Docketing Specialist/Paralegal

Phillips Lytle LLP; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Phillips Lytle LLP in Buffalo, NY is seeking a Docketing Specialist/Paralegal to manage litigation deadlines and assist attorneys with substantive paralegal work. The role requires direct docketing experience, familiarity with court rules, and the ability to deliver accurate, timely support in a fast-paced legal environment.

The ideal candidate will maintain calendars, prepare docket reports, perform legal research, draft documents, and collaborate with attorneys and staff to ensure excellent

Qualifications

• Two years of paralegal or docketing experience.
• Experience with court rules and deadlines.
• Paralegal certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain litigation dockets, including deadlines, hearings, filings, and other events.
• Review court orders and pleadings to ensure accurate calendaring and compliance with rules.
• Maintain litigation calendars, monitor deadlines, and prepare docket reports.

Skills

Docketing

Litigation support

Legal research

Time management

Attention to detail

Professional communication

Education

Associate’s degree in paralegal studies

Bachelor’s degree (preferred)

Tools

CompuLaw

Relativity

Microsoft Word

Outlook

Excel

Job description

Job Summary

The Docketing Specialist/Paralegal will be responsible for managing litigation deadlines and supporting attorneys with substantive paralegal work.

Job Summary

The Docketing Specialist/Paralegal will be responsible for managing litigation deadlines and supporting attorneys with substantive paralegal work. The ideal candidate will have direct experience managing litigation dockets and interpreting court rules, as well as the ability to provide high-quality paralegal support in a fast-paced legal environment. This position requires exceptional accuracy, sound judgment, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple matters and competing deadlines.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain litigation dockets, including calculating, tracking, and communicating court deadlines, hearings, filings, and other critical case events.
• Review court orders, pleadings, and legal documents to ensure accurate calendaring and compliance with applicable local, state, and federal court rules.
• Maintain litigation calendars, monitor upcoming deadlines, prepare docket reports, and serve as a resource to attorneys and legal staff regarding docketing and filing requirements.
• Provide substantive paralegal support through legal research, document drafting, discovery preparation, case management, and court filings.
• Organize and maintain case files, client records, and matter documentation while communicating professionally with clients, courts, government agencies, and other external parties.
• Collaborate with attorneys and legal support professionals to deliver high-quality client service, maintain confidentiality, improve processes, and support the firm's objectives.
• Uphold the firm’s reputation as the premier source for sophisticated legal counsel by delivering superior outcomes, service, and value to every client and matter.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Associate’s degree in paralegal studies, Legal Studies, or a related field required; bachelor’s degree preferred. Equivalent relevant education and experience may be considered.
• Paralegal certification is preferred.
• Minimum of two years of paralegal, litigation support, docketing, calendaring, case management, or comparable legal support experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing litigation deadlines and working with local, state, or federal court rules strongly preferred.
• Experience providing paralegal support within the relevant practice area preferred.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Strong knowledge of legal terminology, litigation procedures, court rules, deadline calculation, and filing requirements.
• Experience with docketing, calendaring, case management, or comparable legal technology; familiarity with CompuLaw, Relativity, or similar systems preferred.
• Exceptional attention to detail, accuracy, organization, and quality.
• Ability to prioritize assignments, manage competing deadlines, and respond appropriately to time-sensitive issues.
• Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work professionally and cooperatively with attorneys, clients, court personnel, and colleagues.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, take initiative, and contribute effectively as part of a team.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and consistently demonstrate integrity and professionalism.
• Flexibility, resilience, and the ability to adapt to changing priorities and business needs.