House Counsel Paralegal

BASIC FUNCTION OF THE JOB: 

This core job function for this position is to support assigned attorney(s) in the office on all aspects of litigation files that are assigned to the attorney/paralegal team.  The Paralegal must be able to work well independently, but with supervision and direction from the responsible attorney(s).  The Paralegal will perform certain case-handling tasks such as preparing discovery demands and responses, drafting basic and complex/substantive motions and pleadings, keeping files organized and up-to-date, handling and organizing case-related documents, assisting in the preparation for trials / hearings / mediations / depositions.  

MAJOR DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE JOB:  

• Drive discovery process (draft and serve discovery demands & responses with oversight by attorneys).
• Follow up with clients and adversaries on investigation, discovery demands, responses and court orders to make sure deadlines are met. 
• Obtain relevant file materials from client/claims necessary in defense of claim.
• Draft discovery motions as appropriate with oversight by attorney.
• Draft Meet & Confer Letters as appropriate with oversight by attorney.
• Create request lists or subpoenas for medical records service providers, monitor the vendor's responses and updating medical chronologies accordingly.
• Draft reports to claims/clients summarizing discovery responses and subpoenaed medical/billing records for attorney review.  Demonstrate advanced proficiency in identifying and highlighting relevant facts or medical conditions (pre-existing conditions) for further discovery.
• Demonstrate proficiency in legal research (Westlaw) and legal writing sufficient to draft discovery and substantive motions. 
• Keep current with court rules and procedures as to discovery, pretrial deadlines and e-filing / e-service.  Also, maintain knowledge of Court’s practices and preferences regarding submission of hearing materials/trial procedure/draft orders.
• Advanced familiarity with ProLaw such that all e-mails, filings, discovery and correspondence are contained in ProLaw file and properly categorized.
• Demonstrate familiarity with Adobe Pro/Kiteworks/DocuSign systems for document management, control and production. 
• Review ProLaw dashboard daily to ensure deadlines of paralegal and/or attorney are met, reminders are completed and marked done.  Obtain extensions when necessary.
• Draft substantive motions and coordinate trial preparation with direction from attorney. 
• Assist with hearing/deposition/trial preparation.  Assist in preparation of hearing/deposition binders and submissions to court/draft orders.
• Demonstrate advanced proficiency in time management, prioritization, organizational, and communication skills.
• Foster team building with paralegals and staff.
• Attend required CLE courses to obtain/maintain paralegal certification, if applicable. 
• Understand and abide by ethical/confidentiality rules. 
• Ensure all sensitive documents that contain personally identifiable information are password protected.  Maintain client confidentiality.
• Meet firm billing requirements.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: 

• Advanced oral and written communications as well as advanced interpersonal skills;
• Excellent time-management, prioritization and organizational skills with the ability to work in a high-volume environment;
• Strong team player skills with the ability to work with employees at all levels;
• Proficiency in MS Office software platforms (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint & Outlook), Adobe Pro/Kiteworks/DocuSign;
• Knowledge of ESI Tools;
• Ability to learn Prolaw and HotDocs platforms.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

• A Bachelor or Associates degree or certificate of completion from a recognized paralegal training program preferred. 
•  Minimum of five years of experience as a litigation paralegal in a law firm or corporate law department.  Prior insurance defense experience is preferred.