Paralegal / Trial Support

SUMMARY: The purpose of this position is to provide a high level of support in preparing evidence and documents for trial, performing legal research, and providing administrative and technical support to the department.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Assist attorneys in all stages of litigation cases from onset through post-trial, which may include attending trials and hearings.
• Draft Motions, Orders, Notices, Certificate of Service, Answers and Jury Charges.
• Organize, review and retrieve information from documents obtained in discovery and hearing transcripts.
• Ensure that victims are provided information about court proceedings and given information to which they have a right; coordinate victims' appearances in trial; communicate with victims and law enforcement about cases when instructed to do so by prosecutors.
• Assist with compilation of statistical data.
• Prepare, organize, store, and retrieve case files, which may include evidence, exhibits, pleadings, exhibits, and other items.
• Create, edit, revise, format, redline and/or proofread documents from dictation, handwritten, typed and/or electronic copy, text, data and/or graphics.
• Assist with trial preparation, which consists of conducting legal research, ordering supplies, preparing files and materials for use in court appearances, assembling exhibits, and preparing Power Point presentations. Coordinate the preparation of charts, graphs, other courtroom visuals, and demonstrative information.
• Create discovery binders (electronic and/or hard copy).
• Maintain confidentiality while using problem-solving skills and independent decision-making.
• Utilize a variety of office equipment such as computer terminals, printers, scanners and copy equipment as well as standard office software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point.
• Facilitate video conversions.
• Schedule and facilitate Zoom and in-person meetings, depositions, and client calls, which may involve multiple parties.
• Assist with special projects and cooperate as a team member with other support staff in performing any duties essential to the achievement of efficient operations.
• Perform day-to-day IT needs in-house such as formatting documents, assisting with minor IT problems.
• Coordinate with IT for office software and hardware needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY/BUDGET RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position has no supervisory or budget responsibilities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Be able to think critically and perform legal research.
• Have knowledge of legal terminology and legal office practice and procedures.
• Be proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Have ability to multi-task, prioritize, work well as a team and work well under pressure and with short deadlines.
• Have strong administrative skills and be detail-oriented.
• Be comfortable working with various computer programs, databases, and systems.
• Be reliable, trustworthy, and able to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Be a positive, high-energy team player who is results-oriented - No Drama!
• Have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Have flexibility with schedule (overtime may be required while in trial) and excellent attendance.
• Have basic knowledge of litigation, basic understanding of the procedural rules including but not limited to Texas Rules of Criminal and Civil Procedure and related local rules.
• Have excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Have strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Have ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment with frequent interruptions.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• One-year experience in the legal field preferred.
• Paralegal certification, certificate or degree required.
• Proficient working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Trial experience, including exhibit preparation, witness preparation and management preferred.
• Proficiency with E-filing and litigation support applications such as Final Exhibits, Audiate, HandBrake, Camtasia, Relativity, Opus 2 and Adobe Acrobat.
• High School diploma or equivalent required.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Position is located in an office environment with little or no exposure to environmental conditions. Health and safety hazards are minimal. No protective equipment is required.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Must successfully complete a pre-employment drug screen.
• Must successfully complete a background investigation.