Legal Assistant - Litigation - Rapid Progression

Best in class Michigan law firm has an office in St. Joseph and we are seeking a litigation legal assistant to join our team. We offer an outstanding benefits package and a welcoming, cohesive work environment.

The successful candidate will assist attorneys in managing all facets of litigation including the discovery process, document collection and preservation, document review, document preparation and production, and maintaining the electronic case file. The work is specialized and requires knowledge of the preparation and processing requirements of legal documents, legal terminology, civil procedures and discovery, and the court system.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Compose a variety of correspondence and type a variety of legal documents (some of which may be dictated) for which knowledge of legal terminology, civil procedure and discovery is required.
• Open and maintain legal files according to accepted legal practices and Firm policy.
• Provide case management assistance and tracking of litigation.
• Format briefs, pleadings and other legal documents with a demonstrated ability to file legal documents both traditionally and by electronic filing.
• Maintain attorney calendar by planning and scheduling conferences, teleconferences, depositions, and travel; record and monitor court appearance dates, pleadings, and filing requirements; monitor evidence-gathering and discovery responses; stay current on changes in litigation requirements.
• Document and input attorney reimbursable expenses.
• Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the job classification.
• Maintain client confidence by keeping attorney/client information confidential.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Possess excellent written and verbal skills.
• Possess excellent proofreading, grammar and editing skills.
• Responsible, organized, detail-oriented and a problem solver.
• Knowledgeable regarding federal and state court filings (including e-filings); Able to generate TOC and TOA.
• Able to handle multiple tasks in timely manner.
• Comprehensive knowledge and experience with the following software programs preferred: Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint) and Adobe Professional. Knowledge of SurePoint and Concur also helpful.
• High production skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to interact professionally with all levels of employees.
• Ability to use good judgment to make decisions appropriate to level of responsibilities.
• Ability to learn new skills and systems quickly.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND/OR TRAINING:

• Minimum five years of litigation legal support.
• Paralegal Degree or Certificate preferred.