Litigation/Securities Paralegal

Washington, DC

Summary

The Litigation/Securities Paralegal has experience with complex litigation, investigations, and matters involving the investigative/enforcement process of US Securities and Exchange Commission and other regulatory agencies; assists with and manages large discovery and eDiscovery initiatives; supervises junior team members; interacts with clients; prepares for and assists at legal proceedings; and designs/implements/maintains case management systems. The Litigation/Securities Paralegal works effectively and collaboratively with attorneys and case teams to manage the overall flow of facts and information on a variety of contested matters; incorporates matter management best practices to set and complete objectives; proactively manages and follows through on timelines/deadlines; effectively handles competing priorities; identifies and implements process efficiencies; and produces high quality work product with an emphasis on attention to detail, accuracy, and timeliness. 

What You Will Be Doing

Matter Management/Business Acumen

• Takes initiative and demonstrates knowledge and proficiency to clearly organize, plan, and prepare for projects; sets objectives, creates timelines, and uses keen judgment to strategically problem-solve/manage change; actively participates in open and professional discussions about concerns or creative ideas during project development and execution; proactively follows-through and manages deadlines; approaches each task/assignment in a solution-oriented, critical, and innovative manner, leading to the best decision for the client and the firm.

Case/Document Management Systems

• In accordance with firm policies and Information Governance and Records guidelines/Best Practices, takes initiative to establish/maintain case management systems for intake/management of all matter-related electronic and hard-copy materials, including those for document collections, productions, correspondence, fact/background materials, and case calendars; demonstrates knowledge and proficiency using available document management systems and supporting technology; at matter conclusion, ensures swift disposition of case materials/project rooms.

Discovery/Fact Management

• Demonstrates knowledge and proficiency in the fact and expert discovery processes; partners effectively with Litigation Support/Staff Attorneys and case team attorneys to manage discovery/eDiscovery and to assist with factual analysis activities, including document collection and production activities, calendaring/scheduling, and preparing for/managing/tracking depositions/witness interview processes; demonstrates knowledge of and proficiency with discovery technology, including effectively recommending, implementing, searching, and utilizing eDiscovery platforms housing discovery documents, chronologies, and testimony; demonstrates knowledge of and adheres to Litigation Support best practices.

Motions Practice / Legal Filings

• Demonstrates knowledge and proficiency with legal filings/briefing and the cite-checking/Bluebooking process; uses best practices to proficiently and accurately cite-check formal papers/legal memoranda submitted in a variety of forums, including federal/state/appellate courts, and administrative/governmental agencies; finalizes formal filings/briefs and memoranda for filing, including assembling exhibits/appendices, preparing tables of authorities and contents and/or appropriate indices; coordinates paper and/or eFilings with Managing Attorney’s Office, the court, and/or administrative/governmental agencies.

Trials, Hearings, and Judicial Proceedings

• Demonstrates knowledge and proficiency assisting with legal proceedings in state and federal courts, alternative dispute resolution forums, and before government entities, including coordinating logistics and remote office set-up; acting as point-of-contact/problem-solver/liaison between attorneys and trial vendor/courtroom staff; preparing exhibits/exhibit lists/deposition designations, witness lists/files and assisting with witness preparation; providing courtroom assistance by taking notes, managing/tracking exhibits and demonstratives, including effectively using trial presentation/other courtroom technology; ensuring delivery of draft/final transcript.

Leadership/Staff Development

• Provides guidance and supervision to junior team members/other staff; assigns work clearly and in context and manages deadlines for junior team members; sets expectations and communicates confidently and effectively; manages overall deadlines; performs effectively under pressure; effectively delivers constructive feedback and mentors junior team members to promote development; shares team successes with others; develops and maintains positive, constructive, and collaborative relationships with other firm departments.

Training and Development

• Attends and participates in professional development programs, including firm, department and paralegal meetings and training; actively mentors junior team members; demonstrates an awareness of department and position purpose within the firm and applies knowledge appropriately to role and daily responsibilities; keeps up with current developments/industry trends in areas of expertise.

Client Service

• Demonstrates effective client service by making both internal and external clients and their needs a primary focus of his/her actions; develops and sustains productive client relationships; builds collaborative relationships and takes action to meet needs and concerns; displays professionalism, quality service, and a “can do” attitude to both internal members/departments of the Firm and external clients and vendors.

Timekeeping

• Consistently meets the Firm’s billable hours expectations; adheres to best practices for daily time entry for client work and eTime for attendance and time off requests.

Assumes Additional Responsibilities as Assigned.

Required Skills

• Knowledgeable of applicable court systems, judicial processes, investigatory / enforcement procedures of the US Securities and Exchange Commission and other governmental entities, and Alternative Dispute Resolution.
• Ability to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of a Litigation/Securities Paralegal assigned to an SEC Investigation/Enforcement action, IP, ITC and/or complex Litigation/Securities case.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and managing eDiscovery applications.
• Ability to supervise senior project assistants and/or project assistants.
• Ability to track and process case related expenses.
• Ability to travel and work overtime.

Required Experience

Education

• BA/BS preferred.

Experience

• Three years of related experience including general Litigation/Securities proceedings preferred.