Paralegal

Overview

This role involves providing paralegal support to house counsel for pre-trial work, including drafting legal documents, conducting legal research, gathering case information, and corresponding with clients to investigate facts in preparation for trial.

An in-person interview may be required during the hiring process.

Geo-Salary Information

State-specific pay scales for this role are as follows:

• $56,701.00 to $102,219.00 (NJ, NY, WA, HI, AK, MD, CT, RI, MA)
• In CA: Typical hiring range is $71,514.00 to $87,406.00

The expected base salary will vary based on relevant experience, skills, and location.

Responsibilities

• Search for, assemble, and summarize pertinent information from various sources to prepare responses to propounded discovery, including (but not limited to) form interrogatories, special interrogatories, request for admissions, and demand for inspection of documents.
• Correspond with clients, attorneys, claims personnel, and other related parties to discuss case status, gather additional information, and respond to routine inquiries regarding legal procedures.
• Produce a variety of written documents using advanced word processing tools.
• Obtain extensions when necessary to ensure objections are preserved and responses are timely and proper.
• Prepare legal briefs, pleadings, appeals, and motions for attorney review.
• Draft letters and legal documents; prepare, assemble, and format court documents, discovery responses, and other pleadings as directed.
• File pleadings, prepare affidavits of documents, and maintain digital files in the case management system.
• Complete special legal assignments to support management of claim cases.
• Prepare initial drafts of administrative reports (e.g., initial opinion, discovery summary, medical record summary, and pre- and post-trial reports) as directed.
• Prioritize and reprioritize tasks to ensure prompt completion of assignments.
• Assist in trial preparation, including assembling and identifying exhibits, preparing trial books, motions in limine, expert witness lists, statements of the case, and other required trial documents.
• Research and analyze law sources such as statutes, recorded judicial decisions, legal articles, depositions, and legal codes.
• Investigate facts and case law to help determine causes of action and support case preparation.

Small Claims case assistance (as assigned):

• Investigate facts to prepare trial briefs.
• Prepare the insured for trial, attend trials with the insured, and defend the company when listed as a named party.
• Collect and evaluate file evidence; contact related parties to gather information.
• Prepare for hearings by researching relevant statutes or case law, vehicle valuation, medical treatment, aerial maps, and policy language.

Requirements

Education (Minimum)

Choose the option that matches your qualifications:

• Certificate of completion of a paralegal program approved by the American Bar Association; OR
• Certificate of completion of a paralegal program at, or a degree from, a postsecondary institution requiring successful completion of a minimum of 24 semester (or equivalent) units in law-related courses, accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization, or approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education; OR
• BA or an advanced degree in any subject, plus:
  • at least one year of law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney who has been an active member of the State Bar of California for at least the preceding three years, or who has practiced in the federal courts of this state for at least the preceding three years; and
  • a written declaration from that attorney stating the person is qualified to perform paralegal tasks; OR
• High school diploma or general equivalency diploma, plus:
  • at least three years of law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney who has been an active member of the State Bar of California for at least the preceding three years, or who has practiced in the federal courts of this state for at least the preceding three years; and
  • a written declaration from that attorney stating the person is qualified to perform paralegal tasks.

This experience and training must be completed no later than December 31, 2003.

Experience (Minimum)

• 0–2 years of insurance defense paralegal experience and/or equivalent insurance defense litigation experience.

Skills and Abilities (Minimum)

• General knowledge of legal principles, terminology, and procedures.
• Written communication skills to draft legal documents supporting and responding to discovery, depositions, motions, and proof/edit documents for accuracy.
• Ability to work in a paperless environment.
• Ability to effectively correspond with clients, attorneys, and other involved parties.
• Proficiency with word processing and case management software to complete assignments.

Continuing Professional Knowledge and Education (Minimum)

• Completion of 4 hours of continuing education or required hours of education in compliance with the rules of State.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in paralegal studies and/or Paralegal Certificate with 1+ insurance defense or civil litigation experience.
• 1–2+ years of paralegal experience in civil litigation / insurance defense.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and grammatical skills.
• Ability to draft motions, oppositions, and replies.
• Ability to carry out day-to-day activities logically and effectively and complete assignments promptly.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary within the ranges listed under Geo-Salary Information.
• Incentive bonus programs, including potential for holiday bonus, referral bonus, and performance-based bonus.
• Paid time off (vacation time, sick time, 9 paid company holidays, and volunteer hours).
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and pet insurance.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match.
• Education assistance and professional/personal development opportunities.
• Health and wellbeing resources, including free mental wellbeing therapy/coaching sessions and child and eldercare resources.

Location

Flexibility to work from anywhere in the United States for most positions.

An in-person interview may be required during the hiring process.