What are the responsibilities and job description for the Legal Assistant/Paralegal – Environmental Practice Group position at Preti Flaherty?
Legal Assistant/Paralegal – Environmental Practice Group
Preti Flaherty, one of New England’s largest law firms with offices in ME, NH, MA, and Washington, D.C., is seeking an experienced Paralegal to join the firm’s dynamic and growing Environmental practice group. This position is based in our newly renovated headquarters in downtown Portland, ME, and offers an engaging roster of work on behalf of Preti’s regional and national clients.
The ideal candidate will be proactive, organized, attentive to detail, and willing to learn. This position is an extraordinary paid learning opportunity for a talented recent college graduate to work on complex and very diverse environmental cases and issues, providing direct support to our attorneys, and working collaboratively with our dedicated team. The ideal candidate will be capable of reading, analyzing, interpreting, and summarizing legal and scientific documents, including case law and statutes. Familiarity with the legal system is helpful but not required. The candidate will learn a great deal on the job, and the opportunity will provide excellent experience and insight if interested in exploring a career as a lawyer.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Conduct legal research and factual investigation, with guidance, to assist in the preparation of legal documents and case analysis.
- Draft and prepare legal documents such as pleadings, briefs, motions, and discovery.
- Assist attorneys in the preparation for trials, hearings, depositions, and business transactions.
- Organize and manage files, documents, and exhibits.
- Utilize legal software for case management, document review, and docketing.
- Coordinate and schedule court dates, meetings, and appointments.
- Schedule meetings, make travel arrangements, and undertake regular administrative tasks such as scanning, copying, and preparing expense reports.
- Communicate effectively and professionally with clients, attorneys and court personnel
- Maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
- Monitor and prepare summaries of certain environmental proceedings.
Education and Experience Required
- Bachelor’s degree
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work both independently and cooperatively as part of a team
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically
- Ability to handle stressful situations and maintain composure in a fast-paced environment
