Civil Litigation Paralegal

Kightlinger & Gray, LLP; New Albany (IN); On-site; USD 38,572 - 45,460; Full time

Job summary

Kightlinger & Gray, LLP in New Albany seeks a Paralegal to support administrative functions and assist attorneys in various legal processes. The role offers hybrid and remote options and requires significant interaction with clients and legal documentation.

The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree or a paralegal certificate, strong communication skills, and experience in legal eFiling. The position pays between $28 to $33 per hour, with opportunities for overtime as needed.

Qualifications

• Experience in a similar role or professional services background.
• Strong understanding of state’s trial rules is beneficial.
• Attention to detail and customer service orientation required.

Responsibilities

• Assists attorneys with trials and hearings.
• Oversees discovery processes and document preparation.
• Conducts legal research and maintains client materials.
• Supports in-house litigation efforts and tracks statuses.
• Records time to meet billing requirements.

Skills

Legal system understanding

eFiling in courts

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Education

Bachelor’s degree or paralegal certificate

Job description

About this position

SUMMARY: This position serves to support Kightlinger & Gray LLP in the administrative functions assigned to the role. Hybrid and/or remote options available within proximity to the New Albany office location. Following established protocols and procedures, this position brings high value to the firm by performing a variety of duties under supervision. Paralegals are required to bill their time for work performed and meet firm-appointed annual billable goal. The Paralegal assists attorneys with management of client files, preparing documents, preparing for trial when necessary and will work directly with our clients, other attorneys, and insurance adjusters.

Responsibilities and Essential Duties

• Assists attorneys in preparing for trials, depositions, hearings, mediations, etc.
• Oversees third-party discovery processes including identification of pertinent providers, preparation of court-compliant request documents, ensures collection of key documentation, reviews and summarizes documents upon receipt.
• Takes proactive role in identifying, locating, and securing appropriate expert witness(es), collecting their credentials and fee schedules, and serving as liaison to coordinate the share of critical documentation.
• Performs investigative legal research using approved resources, including libraries and computer data systems.
• Stays abreast of litigation document management software (such as Relativity, etc.) sufficient to ensure all aspects of litigation discovery are effectively stored, labeled, and accessible.
• Drafts correspondence, discovery, and pleadings.
• Maintains and updates client materials and integrates new information into client files for future cases and discovery responses.
• Prepares presentations for use at client meetings, State and Federal Court hearings and for use at jury and bench trials.
• Summarizes medical records, depositions, and other records.
• Responsible for keeping clients abreast of cases via routine or ad hoc communication.
• Supports all in-house litigation efforts, including responsibility for tracking litigation status, maintaining accurate documentation, and periodic correspondence with outside counsel and status reporting.
• Generates and tracks firm’s litigation document holds.
• Assists with the monitoring and tracking of summons and complaints as received and routing them to the appropriate firm personnel.
• Assists with document production, including gathering and reviewing key documents, witnesses, etc.
• Diligently records time to meet established billing requirements.
• Flexibility to receive new attorney assignments on either a temporary or long-term basis.
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on an illuminated screen.
• Serve as attorney support for administration functions with the firm as it relates to marketing, HR, and accounting as needed.
• Operation of customary office equipment to include a computer, phone, messaging systems, copier, document management software, etc.
• Available during core business hours of Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm. Work in excess of 40 hours/week can sometimes be required to meet the business needs of the firm.
• Lift and handle physical files, boxes, and case evidence or exhibits (up-to 25 lbs).
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Basic-level understanding of legal system and administrative support functions associated with same.
• Experience eFiling in State and Federal courts strongly preferred or demonstrated acumen to quickly learn the process.
• A Bachelor’s degree, paralegal certificate, or sufficient experience in a similar role to gain usable working knowledge of the position, with preference given to those from a professional services background.
• Strong understanding of state’s trial rules would be a benefit in this role.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to successfully interact with all levels of the organization, clients, prospective clients, and vendors.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a strong sense of customer service to internal and external needs.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software.

Our Pledge

Kightlinger & Gray, LLP does not discriminate against any person in any matters related to employment on account of race, sex, gender, orientation, identity, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, veteran’s status or any other classification as protected by applicable laws. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees.
Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is our policy to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant, candidate, or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of the hiring process up-to and through employment. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our Director of Human Resources.

Salary Information

$28 - $33 Hourly Wage

This description is not a comprehensive listing of all responsibilities, activities, or duties required of the employee for this position. Responsibilities, duties or expected abilities may change at any time with or without notice to meet the ongoing needs of the firm.