates for workers' compensation, civil litigation, and other practice areasParticipate in regular case status meetings (weekly check-ins)The percentages are approximate. The role requires flexibility to shift focus based on firm and client needsQualifications: What We're Looking For Required Qualifications:3-5+ years of paralegal experience with demonstrated litigation support capabilitiesProven client-facing experience—intake, client communication, or client service (this is non-negotiable)Strong legal writing skills with examples of complex documents you've drafted independently (not just form completion)Proficiency with practice management software (Clio experience strongly preferred)Ability to work autonomously and take initiative without constant supervisionExceptional organizational skills and attention to detailExcellent written and verbal communication skillsStrong mathematical skills for benefit calculations and financial trackingUnderstanding of court deadlines and calendar management in litigation mattersLocated in or willing to relocate to Anchorage, Alaska (local candidates strongly preferred) Strongly Preferred (but trainable for the right candidate): Workers' Compensation experience, including:Alaska Workers' Compensation Board procedures and filing requirementsMedical record analysis and organizationDisability benefit calculations (TTD, TPD, PPI, PTD)IME coordination and medical provider communicationsSettlement negotiations and Compromise and Release agreements Civil Litigation experience, including:Discovery management and court filingsDeposition and hearing preparationAlaska court proceduresExperience in estate planning, probate, or trust administration Alaska-specific experience:Alaska court procedures (Superior Court)Alaska legal community connections Bachelor's degree or paralegal certificate Ideal Candidate Profile: Beyond the qualifications above, we're looking for someone who:Takes Initiative: You see what needs to happen next and do it—you don't wait for step-by-step instructions. Whether it's ordering medical records for a workers' comp claim or preparing discovery responses, you keep cases moving forward on your own.Balances Empathy with Efficiency: You're warm and compassionate with injured workers and clients facing difficult legal matters while staying organized and productive. You know how to set boundaries professionally.Embraces Variety: You're genuinely energized (not exhausted) by switching between a workers' compensation medical record review, civil litigation discovery, and client intake calls in the same day—across different practice areas with different procedural requirements.Has a Head for Numbers: You're comfortable with calculations—whether it's workers' compensation benefit computations or financial tracking—and you double-check your work.Owns Their Work: When something goes wrong, you fix it and learn from it. You treat firm success as your own success.Thinks Systematically: You naturally create order from chaos and enjoy building processes that work across multiple case types. You embrace systems like Clio stages to maintain visibility and organization.Communicates Proactively: You keep attorneys, clients, and third parties informed without being prompted. You know when to escalate issues and when to handle them independently.Values In-Person Collaboration: You appreciate the benefits of working in an office environment—spontaneous collaboration, building relationships with clients and colleagues, and being a visible presence for the firm.Can Be a Firm Ambassador: You're comfortable representing the firm professionally in