Litigation Paralegal

Princeton, NJ

Summary

Primary role of the Litigation Paralegal is to assist attorneys in preparing for hearings, trials, depositions, and meetings. 

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree from accredited four-year college;
• Demonstrated academic success with above average GPA;
• Ability to work overtime;
• Ability to work in small office with tight-knit group;
• 3+ years of experience Litigation, preferably in a Products Liability practice group;
• Law firm experience;
• Ability to manage large, complex cases and prepare for and attend trials;
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills and must be able to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment;
• Ability to manage multiple projects at the same time;
• Excellent attention to detail; and
• Highly developed interpersonal skills with the ability to confidently and graciously interact with Attorneys, Partners, Paralegals and all staff members.

Primary Responsibilities

Organize documents and coordinate document productions.

• Organize processes for production, redaction, duplication and indexing of documents. Set up and maintain files which are organized chronologically, numerically and/or by subject matter. Maintain master set of all documents.  Keep updated record and correspondence files.  Prepare and maintain indices of document productions.

Manage information.

• Manage information using various firm databases and applications, including MS Word and Excel, Relativity, Best Authority, Concordance, LiveNote, Litigator’s Notebook, LEXIS and Westlaw; PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Trial Director.

Conduct various document searches and research.

• Assist in preparing documents for production. Review documents for responsiveness to document requests. Assist with and maintain privilege logs. Maintain complete set of production documents.  Create and maintain internal case databases, run searches on internal and external document databases and systems, cull relevant information from a variety of resources such as newspapers, magazines, libraries, case documents and trade associations.

Prepare for and attend depositions.

• Assist attorneys in preparation for depositions. Digest depositions and trial transcripts.  Manage deposition and trial transcripts inventory and access.  Gather and prepare documents relevant to the deponent.  Organize exhibits, take notes and handle exhibits during the deposition.

Motion practice.

• Assist with preparation of briefs, memoranda and exhibits. Cite check and Blue Book cases.  Check quotes for accuracy.  Prepare table of contents and table of authorities.  Pull relevant documents, proofread papers, organize exhibits and create document indices in the preparation of motion filing.  Work with attorneys and the Managing Attorney’s Office in the preparation and filing of all court documents.

Liaison with Firm Resources and outside agencies.

• Oversee the progress of documents through the Litigation Support Department. Order transcripts from reporting services, and fulfill requests from outside counsel and others.

Prepare for and attend trials.

• Organize exhibits, files and all other supporting documents. Coordinate trial set-up and logistics.  Arrange for transporting and setting up files at court.  At trial assist attorneys in the courtroom by taking notes, handling exhibits, marking documents referred to by counsel and tracking exhibit usage.  Assist in the preparation of witness testimony and serve as liaison between trial attorneys and in-house staff.

Competencies

• Understands and applies current information, technology, resources, methods and procedures necessary to perform assigned work.
• Accepts responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work; acknowledges and corrects mistakes; does not make excuses for errors or problems. Understands that one’s individual performance directly affects business results.
• Actively works with supervising attorneys to balance projects and identify and address conflicting project demands.
• Analyzes problems, develops effective solutions and understands implications of proposed solutions. Makes appropriate and timely decisions.
• Communicates clearly and concisely in written / verbal communications. Proactively communicates to facilitate workflow, teamwork and efficiency.  Chooses appropriate communication tools and utilizes technology to facilitate communications.
• Produces high quality work; is efficient, accurate and has good attention to detail; consistently strives to improve performance; seeks opportunities to develop professionally and expand job knowledge. Displays high level of personal integrity.
• Works effectively with co-workers as part of the team to get the job accomplished. Flexible and open-minded; willing to share and exchange ideas/suggestions.