Family Law Paralegal

At Smith Debnam, our philosophy is simple - to provide the best possible value to our clients. We firmly believe that the key to delivering such a value is equally simple - the people who make it happen. Our professional service team, the attorneys, paralegals, and staff, are therefore our most important assets. We are committed to maintaining an environment that provides professional fulfillment, actively supports professional development, and communicates the value of each person's contributions. 

Smith Debnam has been providing legal services to businesses and individuals in the Carolinas for more than 50 years. We provide employees with an enriching, professional work environment that rewards employee excellence, fosters teamwork, and supports professional development. Our employees also enjoy competitive salaries, quality benefit programs and flexible work hours.

Position Summary:

This position is responsible for providing administrative and legal support for our family law attorneys. Duties include document drafting agreements and pleadings, monitoring and timely execution of civil procedure steps, research, client interaction, monitoring hearing schedules, trial and mediation preparation and attorney support, and general management of case files and dockets. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Draft affidavits, complaints and attach necessary supporting documentation to prepare files for filing of lawsuits.
• Prepare replies to counterclaims, serve and answer discovery, process consumer disputes and complaints, and draft memorandums of law.
• Prepare requests for extensions of time and prepare continuances. 
• Communicate with client to obtain responses to discovery.
• Summarize discovery responses from adversary attorneys/defendants.
• Work closely with attorneys on escalated matters, arbitrations, trial prep and witness requests
• Assist in trial preparation, including making, copying, and organizing exhibits and compiling exhibit notebooks.
• Record and track deadlines through docketing and calendaring processes
• Negotiate and prepare settlement agreements. 
• Ensure files are ready for hearings by reviewing case notes, drafting appropriate motions, orders, and labeling documents.
• Provide case updates via email to clients by monitoring, updating, and reviewing account information regularly.
• Screen telephone calls, incoming mail and other correspondence from court personnel, sheriff deputies, local counsel, defendants, and adversary attorneys
• Monthly online compliance training/testing 
• Perform legal research.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management and/or supervising attorney(s) 

 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Minimum of 1-3 years paralegal experience in litigation practice with knowledge of the Rules of Civil Procedure (North Carolina-specific a plus.)
• Prior Family Law experience including familiarity with North Carolina family court rules strongly preferred.
• Associate degree and/or Paralegal Certification for North Carolina desired.
• Intermediate to advance skill level in Microsoft Office products to include Word, Outlook, Excel.
• Experience using electronic filing systems.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to details.
• Experienced in tracking and recording billable hours and related time entries.
• Proven ability to work in a team.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong ability to analyze and problem solve.
• Type 50 + WPM.
• Self-Starter with proven ability to work independently and take appropriate initiative.
• Proficient in drafting and strong attention to detail.