Paralegal

At Littler, we understand that workplace issues can’t wait. With access to more than 1,600 employment attorneys in 100 offices around the world, our clients don’t have to. We aim to go beyond best practices, creating solutions that help clients navigate a complex business world. What’s distinct about our approach? With deep experience and resources that are local, everywhere, we are fully focused on your business. With a diverse team of the brightest minds, we foster a culture that celebrates original thinking. And with powerful proprietary technology, we disrupt the status quo—delivering groundbreaking innovation that prepares employers not just for what’s happening today, but for what’s likely to happen tomorrow. For over 75 years, our firm has harnessed these strengths to offer fresh perspectives on each matter we advise, litigate, mediate, and negotiate. Because at Littler, we’re fueled by ingenuity and inspired by you.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

“Essential Functions” are primarily job duties that incumbents must be able to perform unassisted or with some reasonable accommodation made by the employer.

1. Initial review of case to assist attorneys’ evaluation of case. Draft case chronologies, “cast of characters”, answers and other pleadings; oversee receipt and intake of client documents.
2. Coordinate the written and documentary discovery process. Draft discovery requests and responses for attorney review, coordinate production of documentary responses, review sufficiency of written and documentary responses. Attend document production, interact with client to obtain pertinent documents.
3. Coordinate and handle deposition process. Coordinate and schedule lay and expert depositions, draft deposition outlines and select potential exhibits for attorney review, select relevant material for expert review, attend depositions, summarize transcripts. Prepare and serve subpoenas; arrange for court reporters/video technicians.
4. Coordinate creation of litigation support database. Coordinate the creation of database in-house or litigation support firms, coordinate receipt and transfer of documents for document imaging to perform deposition summaries, word searches and provide links to written and imaged databases.
5. Assist in factual investigations. Assist in or coordinate with investigators witnesses searches, interview clients, employees, or third party witnesses, conduct public records searches, review and summarize employment and medical records for attorney review.
6. Coordinate and assist in trial preparation. Coordinate compilation of trial binders, trial exhibits, demonstrative exhibits, coordinate arrangements for equipment and use of offsite trial facilities; assist with preparation of motions in limine, jury instructions, witness and exhibit lists; draft direct and cross examinations; assist with jury selection, operate trial preservation software, and attend trial.
7. Perform basic legal and medical research, utilizing library books, on line research tools and internet, cite checking and shepardizing.
8. File maintenance within Firm standard. Prepare files for storage or return to client.
9. Assist in the post-trial and appeal process by performing such tasks as polling jury members, drafting memoranda of costs, cite-checking Motions for JNOV and/or new trial and appellate briefs, and creating and coordinating the assembly of excerpts of record.
10. Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of the job.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

1. Must have a minimum of two years’ experience as a paralegal in a law firm or corporate law department and possess a solid understanding of litigation issues and process.

2. BA/BS degree or a certificate from an accredited paralegal program in addition to two years of experience in a law firm or corporate law environment.

3. Experience in coordinating all phases of case management for class actions and document intensive litigation using automated databases and automated document retrieval and imaging systems.
4. Familiarity with both Minnesota state and Federal courts, and court procedures.
5. Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, OneDrive, Relativity and other litigation support programs, and on-line research tools
6. Interpersonal skills necessary in order to communicate with a diverse group of attorneys, staff and clients and provide information with ordinary courtesy and tact while safeguarding confidentiality.
7. Ability to organize and prioritize numerous tasks and complete them under time constraints.
8. Ability to operate standard office equipment.
9. Workload occasionally requires more than regular work week hours to perform essential duties of the position; may require irregular hours.
10. Must be self motivated with the ability to work independently and as a team member.

WORKING CONDITIONS (Environment within which the work is performed):

1. Normal office environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, temperature and the like.

EMPLOYMENT WITH LITTLER MENDELSON: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the job and do not represent that all such duties will be performed by all individuals who hold the job. The list of duties is not exhaustive in that incumbents may be assigned other duties in addition to those shown. All employees of the firm are expected to:

• Promote positive work habits, including effective and timely communication, teamwork and respect for co-workers.
• Provide constructive guidance to other employees and representatives of third parties who do business with the firm.
• Comply with safe work practices, including the use of safe work procedures, maintenance of a safe working area, and the use of safety equipment.
• Contribute to providing the highest quality of products and services to clients.
• Understand and appropriately apply the firm’s practices and procedures.

SCOPE OF JOB DESCRIPTION AND MODIFICATIONS: This job description does not limit the tasks that an employee may reasonably be requested to perform. Substantive changes to this job description may be necessary to meet the changing business needs of the firm. Any substantive revisions to this job description require the approval of the Office Administrator. Notwithstanding this Position Description, all Littler Mendelson employees are at-will employees – each may resign at any time and for any reason, and the firm is free to terminate the employee at any time, with or without cause and with or without notice.