Our Bozeman, Montana office is currently seeking an experienced Litigation Paralegal.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Litigation Paralegal works closely with attorneys providing paralegal support. This position is responsible for conducting legal research, investigating facts, summarizing records, preparing, organizing, and filing legal documents and correspondence, and participating in trial preparation while upholding the professional code of ethics.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Meets with attorneys, clients, and other professionals to discuss assigned cases or projects.
Drafts legal documents including routine pleadings and motions including appellate documents, affidavits, discovery requests, responses and privilege logs, subpoenas, trial pleadings, and files motions and pleadings according to judicial procedures.
Calendaring court deadlines.
Researches and analyzes statutes, regulations, legal articles, judicial decisions, and other legal sources; provides written analysis to attorneys.
Interviews clients and experts and prepares summaries of their statements.
Prepares, organizes, stores, and retrieves case files, which may include evidence, exhibits, depositions, pleadings, and other items.
Acts as the liaison for clients, experts, and legal counsel.
Assists attorneys with hearing and trial preparation, which may include attending trials and hearings, coordinating and assisting with witness preparations, conducting evidence presentation, assisting with jury selection, interacting with judges and court personnel, and interviewing jurors’ post-trial.
Develops and maintains records regarding billable hours spent on specific cases.
Locate witnesses and parties.
Research, retain, and communicate with experts and private investigators.
Conduct background and asset investigations into individuals and companies.
Prepare summaries of depositions.
Identify legal and factual issues within a case.
Request documents from various entities such as governmental agencies such as Social Security Administration, IRS, OSHA, and Veteran Affairs.
Local governmental agencies such as clerks of court, clerks and recorders, engineering departments, etc.; law enforcement agencies; financial institutions; insurance companies; etc.
Schedule meetings, examinations, and depositions with witnesses, experts, law enforcement, etc.
Maintain document databases.
Arrange service of process.
Compile and review documents and electronically stored information for the privilege and prepare documents for production, including redactions and Bates stamping.
Attend expert inspections.
Assist in deposition preparations, including preparing documents to be used as exhibits or for impeachment.
Assist with the preparation of settlement demands/offers and mediation statements.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
KEY SKILLS:
Understanding of legal language and principles, research methods, court pleadings and processes, and other related matters.
Strong customer service and interpersonal skills are required to communicate effectively and professionally with all levels of personnel and external clients.
Able to maintain strict confidentiality of client and firm information.
Understands and implements general rules of ethical behavior applicable to legal personnel.
Able to work in collaboration within a team and independently.
Able to learn new skills as technology evolves.
Possesses excellent attention to detail, follows up on projects, and follows through on deliverables.
Able to develop and apply comprehensive planning and organizing strategies to ensure tasks and projects are appropriately prioritized and resources are used effectively and efficiently.
Able to work under tight deadlines, handle multiple detailed tasks, and anticipate when help will be needed from department members.
Flexible and able to respond quickly and positively to shifting demands and opportunities.
Able to effectively work in a culturally and educationally diverse multi-office environment.
Writes clearly and informatively, edits work for spelling and grammar, adapts communication to suit needs, presents numerical data effectively, and can read and interpret written information.
Speaks clearly and persuasively, listens and gets clarification as needed, responds well to questions, and takes a collaborative approach in group settings.
Able to take responsibility for work activities and personal actions, follow through on commitments, acknowledge and learn from mistakes, and recognize the impact of one’s behavior on others.
Able to gather relevant information, interpret and evaluate the data, and develop sound, practical solutions to difficult issues.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
High school diploma or equivalent.
Willingness to travel, as needed.
Paralegal Certificate preferred.
Minimum of three years of related legal experience preferred.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe, and other similar software.
Must be able to read, comprehend, and follow written and verbal instructions.
Available to work overtime as needed and approved by attorneys.
Available to travel as needed.
Valid driver’s license.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times.
PAY & BENEFITS: The Firm offers a competitive wage and a comprehensive benefits package including:
Medical, dental, and vision.
Employer paid short and long-term disability.
Voluntary life, accident, and critical illness.
Flexible spending accounts.
Vacation, sick, and personal leave.
Paid parental leave.
Fully vested 401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions (eligible after 1 year).
DISCLAIMER: This job posting is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities but constitutes a general definition of the position's scope and function.