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Paralegal/Legal Assistant
Career Insights for Paralegal / Legal Assistant
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Based on Massachusetts data
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What they do
A Paralegal or Legal Assistant assists attorneys and law offices with a variety of tasks ranging from administrative support to legal research and writing. Maintains and organizes files or file databases. Conducts legal or other background research, assists with preparation for trials or hearings, and drafts documents to be filed. Uses software for electronic discovery of materials such as email for a trial. May specialize in a particular area of the law such as corporate or criminal law, family law or real estate law.
$70,632 / year median in Massachusetts
+8% projected growth
Job Description
Supervisory Responsibilities:
- None.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Client management including scheduling appointments, managing attorney calendars, and drafting correspondence as well as other administrative tasks.
- Meets with attorney(s), clients via zoom and other professionals to discuss assigned cases or projects Bk petitions for filing and experience with ECF/pacer systems Drafts legal documents including routine pleadings and motions, affidavits, and interrogatories; files motions and pleadings according to judicial procedures.
- Prepares, organizes, stores, and retrieves case files, which may include evidence, exhibits, depositions, pleadings, exhibits, and other items.
- Manages case files, ensuring that summaries are properly prepared and updated, litigation files are properly and securely maintained, and records and documents needed for litigation are collected and organized.
- Assists attorneys with trial preparation.
- Develops and maintains records regarding billable hours spent on specific cases.
- Documents and verifies expenses.
- Maintains and updates law library or other repository of legal department books, material, and resources.
- Coordinates travel arrangements and reservations for attorneys and support staff.
- Ensures legal department files are maintained and destroyed in compliance with record retention policies and procedures.
- Serves as backup for office functions including answering, screening, and directing phone calls; managing mail; and printing or copying documents.
- Performs various other duties as necessary or assigned.
Required Skills/Abilities:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Understanding of legal language and principles, research methods, court pleadings and processes, and other related matters.
- Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality, and to exercise discretion and good judgment.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and Case Management (i.
Education and Experience:
- Associate degree in Paralegal Studies or related field preferred.
- Paralegal certificate required.
- Two years' work experience in a law firm with direct experience with civil litigation, employment and personal injury law matters.
Physical Requirements:
- Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.