Paralegal/Project Manager

Location: Wayzata, Minnesota (In-person)

Salary: Starting at $50,000 (with room for more based on experience)

Sanford, Pierson, Thone & Strean, PLC is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Paralegal to support our team of eight attorneys. Sanford, Pierson, Thone & Strean builds relationships, solves problems and identifies opportunities for entrepreneurs, closely held businesses, the owners and executives of those businesses, and individuals seeking legal counsel. As a Paralegal at our firm, you will support attorneys in various practice areas, including litigation, real estate, business law, and estate planning. Your contributions will play a critical role in ensuring the efficient operation of the firm and delivering excellent client service. The position requires excellent project management and communication skills – both verbal and written, a high degree of initiative and attention to detail, strong organizational skills, the ability to work well on a team and the ability to maintain the utmost confidentiality. 

The responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

·        Assist attorneys in case preparation and organization, and document drafting.

·        Prepare, organize, and maintain both physical and electronic case files and legal documents. Experience with MyCase Case Management Software is preferred.

·        Draft and file legal documents, including pleadings, motions, discovery responses, and settlement agreements. Experience with the Minnesota Electronic Filing System (eFS) is preferred.

·        Answer phones; attorney calendar and firm conference room management.

·        Communicate with clients, coordinate and schedule meetings and hearings.

·        Handle administrative tasks related to case management and deadlines.

·        Manage and oversee assigned files from open to close: analyzing, monitoring, and planning with attorney(s) regarding files and file-related tasks to ensure timely completion or delegation. 

·        Responsible for identifying scope of project (complexity, time and people resources).

·        Identify potential issues (resources, scheduling or other) that could impact the project.

·        Responsible for communicating with attorneys on a regular basis (at least two times per month) to confirm or update file needs (and associated due dates and assignment of tasks).

• Attend and participate in practice group meetings. Coordinate the scheduling of the meeting, and create agenda and minutes for assigned practice group.

·        Adhere to firm policies and practices and complete responsibilities in accordance with the firm’s employee handbook (including but not limited to maintaining the confidentiality of client identity and information) and project management practices, including file opening, data management, and file closure protocols.

• Think critically to identify and propose ways to implement new processes and procedures to improve existing operations
• Manage and/or work on administrative support or administrative tasks, processes or projects as needed. Availability for general administrative and clerical duties, including phone coverage, maintaining a clean and organized workplace and mailing and copying or related tasks as directed.

·        Record billable and non-billable time by entering slips in the firm’s billing software on a real-time basis. Time entries must include descriptions that are professional and include sufficient detail to identify the work performed for both billable and non-billable time. 

Qualifications:

·        Bachelor’s degree, paralegal certificate, or equivalent work experience in a legal setting.

·        Understanding of legal terminology, procedures, and document formatting.

·        Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

·        Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

·        Experience with e-filing in state and federal court.

·        Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.

·        Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a team of attorneys.

Benefits:

We provide our staff with a high quality of life in a caring, collaborative and congenial work environment. Half-days on Fridays between Memorial Day and Labor Day. In addition to tangible benefits (salary, retirement package with a match, competitive health insurance, eligibility for annual bonus based on profitability of firm, etc.), we are committed to developing our employees’ skills in a challenging but supportive environment. Salary commensurate with experience ($50,000 ).

How to Apply:

To be considered for this opportunity, please submit an application on LinkedIn or submit a cover letter and resume by email to: recruiting@ssmnlaw.com.