Paralegal Specialist (Corporate)

Location: Washington, DC
Schedule: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Position Type: Full-Time/Regular

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP is a leading international law firm with more than 900 lawyers in offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. We are currently seeking a Paralegal Specialist to support the Corporate - Energy Regulatory practice, reporting to the Paralegal Manager.

The role will reside in the Washington, DC office with hybrid work capabilities and will be assigned to work primarily on specific cases/transactions, provide general assistance to a project team of attorneys, and/or to support attorneys whose practice involves specific areas of law.  Paralegals may also monitor regulations, legal developments and compliance procedures in their area of expertise.  In addition, Paralegals may be asked to provide general supervision of Project Assistants and other clerical staff.  Paralegals are expected to perform all responsibilities with a commitment to providing superior service to the firm’s clients, attorneys, advisors and staff, while maintaining an atmosphere of teamwork and continuous improvement.  

Key responsibilities of this position include:

• Directly assist attorneys by preparing and filing documents with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) or other regulatory agencies, including eTariff filings, FERC market-based rate relational database filings, Electric Quarterly Reports and various forms.
• Monitor trade press, the Federal Register, FERC, other federal and state regulatory agency dockets, appellate proceedings and other news sources and prepare internal and client-facing communications to keep teams aware of relevant issues.
• Conduct research, including of FERC, other federal and state regulatory matters, relevant markets, industry standards and practices, legislative history, current bills and legislation and other issues.
• Participate in due diligence and other reviews of client records and files.
• Assist with organization of client materials and attorney work product, including use of databases, imaging systems and other computer-based technology.
• Maintain and circulate matter files and other project records.
• Under the supervision of an attorney, draft, edit, cite-check, conform and otherwise assist in the preparation of legal documents.
• Assist with closings and post-closing issues, including preparing signature pages, compiling executed documents, preparing physical and electronic closing sets and otherwise.
• Obtain services from outside contractors, including research services, filing services and printers.  Process billing and disbursement paperwork in connection with those services.
• Act as liaison for the project team with support departments and other offices of the firm, anticipating and assuming responsibility for special staffing needs, such as overtime, clerical and/or notary assistance.
• Travel, as required by the Practice and/or client.
• As requested by the Paralegal Manager, or assigned attorneys, coordinate work of other Paralegals and/or Project Assistants or clerical team members. 

Qualifications (Experience, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities):

• BA/BS degree required
• Legal Assistant/Paralegal certification preferred but not required
• 4-5 years of relevant paralegal experience, preferably in large firm environment
• Substantive knowledge of and familiarity with specific areas of law, as required, with experience in energy or regulatory issues a plus
• Strong analytical and research skills
• Thorough knowledge of MS Office applications including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate detailed and complex information to others
• Aptitude and willingness to work with complex rules, regulations and procedures
• Strong organizational and time management skills, including the ability to organize self and others
• Demonstrated strong attention to detail
• Ability to read, comprehend and follow instructions
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adjust to changing priorities in a professional manner
• Ability to work independently and with a team
• Willingness and ability to assume new tasks and responsibilities
• Strong service orientation, and an ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with users, peers, office and firm management, and outside business partners
• Ability to work well under pressure, facilitate solutions, and meet deadlines and milestones for projects assigned
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality of client and office information and adhering to the Firm’s Core Values
• Commitment to professional growth and development

The base salary range for this position in Washington, DC is $70,000 to $95,000.  Additional information about benefits and rewards can be found here.

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