What are the responsibilities and job description for the Litigation Paralegal position at McKean Smith LLC?
Job Title: Litigation Paralegal
Location: Portland, Oregon (Vancouver, Washington will be considered for the right candidate)
Department: Litigation Practice Group
Reports to: Business Operations Manager
Location: Portland, Oregon (Vancouver, Washington will be considered for the right candidate)
Department: Litigation Practice Group
Reports to: Business Operations Manager
Job Summary:
McKean Smith is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Litigation Paralegal to join our dynamic litigation team. The ideal candidate will have 5 years' experience in managing litigation cases, reviewing and organizing documents, assessing evidence, and managing document databases. Additional responsibilities include summarizing key case information, preparing legal documents (including subpoenas and discovery requests/responses), conducting legal research, and assisting attorneys with trial preparation. The role requires excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple cases with competing deadlines.
The successful candidate will ensure that case-related documents are filed and maintained in compliance with state and federal court rules, manage client communications, and support trial and pre-trial activities. This is a fantastic opportunity for a proactive paralegal looking to grow their career in a fast-paced environment.
Candidates should possess strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to follow through on tasks. Excellent oral and written communication skills, a client service-oriented mindset, and the ability to remain focused under pressure are essential for success in this role.
Essential Responsibilities:
Case Management: Assist attorneys with managing and organizing case files, including both electronic and hard copy records.
Legal Document Preparation: Draft and prepare pleadings, motions, discovery documents, subpoenas, and other legal documents as needed.
Discovery Support: Manage the discovery process including organizing and reviewing documents, creating discovery logs, and assisting with document production.
Deposition Support: Prepare witness folders, identify potential deposition exhibits, draft deposition outlines, organize final deposition materials, coordinate schedules, coordinate witness deposition transcript review and corrections, organize deposition transcripts and exhibits and indexes of same, and prepare deposition summaries.
Legal Research: Conduct basic legal research as requested by attorneys to support case development.
Communication: Communicate effectively with clients, opposing counsel, experts, and other third parties as needed.
Client and Court Communication:
- Coordinate with clients, opposing counsel, and experts for case-related matters.
- Handle client communications regarding case progress, scheduling meetings, and facilitating document signatures.
- Communicate with court personnel and file documents in compliance with court rules.
- Organize and schedule meetings, depositions, hearings, and client conferences.
Trial & Pre-trial Support:
- Assist with pre-trial motions and briefs
- Assist attorneys during trial preparation and proceedings, including organizing evidence and preparing witness testimony.
- Attend hearings and trials, taking notes and assisting in real-time.
- Prepare deposition summaries, case chronologies, and other critical case documents.
Docketing & Case Filing:
- Manage and track litigation deadlines, including motions, discovery, court dates, and filing deadlines.
- Ensure timely e-filing of documents with state and federal courts and monitor for responses.
- Utilize docketing software to ensure deadlines are met and alert attorneys of upcoming events and deadlines.
Court Filings: Prepare and file (or oversee process of filing) legal documents with state and federal courts, ensuring compliance with court rules and procedures.
Essential Skills & Qualifications:
- Litigation Experience: At least 5 years of experience as a litigation paralegal, with a strong focus on state and federal court procedures.
- Knowledge of Legal Procedures: In-depth understanding of litigation processes, rules of procedure, and local/state/federal court rules (Oregon and Washington a plus).
- Attention to Detail: Exceptional ability to manage large volumes of documents and meet strict deadlines with accuracy.
- Strong Organizational Skills: Ability to prioritize and organize multiple tasks efficiently.
- Excellent Communication Skills: Clear and professional communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Research and Analytical Skills: Ability to perform legal research and summarize findings effectively.
- Docketing & E-Filing: Familiarity with docketing systems and e-filing in both state and federal courts.
- Technology Proficiency: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook), SharePoint, OneDrive and legal research tools (LexisNexis).
- Confidentiality & Professionalism: Strong ethical standards, with the ability to handle sensitive information in a confidential manner.
Preferred Skills:
- Trial Experience: Experience assisting in trial preparation and attending trials.
- Paralegal Certification: Paralegal certification or a degree in Paralegal Studies, Legal Assistant, or related field preferred.
- Knowledge of Billing Software: Familiarity with billing and timekeeping systems.
Work Hours:
- Regular office hours are 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Hybrid/flex schedule available after 90 days based on achieving billable requirements and performance (eligibility will be evaluated on a 3-month rolling basis)
Compensation and Benefits:
The starting pay range for this position is between $80,000 to $90,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications. McKean Smith offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, 3 weeks of PTO, and a generous retirement plan contribution.
How You Will Thrive at McKean Smith:
At McKean Smith, we value collaboration, creativity, and professional growth. We foster a supportive and dynamic work environment where employees have the opportunity to learn, advance their careers, and contribute to the success of our litigation practice. Join us and take the next step in your paralegal career with a firm that invests in its people.
If you are a highly motivated, detail-oriented litigation paralegal looking for a new challenge, we invite you to apply and become a part of our growing team at McKean Smith!
Salary : $80,000 - $90,000
