Summary

 Performs highly complex and sensitive paralegal work at a high level of professionalism and expertise.  Performs broadly based, involved legal research studies, and prepares comprehensive interpretive reports with recommended solutions. Participates in research, investigations, and preparation for litigation and/or trial proceedings.  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each primary duty satisfactorily.

** A Paralegal’s responsibilities and duties may vary based on assignment, Company standards, etc. ** 

Essential Functions

• Carries out integrated legal, legislative, regulatory, and/or related factual research studies and projects on behalf of the Company or other attorneys, to include matters of the highest significance to the Company.
• Prepares interpretive reports based on research findings, and recommends appropriate solutions or actions.
• Provides assistance in interviewing and research for attorneys. Conducts interviews with witnesses to prepare them for testifying in court.
• Researches key Company policies and practices, both existing and proposed, in order to identify potential legal problems.
• Collaborates directly with senior administrators and managers to develop solutions and strategies.
• Makes recommendations for policy, procedure, or legislative changes, as appropriate, under the administrative direction of the Company attorney.
• Supports the Company in significant litigation and/or other trial-related matters, to include assistance with trial research, preparation, and presentation.
• Drafts pleadings and discovery responses, prepares affidavits, gathers and organizes evidence and other information, and drafts position statements or briefs for such proceedings.
• As assigned, works directly with external counsel on litigation cases, some of which may involve potential for significant liability or negative exposure to the Company.
• Participates in negotiations and discussions, and assists attorneys in the establishment and preparation of negotiated agreements and settlements with commercial, governmental, and administrative entities, employees and/or members of the general public, as assigned.
• Prepares and conducts or assists with training classes and workshops on various legal and/or related topics for internal staff.
• Compiles list of witnesses and submits for subpoenas to insure appropriate witnesses are present at next hearing. Contacts witnesses to insure attendance in court.
• Prepares and delivers presentations to the Company and general community.
• Provides leadership, training, and professional expertise to other paralegals, and/or provides direction and guidance to legal support staff on specific issues, as appropriate.
• Undertakes continuing education, and remains abreast of current legal issues and trends, as required to maintain appropriate national accreditation within the field.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

***This list is not exhaustive.  Employee is expected to carry out any other job-related activity as requested by supervisor. ***

Essential Job Qualifications

 The qualified person for this job is one who is capable of working under general supervision in order to conduct extensive legal research relating to complex problems and projects and to prepare memoranda and/or opinions containing recommended courses of action and/or solutions to legal issues.  He/She must use expertise in order to analyze information and in evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.  Being able to develop constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, while developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work are crucial factors.  In the case of a handicap, company MUST and WILL make reasonable accommodations to perform the essential functions of the job. 

 Education/Experience 

·        Bachelor's degree; National accreditation as a Certified Legal Assistant/Paralegal Specialist and at least 7 years of experience that is directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

·        Juris Doctorate or other relevant post-baccalaureate degree; at least 5 years of experience that is directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

·        Knowledge of federal, state and local statutes and ordinances, the common law, and administrative rules and regulations.

·        Advanced working knowledge of legal research principles, methods, techniques, and resources.

·        Ability to develop and present educational programs and/or workshops.

·        Ability to develop and maintain record keeping systems and procedures.

·        Knowledge of litigation and legal contract, agreement, and settlement procedures and documentation.

·        Knowledge of principles, procedures, and standards for drafting a range of complex legal documentation in area of expertise.

·        Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.

·        Knowledge of the judicial system and procedures.

·        Ability to effectively communicate complex legal information to senior executive staff.

·        Advanced verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present effectively to small and large groups.

·        Extensive writing skills, including the ability to prepare legal memoranda, opinions, legal documents, briefs, resolutions, ordinances and other legal correspondence.

·        Ability to provide operational guidance and leadership to technical staff in area of specialty.

·        Knowledge of current and emerging developments and trends within area of expertise.

·        Ability to use the computer to perform legal research and title searches.

Mental Effort  

·        Ability to analyze, interpret, and draw inferences from research findings, and prepare reports.

·        Strong investigative and problem resolution skills.

·        Ability to use independent judgment and to manage and impart confidential information.

·        Analytical and critical thinking skills sufficient to make decisions regarding daily work.

• Ability to quick think and make professional, wise decisions.
• Ability of multi-tasking.
• Organizational skills to work independently and meet deadlines in an atmosphere of frequent interruptions.

Physical Demand

·        No or very limited physical effort required.

·        No or very limited exposure to physical risk.

·        Normal ability to see and hear.

·        Normal sense of touch.

·        Normal physical agility. 

·        The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment 

• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
• Some field work may be required.
• Overtime may be required.
• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.