Civil Legal Assistant Job Summary:
A civil legal assistant supports lawyers and legal teams specializing in civil law matters. They assist with administrative tasks, document preparation, and case management to ensure the smooth operation of civil law proceedings. Responsibilities may include conducting legal research, drafting legal documents, organizing case files, scheduling appointments, and communicating with clients and court personnel. Civil legal assistants play a crucial role in facilitating the legal process, maintaining accurate records, and supporting attorneys in delivering high-quality legal services to clients involved in civil litigation or legal matters.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Case Management: Assist in the management of civil cases by organizing and maintaining case files, ensuring all relevant documents are filed correctly, and tracking important deadlines and court appearances.
- Legal Research: Conduct basic legal research under the supervision of attorneys, including locating statutes, regulations, and case law relevant to civil matters. Compile research findings into summaries for attorney review.
- Drafting Legal Documents: Prepare and format various legal documents used in civil proceedings, such as pleadings, motions, affidavits, and correspondence. Ensure accuracy and compliance with court rules and procedures.
- Discovery Assistance: Assist in the discovery process by organizing and indexing documents, drafting discovery requests and responses, and coordinating document production and review activities.
- Client Communication: Serve as a point of contact for clients, answering inquiries, scheduling appointments, and relaying messages between clients and attorneys. Maintain professional and courteous communication at all times.
- Court Filings and Proceedings: Prepare and file legal documents with courts and administrative agencies, either electronically or in person. Coordinate court appearances and assist attorneys during hearings, trials, and other proceedings as needed.
- Billing and Administrative Tasks: Assist with billing tasks, such as timekeeping and invoice preparation. Handle administrative duties such as expense reports, managing calendars, scheduling meetings, and arranging travel for attorneys.
- Document Management: Organize and maintain electronic and physical document repositories, ensuring documents are properly categorized, indexed, and archived for easy retrieval.
- Team Collaboration: Collaborate with attorneys, other legal assistants, paralegals, and support staff to ensure efficient case management and workflow coordination. Communicate effectively and contribute to a positive work environment.
- Compliance and Ethics: Adhere to ethical guidelines and confidentiality requirements applicable to the legal profession. Maintain the confidentiality of client information and sensitive legal matters.
- Continuous Learning: Stay informed about changes in civil procedure, court rules, and legal technology tools relevant to the practice area. Participate in training and professional development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge.
Skills/Abilities:
In addition to the listed tasks performed daily, a qualified candidate shall possess the following skills:
- Comprehensive understanding of civil law
- Excellent typing, proofreading, and organizational skills
- Self-motivated
- Detail-oriented
- Efficient, innovative and able to constantly improve procedures
- Able to multi-task
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel
- Able to handle a fast-paced environment
- Team player and leader
- Able to delegate tasks to other legal assistants
- Adaptable and open to change
- High level of honesty and integrity
- High level interpersonal and communication skills
Education and Qualifications:
- A professional degree in paralegal studies or related field or equivalent professional experience
Salary / Benefits Offered:
To ensure we hire the best possible candidates, we offer a competitive compensation package which includes the following:
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience
- Paid vacation / sick time
- Retirement with employer match
- Travel expenses and meal reimbursement
- Ability to work in a medium-sized office with a collegial atmosphere with opportunity for advancement
Job Type: Full-time
Physical Requirements:
- Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
- Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times
- Ability to type at a rate of 40 words per minute or greater
Pay: $35,000.00 - $45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Work from home
Application Question(s):
- Do you have a certificate in paralegal studies or an equivalent?
- How many years of civil practice do you have? What types of civil cases have you supported? What types of documents have you drafted (i.e., pleadings, discovery, correspondence, motions, etc.)?
Location:
Work Location: Remote