Product Liability Paralegal

Overview

This litigation paralegal role requires 3 to 5 years of litigation experience and a demonstrated level of competence, independence, and professional maturity. It is not an entry-level litigation support position. As experience increases, the expectation shifts toward greater ownership, stronger judgment, and more meaningful contributions to the attorneys and matters supported.

Paralegals at this level manage complex case materials, anticipate attorney needs, and contribute substantively across all phases of litigation in state and federal courts, including hearings and trials. Ongoing reliance on direct instruction decreases over time, and successful performance includes flagging issues early before they become problems.

Responsibilities

• Draft initial case pleadings for attorney review, including notices of appearance, answers, and related filings in state and federal courts.
• Review, analyze, and summarize discovery responses served by all parties, including plaintiffs and co-defendants, across complex litigation matters involving environmental, commercial, construction, insurance defense, business, and related practice areas.
• Conduct factual investigations of parties, jobsites, companies, products, and other entities using publicly available and proprietary research tools.
• Maintain and update case management software to ensure accurate reflection of case developments, filings, and documentation.
• Draft subpoenas and coordinate the collection of records in compliance with state and federal procedural rules.
• Locate, evaluate, and conduct pre-interviews with potential trial witnesses.
• Identify, organize, and analyze key documents to support depositions, summary judgment motions, Daubert motions, and other pre-trial filings.
• Review and summarize large and complex document productions, including environmental records, construction and project files, insurance materials, medical, employment, financial, technical, and internal business records.
• Coordinate with expert witnesses across complex litigation matters, including retention, scheduling, and review of technical, scientific, financial, and case-specific materials.
• Research and analyze applicable state and federal case law in support of pre-trial motions and litigation strategy.
• Review, summarize, and organize deposition testimony for use in motion practice, hearings, and cross-examinations.
• Assist attorneys with preparation for state and federal hearings and trials, including trial notebooks, exhibit lists, witness files, and trial boxes.
• Maintain organized case files and manage trial materials before, during, and after hearings and trials.
• Perform additional responsibilities as requested by Management.

Requirements

• 3–5 years of litigation paralegal experience preferred, with substantive experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • environmental law
  • commercial litigation
  • construction litigation
  • insurance defense
  • business litigation
  • product liability
  • other complex risk management matters
• Strong familiarity with legal documents, litigation procedures, and terminology applicable to state and federal courts.
• Advanced computer and database skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience with case management and document management systems; Filevine experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience accurately tracking and recording billable time in accordance with firm policies and client billing guidelines.
• Ability to consistently meet established billable hour requirements while managing multiple matters and deadlines.
• Ability to prioritize tasks effectively, manage deadlines, and work in a fast-paced, high-volume litigation environment.
• Strong teamwork skills and ability to collaborate closely with attorneys, experts, and colleagues.
• Professional, courteous demeanor with strong client-service orientation.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Demonstrated initiative, sound judgment, and commitment to ongoing professional development.

Preferred Qualifications

• Filevine experience.

Compensation & Benefits

• Expected salary range: $70,000 – $90,000.
• Actual compensation will be determined based on education, experience, internal equity, and other job-related factors, consistent with applicable law.

Location

• This role supports litigation matters across state and federal courts.
• The employer has offices in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, California, and Illinois.

Work Authorization & Equal Opportunity

• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.
• The employer does not sponsor immigration visas.
• The employer is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace consistent with the principles of the American Bar Association and the Mansfield Rule. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.

Additional Notes

• This job description is intended to be general and may evolve over time. Management may assign different or additional duties from time to time.
• This job description does not constitute a contract of employment. Employment is at-will.
• Qualified applicants must be able to complete essential duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation(s).
• The employer collects and processes applicant personal information solely for recruitment and hiring purposes, consistent with applicable privacy laws.