Assistant Paralegal, Litigation

Job Description Summary

Under general supervision, uses specialized knowledge and skills obtained through experience, specialized training, and certification to perform a variety of general litigation and regulatory support tasks, including assisting in organizing and analyzing documents and evidence and maintaining case files. May serve as a technical advisor to others. Guidance is provided to perform varied work that is somewhat difficult in nature, requiring some evaluation, originality, and ingenuity to make moderately complex decisions. Resolves or recommends solutions to complex problems. Regular contact with internal customers and external providers of legal services is required to identify, research and resolve problems.

Job Description

Responsibilities:

• Provide legal support services to attorneys and mentors in the form of basic case research and preparation of legal and business communications.

•  Draft standard legal and business communications in support of attorneys, prepare legal documents and other correspondence both with and without attorney supervision.

•  Perform basic legal research with LexisNexis, WestLaw, and fact gathering.

•  Maintain a library of pre-approved form documents, contract clauses, templates, and historical documents, and add or revise material as needed.

•  Prepare standard letters and reports and help create initial drafts of documents for review.

•  May assist with litigation and dispute resolution.

•  Gather, organize, summarize, index, and maintain documents from various sources.

•  Perform legal research and assist in preparation of presentation materials.

•  Provide general support to attorneys and assist with other related duties as required.

•  Maintain a library of preapproved documents, contracts and clauses, templates and historical documents and revise material as needed.

•  Create and maintain internal case databases, run searches on internal and external document databases and systems, cull relevant information from a variety of resources.

•  Reviews outside counsel and vendor invoices for discrepancies and approve for.

•  Assist in reviewing claims and preparing draft pleadings for review by legal counsel.

•  Gather, organize, summarize and index legal and supporting documentation for internal and external legal counsel.

•  Draft correspondence, discovery requests and responses, settlement agreements, motions, promissory notes, subpoenas, and other related documents.

•  Prepare and maintain trail notebooks and documents and may assist legal counsel at hearings and proceedings.

•  Research, compile information and assist in preparing responses to regulatory authorities.

•  Assist in obtaining witness statements.

•  Assist in reviewing outside counsel invoices and tracking actual expenses and comparing to budget.

•  Maintain the on-going status of cases in the case management system.

•  Assist other paralegals, as required.

•  Maintain currency in paralegal practices and methodologies.

•  Operate standard office equipment and uses required software applications.

•  Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Laws, legal codes, precedents, and government regulations.

•  Fundamental business practices and concepts that impact the success and profitability of the firm.

•  Intermediate level concepts, practices, and procedures of the paralegal profession.

•  Basic investment concepts, practices, and procedures used in the securities industry.

•  Principles of banking and finance and securities industry operations.

•  Financial markets and products.

Skill in:

• Reviewing claims and preparing draft pleadings.

•  Gathering, organizing, summarizing, and indexing legal and supporting documentation.

•  Preparing discovery requests and responses, settlement agreements, motions, promissory notes, subpoenas, and other related documents.

•  With general supervision, prepare and maintain trial notebooks.

•  Assisting legal counsel at hearings and proceedings.

•  Obtaining witness statements.

•  Maintaining information in an automated case management system.

•  Operating standard office equipment and using required software applications.

Ability to:

• Maintain confidential information.

•  To establish and maintain effective working relationships.

•  Attend mediations and final hearings as deemed necessary by your assigned attorney.

•  Maintain professional currency.

•  Use analytical and critical thinking skills in reading, interpreting, analyzing, and applying information from legal documentation and references.

•  Manage multiple tasks with changing priorities to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment with constant interruptions.

•  Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

•  Work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.

•  Handle stressful situations and provide a high level of customer service in a calm and professional manner.

•  Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others at all organizational levels.

Education/Previous Experience

• Associates Degree and a minimum of one (1) year of experience in a law firm or legal department in a financial planning, investment management, or other financial services environment.

•  OR ~

•  An equivalent combination of experience, education, and/or training approved by Human Resources.

Licenses/Certifications

• Paralegal certification is preferred.

Education

Associate's: Law

Work Experience

General Experience - 13 months to 3 years

Certifications

Certified Paralegal (CP) - National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)

Travel

Workstyle

Hybrid

The total compensation for this position includes base salary or wages, and may include components such as additional compensation (cash or equity), discretionary bonuses, or commissions. This position is eligible for a benefits package that may include medical, dental, and vision; life insurance; critical illness insurance and accident insurance; disability benefits; retirement savings; paid time off (including vacation, holidays, and sick leave); and parental leave.  Eligibility for benefits and specific offerings may vary based on position and employment status. To view more details of the benefits offered, visit Myrjbenefits.com.

 

 

At Raymond James our associates use five guiding behaviors (Develop, Collaborate, Decide, Deliver, Improve) to deliver on the firm's core values of client-first, integrity, independence and a conservative, long-term view. 

We expect our associates at all levels to:
•  Grow professionally and inspire others to do the same
•  Work with and through others to achieve desired outcomes
•  Make prompt, pragmatic choices and act with the client in mind
•  Take ownership and hold themselves and others accountable for delivering results that matter
•  Contribute to the continuous evolution of the firm

At Raymond James – as part of our people-first culture, we honor, value, and respect the uniqueness, experiences, and backgrounds of all of our Associates.  When associates bring their best authentic selves, our organization, clients, and communities thrive. The Company is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions on the basis of merit and business needs.