Litigation Paralegal Senior - Risk Finance

CHRISTUS Health; Irving (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

CHRISTUS Health is seeking a Senior Paralegal to support the Legal Department in handling medical malpractice and general liability litigation. The role interfaces with in-house counsel and outside counsel, ensuring timely discovery responses, witness coordination, and confidential handling of sensitive information.

Responsibilities include liaising with departments, overseeing responses to discovery, and contributing to risk management initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Paralegal certificate preferred.
• Ability to operate independently in a risk team environment.
• Excellent reading, writing, and editing skills.
• Excellent communication skills with all audience types.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving ability.
• Proficiency in Word, database management, and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Serves as primary contact for defense counsel discovery requests and coordinates witness interviews.
• Assist in reviewing and responding to discovery requests, motions or other pleadings for ongoing litigation.
• Communicate with outside counsel on a regular basis and coordinate witness interviews; locate and gather documents.
• Understand electronic medical record programs for acute care and ambulatory settings.
• Maintain confidentiality and discretion in handling litigation matters.
• Research legal issues and prepare concise summaries of findings; summarize factual data.
• Prepare and report status of work products to leadership as directed.
• Manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Skills

Independent operation

Communication skills

Reading/Writing/Editing

Critical thinking

Problem solving

Microsoft Word

Database management

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Paralegal Certificate preferred

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Database management

Job description

Summary

The Litigation Paralegal Senior supports the CHRISTUS Health Legal Department and their attorneys in connection with legal assertions, claims, and litigation. This position works in conjunction with and under the supervision of designated attorneys and has significant interaction with outside counsel and other Legal and Risk department personnel. This position serves as primary contact for all defense counsel discovery requests and will coordinate witness interviews for defense counsel or the CH legal department. This position will respond to legal inquiries as requested, oversee responses to discovery requests for healthcare liability and general liability claims, and ensure compliance with all deadlines as prescribed by the court system. The SLP will conduct legal research as needed, answer legal inquiries and collaborate with the CHRUSTUS Health Legal department as needed. The Senior Paralegal will maintain a high level of confidentiality with all matters concerning litigation, and take on other responsibilities as assigned. Must have the ability to exercise independent judgement as appropriate within the scope of assigned responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Meets expectations of the applicable OneCHRISTUS Competencies: Leader of Self, Leader of Others, or Leader of Leaders.
• Communicates with all departments of CHRISTUS Health, as well as hospitals and ambulatory clinics regarding in person and remote support for subpoena, pre-suit preparation, discovery, and claims/litigation management.
• Assist in reviewing and responding to discovery requests, motions or other pleadings as needed for ongoing litigation.
• Communicate with outside counsel on a regular basis, coordinate witness interviews, locate and gather documents and information as needed.
• Understanding of electronic medical record programs for acute care and ambulatory settings.
• Exhibit assertiveness with compassion; honesty and trustworthy without compromising hospital policies; flexible and task oriented.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion while educating to support legal matters.
• Research legal issues and prepare concise summaries of findings. Research and summarize factual and historical data.
• Prepare and report status of all work product to leadership as directed.
• Prepare and send concise and professional emails and correspondence in connection with responsibilities, with minimal need for editing.
• Manage multiple priorities simultaneously and consistently meet deadlines.
• Handle and maintain confidential information in an appropriate and professional manner.
• Actively participate in the department process improvement initiatives, including in the areas of risk management, claims handling, legal operations, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Maintains a positive attitude, even during periods of stress.
• Assumes responsibility for professional growth and development. Complies and adheres to all CHRISTUS Health Legal Department policies.
• Maintains positive attendance and communicates in advance any absence from work.
• Adheres to all patient and environmental safety policies and procedures.
• Other duties and assignments as deemed necessary by leadership.

Job Requirements

Education/Skills

• Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
• Paralegal Certificate from an accredited paralegal program is preferred.
• Ability to operate independently and participate in risk team environment.
• Excellent reading, writing, and editing skills.
• Excellent communication skills with all audience types.
• Must have excellent critical thinking and problem-solving ability.
• Proficiency in Word, database management, and Excel

Experience

• 10 years of relevant paralegal experience in an in-house law department or law firm, handling a significant caseload of medical malpractice matters and responsible for support in all phases of litigation required.
• Experience working with medical malpractice litigation, data management, legal research, and other electronic systems used in litigation.

Licenses, Registrations, or Certifications

• Paralegal Certificate from an accredited paralegal program is preferred.

In accordance with the CHRISTUS Health License, Certification and Registration Verification Policy, all Associates are required to obtain the required certifications for their respective positions within the designated time frame.

Work Schedule

5 Days - 8 Hours

Work Type

Full Time