Litigation Legal Assistant/Paralegal - Bilingual

Summary: A valuable part of the legal team, the Litigation Legal Assistant/Paralegal will work with the firm's partners and attorneys in performing many legal and administrative tasks through all phases of the litigation process. The duties of the Legal Assistant/Paralegal are essential to the quality of service that Brann Sullivan Trial Lawyers, PLLC commits to provide its clients. The Legal Assistant/Paralegal is often times the “right hand” of the attorney in making sure that all matters of each case are handled professionally.

Legal duties include client communication and support, maintaining files, preparing discovery sent to opposing party, assisting firm clients in responding to discovery sent to them by opposing counsel, assisting in depositions, witness preparation and research, preparing and handling exhibits, court filings, and closing out case documents. Administrative duties include preparing documents and correspondence, scheduling meetings, photocopying and scanning, and tracking financial transactions.

Essential Functions

· Maintains files including documents involving contact with insurance carrier(s), client, health care provider(s), employer(s) and state/local agencies

· Answers client questions and proactively keeps client updated on progress of case

· Obtains, reviews, organizes, and analyzes medical records. If appropriate, compiles medical notebook for each individual involved in action

· As necessary and appropriate, interviews medical provider personnel involved in patient care

· At the direction of attorneys, obtains, reviews, and organizes damage information; calculates damages (medical expenses, lost wages, household expenses, consortium claims, property damages); prepares, maintains, and updates damage summaries.

· Prepares settlement proposals, including assembling information on the history of plaintiff and the nature and impact of injuries and damages

· Develops information and acquires records for wrongful death, i.e., supporting evidence regarding sibling and/or child/parent economic claims

· As necessary and appropriate, arranges medical examinations for client or opposing parties

· Communicates with experts and provides copies of all relevant documentation regarding accident, product information, and/or medical care, including all summaries of same

· Serves as liaison with insurance adjusters, provides necessary information/ documentation to adjusters

· Files documents electronically.

· With direction from attorney, prepares demand letters

· Prepares settlement statements

Competencies

Technical knowledge and willingness to acquire new knowledge and skills

Ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines

Keen attention to detail

Strong interpersonal communication skills

Highly organized

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Flexibility

Collaboration

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment
This position operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, scanners, filing cabinets, and fax machines.

All Brann Sullivan employees are responsible for undertaking tasks assigned by the partners that are commensurate with each employee’s abilities and skill level. In the event that an employee feels that a requested task is outside their ability or skill level to execute, it is the responsibility of the employee to immediately notify the assigning attorney that they do not feel that they are able to adequately complete the task.

Physical Demands
This is largely a sedentary role; however, some filing is required. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time position. Usual days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with one-hour break for lunch, to be coordinated with other employees to assure uninterrupted phone and front desk coverage.

Travel
No out-of-town travel is expected for this position. Occasional local travel may be required.

Required Education and Experience
Demonstrated experience working as a legal assistant or paralegal in a litigation practice

Preferred Education and Experience
Bachelor’s Degree or Associates Degree

Minimum of 3 years demonstrated experience working in a personal injury litigation practice

Knowledge of and experience using client case management systems. 

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

Bilingual fluency (written and spoken) in Spanish required

Paralegal certification valued, but not required

Experience using Filevine system valued, but not required