Sr. Paralegal

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company; Hoover (AL); On-site; USD 63,000 - 116,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision

Life insurance

Disability coverage

Paid time off

Holidays

401(k) with company match

Pension plan

Business casual attire

Job summary

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company is seeking a Sr Paralegal for the Trial Division to support complex civil litigation. You will handle discovery, drafting motions, and coordinating with witnesses under attorney supervision.

The role requires four years of paralegal experience, strong communication, and proficiency with MS Office and case management software. Experience in general liability, subrogation or workers’ compensation is a plus.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate studies in business, insurance or related area preferred.
• Certification in paralegal studies preferred; equivalent experience may be substituted.
• Typically four years as a paralegal with proven performance.

Responsibilities

• Reviews office files and answers routine correspondence; conducts legal research and file management.
• Drafts interrogatories, discovery motions and orders for attorney review.
• Obtains, compiles and analyzes records for discovery and medical records review.
• Prepares experts/other witnesses and pre-trial/trial activities; coordinates with attorneys.
• Summarizes depositions and indexes material; drafts jury instructions and subpoenas.
• Coordinates interviews; meets with clients and witnesses to develop cases.
• Arranges medical and expert witnesses and coordinates their time.

Skills

Strong communication

Attention to detail

Analytical ability

Education

Undergraduate studies in business administration or related area

Paralegal studies certification preferred

4 years paralegal experience

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Case management software

Job description

If you're passionate about being part of a diverse organization that enables a Fortune 100 company with nearly $70 billion in annual sales to deliver innovative business solutions with excellence, then Nationwide's Legal team could be the place for you!

At Nationwide®, “on your side” goes beyond just words. Our customers are at the center of everything we do and we’re looking for associates who are passionate about delivering extraordinary care.

The qualified candidate for this position will handle all aspects (administrative and paralegal) of the case, including scheduling, mail, drafting discovery and medical chronologies, retaining experts, opening and closing files in addition to trial preparation and attendance. The qualified candidate will have experience handling files from start to finish. This is a mostly paperless office and the applicant must be proficient using Microsoft suite of products (Word, Excel, Power Point). The candidate must also be able to utilize case management software effectively to stay organized and expedite file handling. Proactive file handling and good communication skills are a must. Looking for candidate with General Liability experience. Subrogation and workers’ compensation experience a plus.

JOB SUMMARY

Performs a variety of complex legal related tasks with minimal supervision of a trial attorney or managing attorney. Assists in the preparation and trial of lawsuits by coordinating pre-trial proceedings, participating in discovery activities, drafting motions, pleadings, and subpoenas, obtaining witnesses and performing related duties. Ability to handle small matters with little to no oversight and/or direction and handle medium size matters with some oversight and direction. Skilled to mentor and train new paralegals within the office. Activities may be directed by Trial Attorney, Managing Attorney or Regional Attorney.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to Managing Attorney or Regional Attorney.

CORE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Reviews office files and answers routine correspondence. Conducts legal research, file management and case progression activities. Drafts correspondence to opposing attorneys, claims and clients with regard to related discovery matters, case status, motions, etc.
2. Drafts interrogatories and other discovery as well as complex pleadings, discovery motions and orders for attorney review and approval.
3. Obtains, compiles and analyzes records for discovery. Handles incoming discovery. Analyzes and responds to incoming discovery. Reviews and analyzes medical records.
4. Prepare experts/other witnesses and any other necessary pre-trial and/or trial activities.
5. Summarizes and/or indexes depositions, and on completion of discovery, summarizes and indexes all material.
6. Drafts jury instructions. Drafts and issues necessary subpoenas.
7. Contacts parties and witness(es) concerning trial dates and coordinates with the attorney their appearance and testimony.
8. Coordinates any necessary interviews; meet with clients and/or witnesses as necessary to ensure proper case development.
9. Arranges for necessary medical and expert witnesses and coordinates their time.
10. Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Education: Undergraduate studies in business administration, insurance or other related area preferred.
• Designations: Certification in paralegal studies preferred; equivalent experience may be substituted.
• Experience: Typically four years as a paralegal with proven performance.
• Knowledge: Operation, practices and procedures of a law office engaged in civil litigation. Filing procedures of relevant courts and administrative agencies. Demonstrated knowledge of legal research and dis positive motion practices. Demonstrated knowledge of ability to analyze and interpret medical reports.
• Skills/ Competencies: Strong verbal and written communication skills for contact with employees, attorneys, clients and customers. Ability to operate a personal computer and related legal and business software and data bases (i.e. Power point Pacer, Pacer, Lexis, etc.). Ability to design and maintain a filing system. Ability to effectively prioritize work. Analytical ability to independently research information and determine applicability of legal action.

JOB CONDITIONS

Overtime eligibility: Eligible (non exempt). Working Conditions: Professional law office environment. Occasional travel. ADA: The above statements cover what are generally believed to be principal and essential functions of this job. Specific circumstances may allow or require some associates assigned to the job to performs a somewhat different combination of duties. Credit Check: Due to the fiduciary account abilities of this job, a valid credit check and/or background which will be requires as part of the selection process.

BENEFITS

• medical/dental/vision
• life insurance
• short and long term disability coverage
• paid time off with newly hired associates receiving a minimum of 18 days paid time off each full calendar year pro-rated quarterly based on hire date
• nine paid holidays
• 8 hours of Lifetime paid time off
• 8 hours of Unity Day paid time off
• 401(k) with company match
• company-paid pension plan
• business casual attire
• and more

COMPENSATION

Nationwide pays on a geographic-specific salary structure and placement within the actual starting salary range for this position will be determined by a number of factors including the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; the scope, complexity and location of the role as well as the cost of labor in the market; and other conditions of employment. If a Sales job, Sales Incentives, based on performance goals are possible in addition to this range. Note on Compensation for Part-Time Roles: Please be aware that the salary ranges listed below reflect full-time compensation. Actual compensation may be prorated based on the number of hours worked relative to a full-time schedule.

The national salary range for Sr Paralegal - Trial Division : $62,500.00-$115,500.00

The expected starting salary range for Sr Paralegal - Trial Division : $62,500.00 - $93,500.00

EMPLOYMENT EQUALITY

Nationwide is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels challenged, appreciated, respected and engaged. Nationwide prohibits discrimination and harassment and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to any characteristic (or classification) protected by applicable law.

Nationwide is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels challenged, appreciated, respected and engaged. Nationwide prohibits discrimination and harassment and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to any characteristic (or classification) protected by applicable law.