Paralegal

About the position

The Paralegal will work closely with attorneys on a variety of litigation matters, with emphasis on asbestos defense litigation, assisting with all aspects of case preparation and file management. Litigation assistance shall include: review, analysis, editing and summarization of a variety of legal documents; tracking of deadlines; research; and general management and organization of litigation.

Responsibilities

• Intake, initial review and summary of complaints.
• Monitor matters from start to finish.
• Review, analyze and edit draft pleadings, briefs, affidavits, motions, memoranda, and discovery.
• Manage files, track and comply with deadlines, assist with deposition preparation, and review and summarize depositions, documents and pretrial reports.
• Data entry and database maintenance.
• Conduct legal and factual research and analyze the same, including statutes, decisions, legal articles, codes, documents, court records, real estate records, historical files and on-line resources.
• Research, track and manage insurance coverage.
• Interact with attorneys (in-house and outside counsel) as well as other professionals regarding cases, strategy, and settlement.
• Review settlement agreements and process settlement payments.
• Assist in the development of policies and procedures for litigation.
• Draft letters, memos and correspondence to internal and external persons.

Requirements

• Strong working knowledge of civil litigation rules, procedures and processes as well as legal terminology.
• Solid experience with all phases of discovery and trial preparation.
• Knowledge of and experience with liability insurance coverage and insurance defense work.
• Strong attention to detail, critical thinking, prioritization and proofreading skills.
• Extremely organized with a strong sense of priority, urgency and commitment to deadlines.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft products (Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint).
• Experience with document retention and/or litigation hold procedures is a plus.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret complex legal and business documents.
• Dependability and reliability.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills required.
• Ability to work independently (but also as a team player) and to initiate and coordinate projects.
• Ability to understand general business operations, issues and dynamics beyond the scope of basic legal issues.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with mass tort, asbestos, class action and/or benzene litigation is a significant plus.
• Experience with and knowledge of insurance defense work and insurance claims management and coverage is preferable.