What are the responsibilities and job description for the Paralegal position at Steptoe & Johnson PLLC?
POSITION SUMMARY :
A Paralegal assists with substantive legal work for which an attorney is responsible, and the day-to-day needs of the attorney(s) he / she is assigned to.
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS :
REPORTS TO : Attorney(s) he / she is assigned to, Practice Group Leader, and the Department Chair for matters regarding legal work. Paralegals also report to the Office Manager for administrative matters.
SUPERVISES : No supervisory responsibilities
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :
- 1. Maintain annual billable hour goal of 1,440 hours (all full time paralegals).
- 2. Track and maintain own hours, both billable and non-billable.
- 3. Communicate with attorney, understand and assist in positive support of client relationships, proactively assist in anticipating need to update client, and responding to client requests for status updates, to take instructions, obtain information, report on status of matters and otherwise support legal actions.
- 4. Work with attorneys to draft and prepare all documentation required for various types of transactions as assigned.
- 5. In some instances, responsible for clerical work in preparing documents.
- 6. Work with STEM Team to create / generate searches for significant electronic documents
- 7. Be familiar with locating and obtaining State and Federal Court and Arbitration Tribunal records, rules, and monitor same for and download filed documents, and assist attorneys to remain current on latest developments or actions required.
- 8. Develop and maintain knowledge of statutes, court decisions and customs and assist with research and drafting memoranda of research results of same relating to legal procedures and practices in appropriate areas of law including filing procedures in all required states.
9. Prepare and oversee status checklists case status reports, legal costs estimates or summaries.
10. Assist attorneys in the preparation of filings pertaining to the specific areas of law.
11. Request and gather copies of documents from various sources as necessary.
12. Conduct investigations as necessary.
13. Other duties and projects as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED :
PREFERRED :
Prior law firm experience. Detail oriented and strong attention to detail; exercise good judgment; able to work independently and cooperatively in a team environment; able to prioritize and work under a tight schedule; able to travel, as needed, based upon client demands; Able to be consistently present in the office during normal working hours and able to work overtime, as needed, as needed, to meet deadlines. Able to take appropriate initiative without waiting to be asked or directed to do so. Able to anticipate need for action and assist attorney to stay current on multiple matter. Able to multi-task. Accept ownership of work and resolve errors promptly.
WORKING CONDITIONS :
PHYSICAL EFFORT : Lifting up to 40 lbs., some stretching and reaching, ability to work under stress and time restrains, walking and climbing stairs, sitting long periods.
WORK ENVIRONMENT : Indoor office environment with extended periods of time working on a PC. On occasion must be able to work more than 40 hours per week.
JOB STATUS : This is a full time, nonexempt, 37.5 hours per week position.
The above primary job duties and responsibilities describe the level and nature of work performed by the employee(s) assigned to this job. The description should not be construed as an exhaustive listing of all job duties and responsibilities performed by this job .
