Paralegal

Edwards Estate & Elder Law; Watchung (NJ); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A legal firm based in Watchung, New Jersey, is seeking a Paralegal to handle administrative functions and provide essential support to attorneys. Key responsibilities include maintaining office files, preparing legal documents, conducting research, and assisting with trial preparation. Candidates should have an Associate degree in Paralegal Studies with strong communication and organizational skills. Experience in Estate Planning & Elder Care is preferred. This position requires confidentiality and proficiency in legal software such as CLIO.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Paralegal Studies or related field required.
• Three years of Estate Planning & Elder Care related experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee general administrative functions within the Legal Department.
• Provide clerical and research support services.
• Maintain office files and implement efficient file access systems.
• Draft legal documents and assist attorneys with trial preparation.

Skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Understanding of legal language and principles

Ability to maintain confidentiality

Proficient with CLIO Grow and CLIO Manage

Excellent organizational skills

Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite

Education

Associate degree in Paralegal Studies or related field

Paralegal certificate

Tools

CLIO Grow

CLIO Manage

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Law Firm Paralegal Job Description

Job Summary:

This is a role with dual responsibility: The employee will oversee the general administrative functions within the Legal Department and activities of the office while assisting attorney(s) in the Firm by providing clerical and research support services including document preparation and review; interviewing clients, prospects, and witnesses; research, investigations, and fact-checking; and trial preparation.

Reports To:

This position reports directly to the Senior Paralegal with a dotted line to the Managing Member/Founder.

Administrative Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provides clerical support when needed to assist clerical staff with assigned administrative duties such as answering phones, sorting and distributing mail, and preparing documents.
• Mails out legal correspondence to the courts, surrogate offices, clients, opposing counsel, etc.
• Create and maintain internal forms and policies & procedures.
• Maintains office files; implements an efficient system for other staff to access files and records.
• Meets with attorneys, clients, and other professionals to discuss assigned cases or projects.
• Drafts legal documents including routine pleadings and motions, affidavits, and interrogatories, files motions and pleadings according to judicial procedures.
• Researches and analyzes statutes, regulations, legal articles, judicial decisions, and other legal sources; provides written analysis to attorneys.
• Interviews clients and witnesses and prepares summaries of their statements.
• Prepares, organizes, stores, and retrieves case files, which could include evidence, exhibits, depositions, pleadings, exhibits, and other items.
• Assists attorneys with trial preparation, which may include attending trials and hearings.
• Develop and maintain records regarding billable hours spent on specific cases.
• Regularly attends network meetings set forth by Firm leaders.
• Expected to help generate revenue for the Firm through network meetings and other events.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Educational & Experience:

• Associate degree in Paralegal Studies or related field required; bachelor's degree in paralegal studies or related field preferred.
• Paralegal certificate preferred.
• Three (3) years of Estate Planning & Elder Care related experience preferred or Five (5) years as a Senior Paralegal.
• Notary Public Required.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be able to write legal briefs and complete legal documents to/for clients and associated municipalities.
• Understanding of legal language and principles, research methods, court pleadings and processes, and other related matters.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, and to exercise discretion and good judgment.
• Proficient with CLIO Grow and CLIO Manage matter software.

• Ability to type at least 50 words per minute.
• Extensive knowledge of office management procedures.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Walking for sporadic periods within the office.
• Go up and down stairs to retrieve and/or deliver mail.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.