Job Description

Performing paralegal tasks primarily in support of claims attorneys, while working independently and exercising good judgment and discretion. These tasks involve a full array of projects in support of claims, litigation, investigations, and other contested matters.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Interface with claims attorneys and outside litigation counsel, as well as client representatives, to support the discovery, data request, and records disclosure process.
• Gather, sort, and organize voluminous documents and data; create and maintain records repositories for various legal documents evidencing claims, defenses, and other legal positions.
• Create and maintain filing systems (paper and electronic) for the Office of Legal Affairs and receive and/or forward documents and dates to various departments as needed.
• Maintain charts of subpoenas and document discovery requests, and copies of same, as well as assist in gathering and responding to discovery requests and subpoenas.
• Prepare legal documents as directed by attorneys in the Office of Legal Affairs.
• Create, review, and use templates and other time-saving forms and letters from existing and completed work products.
• Draft correspondence and routine legal documents.
• Perform legal and factual research.
• Identify ways to improve office processes.
• Remain abreast of existing and emerging technologies, processes, products, services, and leading industry performance benchmarks.
• Work effectively as a team member, embracing and fostering the University\xe2\x80\x99s mission.
• Complete other duties, as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None.

QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS

Experience Required:

• Associate or Bachelor\xe2\x80\x99s Degree or Paralegal Certificate.

• At least 5 years of relevant experience as a paralegal in a mid-size or large law firm or sophisticated in-house legal department handling litigation claims, investigations, and/or contested matters.
• Proficient with Windows, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and video conferencing technologies.

Preferred:

• Project management skills and/or experience a plus.

Personal Required:

• Agree with the Christian values and mission of the University.
• Self-motivated with a strong work ethic.
• Honest, organized, and loyal.
• Ability to multitask on several assignments.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a positive personality.
• Willingness to learn.
• Successful completion of an acceptable background check.

ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB

Communication and Comprehension

• A professional demeanor.
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing to convey clear, well-articulated information.
• Ability to understand, speak, and write English in order to convey messages and correspond in an articulate and professional manner.
• Shows initiative; proactive.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work well collaboratively with team of attorneys, other paralegals, and office staff.
• Discretion and the ability to maintain confidences.

Problem Solving

• Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Solutions-oriented.

Physical and Sensory Abilities

• Occasionally required to travel locally and within the University campus.

• Frequently required to sit for extended periods to perform deskwork or type on a keyboard.
• Regularly required to hear, understand, and speak in order to effectively communicate orally.
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, and climb stairs to move about the University campus.
• Handle materials, reach overhead, kneel, or stoop in order to conduct business.
• Regularly lift 10 or fewer pounds.
• Willingness and ability to accurately follow directions.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work Environment

The working environment in which one will typically perform the essential functions of this position is a climate-controlled office setting. It is well lighted, and the noise level is moderate. The work hours are during University office hours of 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.

Driving Requirements

Use of one\xe2\x80\x99s personal vehicle (or University vehicles) is required for travel in the performance of the essential functions of this position. Proof of a valid Virginia driver\xe2\x80\x99s license, an acceptable DMV record, and liability insurance is required.