Job Title: Family Law Paralegal
Job Responsibilities:
The Family Law Paralegal position entails providing comprehensive administrative and legal support to family law attorneys within a law firm. The role includes drafting necessary legal documents such as affidavits, complaints, and pleadings to prepare for the filing of lawsuits. The paralegal is responsible for preparing replies to counterclaims, serving and answering discovery, processing consumer disputes and complaints, and drafting legal memorandums. They are tasked with preparing requests for extensions of time and continuances, and they must communicate effectively with clients to gather responses to discovery requests.
The role involves summarizing discovery responses from opposing attorneys or defendants, working closely with attorneys on escalated matters, arbitrations, trial preparations, and witness requests. The paralegal assists in trial preparation by organizing and copying exhibits and compiling exhibit notebooks. They are responsible for recording and tracking legal deadlines through docketing and calendaring processes and negotiating and preparing settlement agreements.
The Family Law Paralegal ensures that case files are ready for hearings by reviewing case notes, drafting motions and orders, and properly labeling documents. They provide clients with case updates via email by regularly monitoring, updating, and reviewing account information. The paralegal screens telephone calls, incoming mail, and other correspondence from court personnel, sheriff deputies, local counsel, defendants, and opposing attorneys. Additionally, they are required to complete monthly online compliance training and testing and perform legal research as needed. Other related duties may be assigned by management or supervising attorneys.
Education and Experience Information:
The candidate for the Family Law Paralegal position should have over five years of experience in family law, specifically in North Carolina, with a strong knowledge of North Carolina family court rules. Prior family law experience is strongly preferred. An associate degree and/or Paralegal Certification for North Carolina is desired for this role. The candidate should possess intermediate to advanced skills in Microsoft Office products, including Word, Outlook, and Excel, and have experience using electronic filing systems.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
The candidate must have strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with experience in tracking and recording billable hours and related time entries. The ability to work effectively in a team and excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential. The candidate should have a strong ability to analyze and solve problems and be able to type at a speed of 50+ words per minute. A self-starter attitude with the ability to work independently and take appropriate initiative is crucial. Proficiency in drafting with strong attention to detail is required.
Salary Information:
The text does not provide specific salary information for the Family Law Paralegal position.
