GENERAL SUMMARY: Under general supervision of assigned attorneys and the Litigation Practice Coordinator, and following prescribed department, office and firm procedures, Paralegals are 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, and maintaining an atmosphere of teamwork and continuous improvement.  Above all, Paralegals must fulfill the needs of the firm in a manner which is consistent with the Firm's Core Values.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (DUTIES ARE PERFORMED THROUGHOUT EVERY WORKDAY, AS NECESSARY): 

• Conduct statutory, regulatory or factual research with respect to client matters. Such research might include investigation of federal or state laws and regulations, relevant markets, corporate participants and industry standards and practices.
• Participate in due diligence, privilege 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 pleadings files and other case or project records; circulate materials to project team, as needed. Maintain chronological records of project activity.
• Arrange filings, mailings and service list deliveries with appropriate courts, government agencies and other parties.
• Under the supervision of an attorney, draft, edit, cite-check, conform and otherwise assist in the preparation of legal documents.
• Prepare binders of completed transactions.
• Obtain services from outside contractors, including court reporters, research services, exhibit preparation 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.

OTHER ESSENTIAL DUTIES (DUTIES ARE PERFORMED PERIODICALLY, AS NECESSARY): 

• Travel, as required by the Practice and/or client.
• As requested by the administrative practice management and/or assigned attorneys, coordinate work of other paralegals and/or project assistants or clerical team members.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 

• Ability to read, write and speak English
• Substantive knowledge of and familiarity with specific areas of law, as required
• Strong analytical and research skills
• Thorough knowledge of MS Office applications including Word, Excel, Access, Outlook and PowerPoint
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate potentially detailed and complex information to others
• Aptitude and willingness to work with complex 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 the office and firm
• Commitment to professional growth and development

EDUCATIONAL/JOB EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• BA/BS degree required

AKIN GUMP STRAUSS HAUER & FELD LLP PARTICIPATES IN E-VERIFY FOR PURPOSES OF VERIFYING EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY

Required Skills Required Experience

1. Ability to safely lift up to 50 pounds on a routine basis
2. Ability to bend and stoop on a continual basis
3. Ability to work outside in all weather conditions
4. Ability to work around bees, poison ivy, pollen, thorns and other environmental risks
5. Must wear work boots, Bland landscaping uniforms and present yourself in a clean and professional manner
6. Must be able to work with minimal supervision
7. Must practice safety at all times
8. Must wear company-provided PPE
9. Must have valid NC Driver’s license and maintain a good driving record
10. Must pass a criminal background check
11. Must be willing to obtain NC Pesticide applicators license
12. Must have good communication skills and the ability motivate others
13. Must comply with Bland Landscaping policies and procedures

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.