Paralegal - Bankruptcy

Porzio Bromberg & Newman P.C. - Morristown, NJ

Full-time

Morristown, NJ

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

Porzio, Bromberg & Newman, P.C., a full-service law firm, is seeking a Full-time, Non-Exempt Paralegal to join its Bankruptcy team in Morristown, New Jersey. The role of a Bankruptcy Paralegal is critical as it involves managing complex matters and projects under the direct supervision of an attorney. The firm expects its Bankruptcy Paralegals to perform at a high level of productivity, effectiveness, and competence, ensuring that all tasks are completed with precision and attention to detail. The Bankruptcy Paralegal will act as a liaison between the Judge's chambers, court personnel, outside counsel, clients, and other parties through various communication methods including telephone, mail, and email. Key responsibilities include preparing petitions, schedules, and statements of financial affairs, as well as having a working knowledge of Bestcase and related platforms to facilitate bankruptcy filings. The paralegal will also prepare court documents such as notices of appearance, pro hac vice applications, proofs of claim, agendas, plans, disclosure statements, motions, objections, adversary complaints, and responses to discovery requests. A solid understanding of state and federal court bankruptcy processes and procedures relevant to the jurisdictions is essential. The paralegal will review, revise, and prepare monthly, interim, and final fee applications in accordance with local bankruptcy rules and will communicate with the Office of the United States Trustee regarding fee and employment applications. Additionally, the role involves assisting attorneys with the coordination of large and complex conflict check reviews related to Debtor and Committee work, analyzing pleadings and filings, and preparing relevant materials for attorneys in all phases of bankruptcy or restructuring matters. The position also requires e-filing documents with the court using CM/ECF and coordinating service as appropriate. The Bankruptcy Paralegal will assist with business and client development efforts, including reviewing and analyzing firm connections, potential conflicts, and preparing pitch materials, as well as conducting PACER searches for any current-client bankruptcy work. It is important to note that the statements contained in this job description are not necessarily all-inclusive; additional duties may be assigned, and job requirements may vary from time to time.

Responsibilities

• Act as liaison between Judge's chambers, court personnel, outside counsel, clients, and other parties via telephone, mail, and/or email.
• Prepare petitions, schedules, and statements of financial affairs, and have working knowledge of Bestcase and related platforms in preparation for bankruptcy filings.
• Prepare court documents, including notices of appearance, pro hac vice applications, proofs of claim, agendas, plans, disclosure statements, motions, objections, adversary complaints, and responses to discovery requests.
• Maintain a working understanding of state and federal court bankruptcy processes and procedures for relevant jurisdictions.
• Review, revise, and prepare monthly, interim, and/or final fee applications in conformance with applicable local bankruptcy rules.
• Communicate and respond to requests from the Office of the United States Trustee regarding fee and/or employment applications.
• Assist attorneys with coordination of large and complex conflict check reviews related to Debtor and Committee work.
• Analyze pleadings and/or other filings, including claims reconciliation in anticipation of objections and/or distributions.
• Prepare ordinary course and new value defense analyses and related settlement communications regarding avoidance actions.
• Compile, prepare, and summarize relevant materials for use by attorneys in all phases of bankruptcy or restructuring matters.
• E-File documents with court using CM/ECF and coordinate service as appropriate.
• Assist with business and client development efforts, including reviewing and analyzing firm connections, potential conflicts, and preparing pitch materials, as well as conducting PACER searches for current-client bankruptcy work.

Requirements

• College degree required; paralegal certification preferred but not required.
• At least three (3) years of experience as a paralegal in the bankruptcy and restructuring field preferred.
• Demonstrated initiative and ability to handle caseload effectively.
• Ability to represent the firm in a professional manner.
• Strong verbal, written, analytical, organizational, technology, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to use office equipment, such as computer, copier, calculator, fax machine, and multi-extension telephone.
• Flexibility in daily work schedule to meet the firm's needs during periods of heavy workload.