Paralegal (92802)

Be part of a team that values safety, diversity, and excellence

We are one of the largest U.S. railroads transporting the nation’s freight across 28 western states and 3 Canadian provinces. As a member of our team, you will play a role in supporting the movement of essential products and materials that help feed, clothe, supply, and power communities throughout America and the world.  

We are committed to a culture where all employees are included, belong, and have equal opportunity to achieve their full potential. Come make a difference with us!

Learn more about BNSF and our Benefits

Job Location: Fort Worth
Other Potential Locations: Fort Worth, TX 
Anticipated Start Date: 01/01/2025
Number of Positions: 1 
Salary Range: $65,500-$85,000

Apply early as this job may be removed or filled prior to the closing date, which is approximately seven (7) days after the posting date.

The BNSF Railway Law and Claims Department provides expert in-house counsel and collaborates with outside counsel to ensure the railroad operates safely and meets all legal and contractual obligations. Our licensed attorneys and legal professionals are dedicated to upholding the highest legal compliance standards. Additionally, our specialized Claims team promotes safety, investigates incidents, and resolves them ethically.

This is a full-time located in Fort Worth, TX.   For certain positions, including this one, employees can work one day per week remotely.  Our leaders also foster a culture where work life balance, which requires flexibility for when life happens, is important and respected.

This position primarily assists with all aspects of litigation and trial support including: discovery management, collecting, managing, and organizing documents; docketing/calendaring key litigation dates; managing document databases; contacting and interviewing witnesses and information custodians; performing legal/general research and analysis, coordinating depositions and other meetings; communicating and coordinating with vendors; assisting with outside counsel billing software; other responsibilities as assigned by the Law Department’s litigation attorneys. This position is also frequently asked to coordinate independent special projects with minimum supervision.

Key responsibilities may include: 

Proficient with legal projects and performs essential job functions; specifically, possessing a solid understanding of the legal practice the paralegal is supporting and the ability to perform substantial detailed legal-support work with little supervision after the attorney has provided detailed direction.
Expertise in at least one significant legal specialty area, i.e., employment law 
Interact with outside business contacts and outside counsel as required.
Active participant in client educational initiatives.
Interact with clients at Director level and below.
Conduct legal research and draft standard legal documents; including draft discovery responses.
Overall management for updating files (research, compilation, retention, formatting and presentation), and monitor case/project schedules and deadlines.

Daily work is conducted in an indoor office environment.

Skills & Knowledge
Proficient level for researching case law, statutes & rules of civil procedure, both manually and electronically (e.g., GPO, Lexis/Nexis). Should be able to pull relevant case law and statutory authority.
Proficient level of software utilization, including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Access, Outlook & Calendaring,
Microsoft Teams, Sharepoint, Zoom, CounselLink, Collaborati, litigation case management software, and similar tools
Experience with e-discovery and trial management platforms, including creating productions electronically

Solid knowledge of legal process in the substantive areas paralegal supports and the law in those substantive areas (e.g., FELA, personal injury law).
Leadership/Management
Assist in the implementation of project tasks and deliverables; manage and prioritize assigned tasks to achieve project goal.
Possess organizational skills and attention to detail.
Set a high personal standard for work.
Is action oriented, takes initiative.
Build and maintain cooperative working relationships with co-workers and representatives from other departments, organizations and outside counsel.
Demonstrates BNSF Vision and Shared Values.
Impact the output of team efforts as a team member.
Demonstrate strong analytic & problem-solving abilities.
Business Development
Understands and responds to attorneys’ needs.
Demonstrate excellent personal organization, planning, and time management skills.
Sufficiently understand the Railroad transportation industry and the laws associated with the industry.
Take action and follow through on assigned tasks with some managerial review and guidance.
Balance timely action with complete analysis.
Communication
Solid written and verbal communication skills required.

Make practical evaluations of risk.
Communicate clearly and effectively.
Case/Project Management
Employs sound organization and project management skills.
Interacts well with other team members.

Experience with change management/technology adoption. 

At BNSF Railway, we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, showcasing their skills, experiences and development. We provide resources and tools to help you reach your full potential, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.

 Basic Qualifications: 

• Able to work in the US without company sponsorship now AND in the future.
• 4+ years of legal related experience.
• One of the following is required below:
  • Paralegal certificate from an American Bar Association approved institution or certification as a Legal Assistant from the National Association of Legal Assistants
  • Associates degree

Preferred Qualifications:

• BA or BS Degree desired 

At BNSF, you will have access to a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including:

• An industry-leading 401(k) and renowned Railroad Retirement program.
• A range of robust health care options for you and your dependents (including domestic partners), including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, mental health, cancer support, and high-quality care network options.
• Health care spending accounts (HSA) with employer contributions, as well as life and disability insurance, provided at no cost.
• Family benefits including parental, pediatric and family building support, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, and dependent care spending account (with employer match).
• Access to discounts on travel, gym memberships, counseling services and wellness support.
• Annual bonus (Incentive Compensation Program)
• Generous leave / time off policies.
• For more information, visit Benefits.

All positions require pre-employment background verification, medical review and pre-employment drug screen. You can find more information by reviewing the Hiring Process.  Federal authority requires BNSF employees, whose work requires unescorted access to secure areas of port facilities, to obtain a TWIC.  More information is available at https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic

BNSF Railway is an Equal Opportunity Employer, all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

SF: MO | [[mfield5]] | Law | Fort Worth, TX | 76131