Paralegal

Are you an organized, proactive professional who thrives in a fast-paced legal environment? Do you take pride in being a trusted member of a collaborative team?

If so, Mokri Vanis & Jones, LLP may be the place for you.

 We are a growing, multi-office law firm built on teamwork, professionalism, and mutual respect. As we continue to expand, we are seeking talented Legal Secretaries who are looking for more than just a job  -  we are looking for individuals who want to build a long-term career with a firm that values hard work, communication, and professional development.    

The Paralegal is a critical member of the team who supports attorneys in their practice by assisting with all aspects of case management, including gathering, analyzing, and organizing information; drafting legal pleadings, discovery summaries and responses, motions, and other documents. The ideal candidate will have 2-3 years of litigation experience and must be extremely organized, self-motivated, accountable, independent, and reliable, with a professional demeanor, and be able to communicate and interact well with attorneys, management, and the rest of the legal support team. He/she must have excellent problem-solving, written and verbal communication, and multitasking skills.

What You'll Do: 

• Works collaboratively with assigned attorneys and support staff in preparing legal documentation and/or processing transactions.
• Interviews clients; locates and interviews expert witnesses.
• Review and summarize discovery.
• Drafts legal documents, including but not limited to discovery motions, summary judgment motions, appellate briefs, affidavits, memoranda, and letters. 
• Investigates factual information to respond to litigation discovery requests or other information inquiries.
• Performs legal research and analysis, both manually and on computers; compiles, analyzes, and summarizes data.
• Manages cases and files; organizes and maintains files.
• Performs factual and technical investigation and analysis of case issues.
• Assists in all phases of case preparation including discovery and trial.
• Prepares for and attends trials.
• Reviews and finalizes litigation budgets.
• Prepares jury instructions and trial binders; coordinates trial exhibits.
• Monitors legal fees, budgets, and project status.
• Provides general logistical help and supports the maintenance of legal files.
• Assists in development and implementation of office systems and procedures as needed.
• Assists with special projects as assigned.
• Demonstrates a high level of professionalism in dealing with confidential and sensitive issues.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management. 

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Why Work With Us? Our firm culture is about teamwork, support, good communication, a work/life balance and professional development opportunities. We offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance
• 401(k) + Employer Match
• Supplemental Insurance Options (LTD, Life, STD, Critical Illness, etc)
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Paid vacation
• Paid sick days
• Paid holidays
• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid

About You: 

• Dedicated, detail-oriented, and customer-service savvy interactions.
• Ability to interact effectively with a wide range of staff throughout the company.
• Aptitude in identifying and resolving issues in file resolution and litigation timeliness.
• Drafting and analytical skills to update and develop new operational procedures.
• Strong familiarity with civil procedure, including understanding motion content and court filings.
• Skill working with and driving attorneys.

  Your Qualifications:

• Two to three years related experience or equivalent.
• Certification from an ABA-approved paralegal training program or equivalent required; Bachelors’ degree (B.A.) in related field or equivalent preferred.
• Strong research skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent grammatical and spelling skills.
• Proficient on Outlook and Microsoft products. 
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills; able to manage priorities and workflow.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions
• Ability to deal effectively with a diversity of individuals at all organizational levels.
• Good judgement with the ability to make timely and sound decisions
• Creative, flexible, and innovative team player
• Ability to work independently and as a member of various teams and committees.
• Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm.
• Acute attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and organize projects.
• Ability to perform diversified clerical functions and basic accounting procedures.
• Ability to effectively communicate with people at all levels and from various backgrounds.
• Must be able to speak, read, write, and understand the primary language(s) used in the workplace.

  Skills & Competencies:

• Analytical--Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs work flows and procedures.
• Oral Communication--Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings. 
• Written Communication--Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
• Planning/Organizing--Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.
• Professionalism--Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments. 
• Attendance/Punctuality--Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time. 
• Dependability--Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.