Job Description

Job Description

We are a growing firm looking for a Paralegal for our Fort Lauderdale office.

The Paralegal will perform a variety of legal duties. Major duties include providing organization and assistance in preparing litigation cases from onset through trial including related research and analysis. The Firm strives to produce the highest quality of work in a friendly, team-oriented work environment.

Qualified candidates must demonstrate professionalism, attention to detail, integrity, confidentiality, initiative, flexibility, organizational skills, ability to handle multiple priorities, client service skills, the ability to be proactive, and work in an organized, efficient manner. Qualified candidates must also possess mastery of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Adobe Pro, and electronic document management systems. The ability to multi-task and prioritize tasks based on business needs is essential.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

· Ascertain calendaring requirements for each matter and ensure proper maintenance of case calendars;

· Assist with the discovery process, including preparing for depositions, propounding written discovery, preparing for expert discovery, and preparing documents in response to written discovery;

· Assist with motion practice, including drafting motions and assembling exhibits, drafting subpoenas, and ensuring proper service of subpoenas;

· Perform legal research, including assembling case law in support of motions on LexisNexis;

· Perform general research, including reviewing court dockets, official records, property appraiser databases, and permit records;

· Assist with trial preparation, including coordinating witness schedules, maintaining trial calendars and deadlines, and communicating effectively with opposing counsel and courtroom staff;

· Maintain timely and accurate timekeeping records and enter billing daily;

· Communicate with corporate clients and comply with carrier-specific guidelines, including maintaining documents on carrier-specific software;

· Occasionally assist with filing of legal pleadings and/or serving of legal documents.

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

· Ability to communicate professionally and interact effectively with all levels of personnel, including with attorneys, other staff, and corporate clients;

· Demonstrates attention to detail, reliability, and aptitude to learn other systems/programs;

· Ability to perform legal research on LexisNexis and similar legal research databases;

· Advanced knowledge of MS Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Adobe with aptitude to learn other systems/programs;

· Trial experience, including exhibit preparation, witness preparation and management, knowledge of subpoena preparation, and experience working with judicial assistants;

· Excellent client service skills and ability to work on multiple matters simultaneously in an organized manner and under minimal supervision;

· Flexible and able to respond quickly and positively to shifting demands and deadlines;

· Ability to multi-task, work well under pressure, and meet deadlines.

Educational/Job Experience Requirements:

· Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience required, and Paralegal certification preferred;

· Minimum of 5 years of experience as a first-party property insurance paralegal within a defense law firm with demonstrated knowledge of issues within the first-party property practice area.