Paralegal - Commercial Litigation
This role requires excellent organizational skills, a thorough understanding of litigation procedures, and the ability to manage the complexities of trial preparation in high-stakes commercial cases.
Key Responsibilities:
Case Management: Assist attorneys with case management, including organizing and maintaining case files, managing deadlines, and ensuring compliance with court requirements.
Document Review and Management: Conduct document review, analysis, and organization of discovery materials. Assist in identifying key documents, categorizing evidence, and managing e-discovery platforms.
Drafting and Filing Legal Documents: Prepare and file legal documents such as pleadings, motions, subpoenas, and briefs in accordance with court rules and procedures.
Trial Preparation: Coordinate all aspects of trial preparation, including:
- Preparing Trial Notebooks: Organize and assemble trial binders, exhibits, and evidence for use in court.
- Witness Preparation: Assist with preparing witnesses, including scheduling meetings, organizing materials, and drafting witness outlines.
- Trial Logistics: Arrange logistics for trial, including securing trial sites, coordinating with experts and vendors, and managing courtroom technology.
- Pretrial Conferences: Assist in preparing attorneys for pretrial conferences, settlement negotiations, and mediations.
Research: Conduct legal and factual research to support case development, motion practice, and trial strategy.
Client Communication: Maintain regular communication with clients regarding case status, deadlines, and trial preparation updates.
Litigation Calendaring: Track and maintain litigation calendars, including deadlines for filings, discovery, court appearances, and trial dates.
Post-Trial Support: Assist with post-trial motions, appeals, and the enforcement of judgments.
- Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years of experience as a paralegal in a commercial litigation setting, with a strong emphasis on trial preparation.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree or Paralegal Certificate from an accredited institution.
- Knowledge: Thorough understanding of the litigation process, including court rules, trial procedures, and e-discovery protocols.
- Technical Skills: Proficient in litigation support software, such as Relativity, Concordance, or similar e-discovery platforms. Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and case management software.
- Organizational Skills: Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to handle multiple projects under tight deadlines.
- Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail in document review, trial preparation, and legal drafting.
- Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with attorneys, clients, witnesses, and court personnel.
- Problem-Solving: Ability to anticipate issues, troubleshoot problems, and proactively manage litigation matters with minimal supervision.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Trial Experience: Demonstrated experience assisting attorneys in multiple trials, from jury trials to bench trials, preferably in large commercial cases.
- Advanced Litigation Support: Experience with trial presentation software and courtroom technology setup.
- Industry Experience: Background in commercial disputes such as contract litigation, securities litigation, antitrust cases, or intellectual property disputes is a plus.
Work Environment:
- Team Collaboration: Work closely with attorneys, fellow paralegals, and support staff in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
- Hybrid Work: Offer a hybrid work schedule, though trial preparation will require in-office and on-site presence as necessary.