Litigation Paralegal

Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP; Fort Lauderdale (FL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP in Ft. Lauderdale seeks a Litigation Paralegal with insurance defense and product liability experience. You will research law, investigate facts, and prepare documents for attorneys according to firm policies.

You will manage case files, draft discovery materials, e-file in State and Federal courts, and prepare deposition summaries. Strong legal research, writing, and organizational skills are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
• Three or more years of insurance defense and product liability litigation experience is required.
• Must have working knowledge of internet software; Excel, Word, Adobe Acrobat Pro, LexisNexis, PACER, Relativity, Sanction, TrialPad and E-Filing in State and Federal Courts.
• Written communication must be clear, with proper spelling and grammar, able to adjust writing style.
• Experience with trial preparation and exhibits preparation; familiarity with exhibit manipulation software such as Sanction/Trial Director/TrialPad and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of complex litigation, including medical malpractice, construction, products liability, etc.
• Excellent oral communication and ability to listen, ask questions, and seek clarification as needed.
• Problem solving: identify and resolve issues timely with analytical skills.
• Quality: accuracy and thoroughness; strive to improve quality.
• Analytical: synthesize complex information and research data.
• Design: attention to detail.
• Initiative: take independent actions and teamwork; offer help as needed.
• Dependability: follow instructions and extend hours when required.
• Teamwork: collaborate while balancing individual responsibilities.
• Interpersonal Skills: confidentiality and conflict resolution.
• Professionalism: accountability and follow-through.

Responsibilities

• Manage case files from inception to mediation/arbitration/trial.
• Perform e-Filing in State and Federal Courts.
• Prepare initial discovery materials (interrogatories, requests for production, requests for admissions).
• Draft responses to discovery.
• Monitor deadlines and timeliness.
• Prepare deposition summaries/abstracts.
• Prepare legal documents and trial binders for attorneys.
• Record billable time per client guidelines.
• Investigate facts as requested by attorneys.
• Ensure proper indexing and filing of original documents.
• Attend trials as necessary.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Time management

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Internet software

Excel

Microsoft Word

Adobe Acrobat Pro

LexisNexis

PACER

Relativity

Sanction

TrialPad

TrialDirector

PowerPoint

E-Filing (State & Fed)

Job description

Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP is a national law firm with over 500 attorneys across the United States. Founded in 1934 and headquartered in Chicago, we provide sophisticated legal counsel to clients in highly regulated industries, including insurance, financial services, healthcare, and professional services. We also offer strategic business and transactional advice to a wide range of for-profit and nonprofit organizations, including government agencies and educational institutions. Learn more at hinshawlaw.com.

Position Summary:

Our Ft. Lauderdale office is seeking a Litigation Paralegal with experience in insurance defense and product liability who will perform a variety of duties including researching law, investigating facts, and preparing documents for attorneys according to established policies and procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Continual review and management of case files from inception through mediation/arbitration/trial;
• Working knowledge and experience of e-Filing in both State and Federal Court systems;
• Prepare initial discovery, i.e., interrogatories, request for production, request for admissions;
• Prepare draft responses to discovery;
• Monitor deadlines for responses and timeliness;
• Prepare deposition summaries/abstracts;
• Prepare legal documents such as briefs, pleadings, factual chronologies, medical chronologies, agreements, depositions and/or trial binders for use by attorneys;
• Experience in recording/capturing billable time in compliance with client guidelines;
• Investigate facts as requested by attorney;
• Ensure proper indexing and filing of original legal documents; and
• Attend trial as necessary

Qualifications and Prior Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
• Three or more years of insurance defense and product liability litigation related experience is required.
• Computer Skills: Must have working knowledge of internet software; Excel spreadsheet software, Microsoft Word software, Adobe Acrobat Pro, LexisNexis, Pacer, Relativity, Sanction, TrialPad and E-Filing experience in both State and Federal Court systems.
• Written Communication: Writes clearly and informatively; edits work for spelling and grammar; varies writing style to meet needs; able to read and interpret written information.
• Experience with trial preparation and participation/attendance, including organization of witness materials and preparation of physical and electronic exhibits; experience with exhibit manipulation software such as Sanction/Trial Director/TrialPad, Relativity and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of complex litigation, medical malpractice, construction, products liability, etc.
• Oral Communication: Listens and obtains clarification when necessary; responds well to questions.
• Problem Solving: Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully.
• Quality: Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; looks for ways to improve and promote quality.
• Analytical: Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data.
• Design: Demonstrates attention to detail.
• Initiative: Takes independent actions and calculated risks; asks for and offers help when needed.
• Dependability: Follows instructions, responds to management direction; commits to additional hours of work when necessary to reach goals.
• Teamwork: Balances team and individual responsibilities; contributes to building a positive team spirit.
• Interpersonal Skills: Focuses on solving conflict; maintains confidentiality.
• Professionalism: Accepts responsibility for own actions; follows through on commitments.

Why Join Hinshaw?

At Hinshaw, we foster a collaborative and inclusive work culture. We offer competitive compensation, a flexible benefits program, and a generous 401(k) plan. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Joining our team means being part of a firm that values innovation and professional growth in its technology operations, all while maintaining a supportive environment that encourages work-life balance and career development.

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications

As an EEO/AA employer, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant’s age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran or disability status or any other factor prohibited by law.