Paralegal

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

Full-time - Mid Level

Morristown, NJ

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

Porzio, Bromberg & Newman, P.C., a full-service law firm, is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Full-time Paralegal to join its Bankruptcy team. This position is non-exempt and requires a mid-level paralegal with experience in bankruptcy law. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing complex matters and projects under the direct supervision of an attorney, ensuring high levels of productivity, effectiveness, and competence in all tasks. As a Bankruptcy Paralegal, you will act as a liaison between various parties, including Judge's chambers, court personnel, outside counsel, clients, and other stakeholders. Your role will involve preparing essential legal documents such as petitions, schedules, and statements of financial affairs, utilizing platforms like Bestcase for bankruptcy filings. You will also be tasked with preparing court documents, including notices of appearance, proofs of claim, agendas, plans, disclosure statements, and various motions and objections. A solid understanding of state and federal court bankruptcy processes and procedures is crucial for this role. In addition to document preparation, you will review, revise, and prepare fee applications in compliance with local bankruptcy rules, communicate with the Office of the United States Trustee regarding fee and employment applications, and assist attorneys with complex conflict check reviews related to Debtor and Committee work. Your analytical skills will be put to use in reviewing pleadings and filings, preparing analyses for avoidance actions, and compiling relevant materials for attorneys throughout bankruptcy or restructuring matters. You will also be responsible for e-filing documents with the court and assisting with business and client development efforts, including conducting PACER searches for current-client bankruptcy work. This position requires flexibility in your daily work schedule to accommodate the firm's needs during busy periods, and the ability to represent the firm professionally is essential. The statements contained in this job description are not necessarily all-inclusive; additional duties may be assigned, and job requirements may vary over 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, utilizing Bestcase and related platforms 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 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 accordance with 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 filings, including claims reconciliation in anticipation of objections and distributions.
• Prepare ordinary course and new value defense analyses and related settlement communications regarding avoidance actions.
• Compile, prepare, and summarize relevant materials for attorneys in all phases of bankruptcy or restructuring matters.
• E-File documents with the court using CM/ECF and coordinate service as appropriate.
• Assist with business and client development efforts, including reviewing firm connections and preparing pitch materials.

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.
• 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.