Legal Assistant Paralegal

Is This the Right Role for You?

Are you a hard-working and motivated legal assistant/paralegal or administrative assistant interested in building a career in the legal field? Are you a quick learner who enjoys gaining knowledge and experience on the job? Are you a kind, compassionate person who loves connecting with and serving clients? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven and collaborative environment? If you answered yes, then you may be a perfect fit as our next Legal Assistant!

Position Summary   

The Legal Assistant is responsible for supporting the legal department and all clients, as well as assisting their assigned attorney and specific clients. They ensure that the moving parts in each client’s case happen the right way and at the right time. The Legal Assistant is responsible for managing all aspects of each client’s case, from scheduling meetings and court appearances, to gathering and filing paperwork, to communicating important information to the client, attorney, staff members, and courts. This is a full time in-person position. Generally, they may work one day per week from home after 90 days of service, with manager approval.

Please apply, even if you don't have any legal experience - we'll train on the job! (https://reynoldsdefensefirm.bamboohr.com/careers/42?source=aWQ9MTk=)

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary contact for all assigned clients and establish and maintain an authentic relationship with each client
• Manage all phases of each client case, including prioritizing tasks related to each case
• Interpret legal documents and navigate the next steps
• Draft and review motions
• Gather information from clients, district attorneys, and courts in a timely manner
• Respond to all case-related inquiries, both internal and external, in a timely manner
• Use case management software (ActionStep) to record daily actions/communications for all cases
• Use Adobe Acrobat to edit and build documents
• Manage all calendaring and scheduling needs for clients and attorney
• Process E-filing Oregon for required clients
• Support other legal assistant’s caseloads during absences or times of high caseloads
• Performs other related duties as required and assigned

Legal Assistant II will have additional responsibilities

Qualifications

• High School diploma required
• Associate degree in Paralegal Studies or related field preferred, but not required
• Criminal defense experience preferred; bonus if you have previous DUI experience
• Working knowledge of and experience supporting one metro-area jurisdiction preferred (Clackamas, Multnomah, Washington)
• 1-5 years’ legal assistant experience preferred
• Basic understanding of legal language and principles, research methods, court pleadings and processes, and other related matters is helpful in this role
• Experience with a client-focused organization
• Experience with high-volume caseload/work output
• In lieu of previous experience, a Legal Operations Assistant position may be offered for a minimum of six months

Additional/higher requirements for Legal Assistant II 

Required Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of, or ability to learn and master understanding of, the criminal process for a DUII case
• Ability to succeed in a high-paced and at times stressful environment
• Ability to manage a fluctuating caseload (high volume w/ medium to heavy caseload)
• Excellent verbal and written business communication skills, and interpersonal skills
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to prioritize based on deadlines
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to multi-task
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, and to exercise discretion and good judgement
• Strong ability to work independently and as part of a team, supporting co-workers as needed
• Adaptable and easily able to pivot as needed
• Ability to learn and understand new concepts as related to legal documents and process
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat, and comfortable learning and using new software programs quickly