Civil Paralegal

The Garza Law Firm’s Personal Injury Paralegal position is a member of the Firm’s Civil Division and is the primary support role for the Supervising Attorney. The Personal Injury Paralegal is responsible for supporting the Civil Division’s legal cases during all phases of the case. The Personal Injury Paralegal keeps the client’s needs at the forefront to ensure client satisfaction. This role’s priority is to work cases in a timely manner and ensure that the Supervising Attorney has the support necessary to resolve cases.

The Personal Injury Paralegal does not have the authority to practice law, give legal advice, or set strategy on a per-case/per-client basis (unless the person filling this position is an attorney-in-good-standing).  

Responsibilities

• Team Lead Support: Civil Paralegal provides work assistance, advice, and feedback to support staff to ensure clarity of direction and timely completion of work. Works with the Civil Operations Manager to inform training needs and/or handling of other managerial oversights.  
• Client Communication: Develop client relationships through effective listening skills that lead to anticipating and providing solutions to proactively meet the clients’ needs. 
• Case Development: Work alongside the Supervising Attorney to ensure movement and development of cases towards resolution in a timely manner.
• Filevine Task Flows: Regularly monitor Filevine Task Flows to see that case-related tasks are completed in a timely manner. 
• Litigation: Proactively monitor cases for upcoming Statute of Limitations dates and confirm the case has been filed to preserve the statute. Assist the Supervising Attorney with all steps throughout the litigation process. 
• Process Review: Civil Paralegal works through processes with the mindset of improvement. When they see an opportunity for process improvement, they should bring this to the attention of the Civil Operations Manager.
• Data Integrity: Civil Paralegal validates information provided within the case management software to ensure data is entered accurately. 

Work Experience

Required: 

• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a civil (personal injury) paralegal.  
• Proficient with Microsoft 365 Suite Applications, including but not limited to, Outlook, Word, and Teams.
• Experience in Customer Service via in-person and over the phone, while monitoring and diffusing escalated issues.
• Experience talking on the phone regularly and corresponding through email with a professional and confident tone.
• Must have a High School Diploma or Equivalent.

Preferred: 

• Successfully passed NALA’s Certified Paralegal Exam.
• Graduated from an ABA-approved Paralegal Program.
• Experience with Filevine and Lead Docket. 
• Secondary education, bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Success Traits

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills used in a professional setting.
• Professionally represents Garza Law Firm during all interactions with the public.
• Can handle large volumes of work in a high-paced work environment.
• Organizational Skills.
• Ensure Accountability: Takes responsibility for their work and the firm's performance. Owns commitments and shows a willingness to answer for their actions without being defensive or shifting blame. 
• Client Focus: Intentionally seeks to understand Client needs. Proactively identifies opportunities to serve or create a benefit to the Client. Looks to exceed Client expectations by creating delight. Establishes and maintains effective Client relationships.
• Situational Adaptability: Rebounds from setbacks vs. emotionally responding with drama. Is confident under pressure. Handles and manages change or crises effectively. Maintains a positive attitude despite adversity. Grows from hardships and negative experiences. Understands how to be effective with various audiences.
• Action Oriented: Readily takes action on challenges, without unnecessary delay. Identifies and seizes new opportunities. Displays a can-do attitude in good and bad times. Steps up to handle tough issues without avoidance or creating isolation for any party involved.