Litigation Paralegal / Legal Assistant

Location: Missoula, MT

Position Type: Full-Time

Compensation: $22.50/hour

Benefits: Note that this position does not currently offer health insurance.

Position Summary

Christian, Samson, Baskett, Phelan & Bell, PLLC is seeking a detail-oriented and organized Litigation Paralegal / Legal Assistant to join our team in Missoula. This role primarily supports a Litigation Partner, managing the day-to-day operations of active litigation files.

Additionally, this position serves as a "swing" role, providing spillover support to our Transactional/Business Attorney and acting as a backup to their paralegal. We are looking for a candidate who is either already tech-savvy or possesses a strong willingness to become an expert in legal software management.

Key Responsibilities

Litigation Support (Primary Focus)

• Discovery Management: Oversee the production of discovery, including gathering, organizing, redacting, and bates-stamping documents.
• Case Management: Maintain and organize client files, pleadings, and correspondence.
• Court Attendance: Assist the Litigation Partner during court events, including hearings, depositions, and trials (managing exhibits, note-taking, etc.).
• Scheduling: distinct management of the Partner’s calendar, including scheduling court deadlines, depositions, client meetings, and travel.
• Client Interface: Serve as a primary point of contact for litigation clients, handling updates and inquiries with professionalism and empathy.
• Correspondence: Review incoming mail and court notices; draft routine correspondence and pleadings.

Transactional & Administrative Support (Secondary Focus)

• Transactional Backup: Assist the Transactional/Business Attorney with document formatting, filing, and organization as needed to support the transactional team.
• Administrative Support: Provide backup coverage for answering phones and reception duties.

Qualifications & Skills

• Software Proficiency: Strong proficiency in Adobe Acrobat Pro and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) is required.

Note: Candidates with foundational skills who demonstrate a strong aptitude and willingness to become an expert user in these programs will be considered.

• Attention to Detail: Exceptional accuracy in proofreading, scheduling, and document management is essential.
• Organizational Skills: Ability to prioritize tasks across different areas of law (litigation vs. transactional) and meet strict deadlines.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills for interacting with clients, court staff, and attorneys.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.00 - $22.50 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Free parking
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person