(Portland, ME, Full-time, Hybrid)
Paralegals should strive to perform high-quality billable work for the benefit of our clients and the support of our attorneys. We expect our Paralegals to provide a high level of expertise in assisting clients and attorneys while managing a busy case and/or matter load. Paralegals are generally expected to record 1500 or more recorded billable hours during the performance year. The performance year begins October 1 and ends September 30.
The Paralegal performs, under the direction and supervision of an attorney, substantive legal support work which, for the most part, requires a sufficient knowledge of legal concepts such that, absent the Paralegal, the work would be performed by an Attorney. The Paralegal does not render legal advice to a client, ever.
The Paralegal uses expertise and knowledge of the legal system and substantive and procedural law to perform the substantive legal support work under the supervision of an attorney; the paralegal must confer with and follow the direction of an attorney on any legal decision.
Key Responsibilities- Demonstrated effectiveness at obtaining and managing client documents, including electronic data, and determining potential existence of documents that may be relevant to each case.
- Regularly conducts litigation, criminal, and civil background checks and obtains properly authenticated records as needed.
- Effectively and regularly drafts for attorney review: removal documents, certificates of interested parties, answers, initial disclosures, various motions and orders, scheduling orders, protective orders, deposition notices, affidavits and declarations, discovery and our responses to discovery, settlement agreements, dismissal documents for attorney review, etc.
- Assists with preparation of motions for summary judgment; checking deposition cites, assembling exhibits, and creating the appendix.
- Consistently and accurately identifies and prepares all documents for production including Bates labeling and redacting for privileged and confidential information.
- Effectively assists in preparation for trial including managing exhibits and all evidentiary matters, witness lists, files and subpoenas, coordinates and attends witness prep meetings; assists at trial.
- Conducts online research and able to utilize the firm's electronic resources efficiently and effectively.
- Able to juggle multiple assignments and/or deadlines while maintaining a professional demeanor and timely seeks assistance when needed.
- Willing and capable to help others when needed.
- Reviews and ensures accuracy of vendor invoices; timely submits invoices for processing.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational and project management skills.
- Ability to effectively prioritize and perform in a high-pressure environment.
- Proven ability to assimilate to work with a variety of state and federal jurisdictions.
- High motivation, reliability, flexibility, curiosity, and strong teamwork skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and as part of a team.
- Ability to adapt quickly to change and work well in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook) and other office tools, including document review software, eDiscovery technology, and document management system. Experience with Relativity and/or Everlaw strongly preferred.
Requirements- Minimum of five years of litigation paralegal experience required.
- Labor and employment litigation experience required.
- Bachelor's degree or relevant work experience.
The hourly rate range for this position is $33.80 - $45.67. Actual base pay within this range will be determined by several components, including but not limited to, location, relevant experience, internal equity, skills, qualifications, and other job-related factors permitted by law.
The statements in this position description are not necessarily all-inclusive. Additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned, and requirements may vary from time to time.
Relocation costs are not covered. We are only accepting direct applicants; third-party recruiters or agencies will not be considered. No phone inquiries, please.
