Legal Paralegal

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Communication, active listening, and interpersonal skills. Research and writing skills. Time management and organizational skills. Ability to act with discretion. Ability to multitask.

Role Description

Responsible for performing substantive legal work, such as research and legal data collection in support of litigation, record requests, and researching and collecting legal data. A paralegal performs legal assistance that requires specialized education and training, but does not hold a license to practice law or give legal advice.

Levels

Legal Paralegal 1

Performs specialized support for legal counsel by assisting with legal document preparation, discovery, and court filings.
Summarizes the transcription of depositions and other documents.
Reads, researches, reviews, analyzes, and verifies documents.
Collects, compiles, copies, and indexes documents and records.
Assists attorneys in preparing for legal proceedings by conducting research, creating timelines with supporting documentation, and preparing witnesses.
Drafts pleadings, discovery requests, responses, and other litigation documents.
Prepares charts, graphs, and other courtroom visuals.
Serves as a liaison with external clients and opposing counsel.
Assists legal counsel during proceedings.
Works under the direction of legal counsel.
Tasks and problems are usually routine and complex issues are referred to the immediate supervisor for guidance and resolution.

Education/Experience:

Typically requires an associate’s degree in a relevant field and two years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Applicable certification may be required.

Legal Paralegal 2

In addition to the work performed at level 1, this role performs advanced specialized support for legal counsel by assisting with more complex and higher profile legal document preparation, discovery, and court filings.
Oversees and manages work of level 1 by monitoring, tracking, and reporting on litigation activity.
Performs administrative duties for office management such as new hire paperwork, reviewing timesheets, monitoring attendance, and coordinating annual reviews for support staff.
Sets own priorities and goals and determines how to accomplish results with few or no guidelines to follow.
Controversial or far-reaching matters are referred to a higher level.
Decisions have a substantial impact on the management and operations of the department.

Education/Experience:

Typically requires a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and three years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Applicable certification may be required.