Paralegal

Stimpson & Associates P.C.; Tecumseh Township (MI); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Stimpson & Associates P.C. in the Ann Arbor region seeks an experienced paralegal to support our family law, estate planning, and probate practice.

You will draft briefs and pleadings, organize documents, perform legal research, and assist with trial preparation while coordinating with attorneys and clients. Requirements include a paralegal studies degree or ABA-approved certificate, at least five years of Michigan law office experience, and strong Word/Excel skills, plus excellent written and

Qualifications

• Paralegal Studies degree or ABA-approved certificate required.
• Minimum five years of Michigan law office experience preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel; strong organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Drafts and prepares legal documents including briefs and pleadings.
• Organizes and maintains documents in filing systems (paper/electronic).
• Conducts legal research and analyzes data for cases.
• Communicates with clients to obtain documents and discuss case questions.
• Assists with trial preparation and organizing exhibits.
• Updates case management system for content and timekeeping.

Skills

Communication skills

Time management

Team player

MS Word

MS Excel

Legal research

Education

Paralegal studies degree or ABA-approved certificate

Tools

Case management software

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Our experienced legal team has been serving clients in the greater Ann Arbor region (Washtenaw County and Lenawee County) for over a decade. Our primary practice area is family law (divorce, child custody), estate planning (trusts, wills, powers of attorney) and probate ( deceased estates, guardianship and adoption). Our team provides the necessary expertise so our clients and their families are protected and represented skillfully and with integrity.

Position Description:

The Paralegal is responsible for providing a variety of case administration duties including conducting legal research, preparation of legal documents and other legal support functions as well as administrative, legal research, and clerical functions in support of the daily operations of the firm.

Essential Job Functions:

• Drafts and prepares legal documents including briefs, pleadings, will, contracts, etc.
• Organizes and maintains documents in paper or electronic filing system.
• Conducts legal research, gathers and analyzes research data, investigates facts and law of cases and searches pertinent sources, such as public records and internet sources, to determine causes of action and to prepare cases.
• Client interaction to discover information and to discuss case specific questions.
• Assists with trial preparation by performing tasks such as organizing exhibits.
• Communicates in person, by phone, and/or email with clients and obtains documents or other discovery.
• Tracks the status of outstanding matters and meets legal firm deadlines.
• Updates case management system for content and time keeping/billing.
• Attends daily firm meetings.
• Provides general support to attorneys.
• Confers with court staff or others involved in legal processes to provide and/or clarify information.
• Coordinates legal schedules or activities.
• Assists office staff with answering phone and walk-ins as needed.
• Attends required meetings and training, participates in committees and takes minutes as requested.
• Completes special projects and performs other administrative support duties as needed.
• Works harmoniously and collaboratively with team members and clients.
• Works on strict deadlines which requires prompt attention to detail and reliable attendance.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education/Certification/Licensing/Experience Requirements:

• Paralegal Studies degree or Paralegal Certificate from ABA-approved program, required.
• Valid Driver's License
• Minimum five years of Michigan law office experience preferred.
• Reliable Transportation
• Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
• Sufficient knowledge of general business mathematics.
• Proficient in operating a standard desktop and Windows-based computer system, including but not limited to: Microsoft Word and Excel, Email, Internet and advanced computer navigation. Ability to use other software as required while performing the essential functions of the job.
• Excellent communication skills in both written and verbal forms.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment; courteous and friendly demeanor.
• Good organizational and time management skills to effectively juggle multiple priorities and time constraints.
• Ability to exercise sound judgement and problem-solving skills.
• Sufficient knowledge of legal terminology to perform responsibilities.
• Ability to travel to other office/practice sites and meeting and training locations.
• Regular, in-office attendance required as scheduled.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Sitting/standing at desk and on computer at least 90% of the time.
• Computer equipment (provided) and stable internet connection. High-quality camera, microphone and speaker.
• No unusual physical demands or environmental factors.

EEO Statement:

Stimpson & Associates provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. Further, the company takes action to ensure that applicants are treated fairly during employment without regard to any of these characteristics. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated.

This job description does not list all of the duties of the job. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned. This job description may be revised at any time. This job description is not a contract for employment and either the employee or the employer may terminate employment at any time, for any reason or no reason. This job description is not a contract for employment and either the employee or the employer may terminate employment at any time, for any reason or no reason.

This job description does not list all of the duties of the job. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned. This job description may be revised at any time. This job description is not a contract for employment and either the employee or the employer may terminate employment at any time, for any reason or no reason. This job description is not a contract for employment and either the employee or the employer may terminate employment at any time, for any reason or no reason.