Litigation Paralegal

Focused on employment and labor law since 1958, Jackson Lewis P.C.’s 1,000+ attorneys located in major cities nationwide consistently identify and respond to new ways workplace law intersects business. We help employers develop proactive strategies, strong policies and business-oriented solutions to cultivate high-functioning workforces that are engaged and stable, and share our clients’ goals to emphasize belonging and respect for the contributions of every employee.

The Firm is ranked in the First Tier nationally in the category of Labor and Employment Litigation, as well as in both Employment Law and Labor Law on behalf of Management, in the U.S. News - Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms”. 

Job Summary

Our Orange County Office is seeking an experienced Litigation Paralegal to support attorneys handling complex civil litigation in state, federal and administrative venues.  This role requires strong organizational skills, the ability to manage multiple cases simultaneously, and experience in a law firm environment.

Essential Functions:

• Manage all aspects of civil litigation cases, including proactive tracking of case progress and strict attention to deadlines.
• Draft initial versions of a variety of pleadings for matters in federal, state, and administrative forums.
• Prepare initial discovery documents for federal, state, and administrative proceedings.
• Draft initial discovery requests to plaintiff. 
• Create detailed chronologies and timelines to highlight key events in case.
• Collaborate with attorneys and clients to gather materials necessary for discovery responses, motion practice, depositions, and other litigation tasks.
• Identify, organize and prepare documents for production, including applying Bates numbering, performing redactions, and maintaining production and privilege logs.
• Coordinate with the e-discovery team on large-scale document productions and use Relativity or similar software as needed.
• Assist in witness interviews and prepare concise interview summaries.
• Prepare deposition documents and subpoenas in compliance with state and federal requirements, monitor responses, coordinate third-party records production, and develop deposition outlines and summaries.
• Support trial and arbitration preparation, including organizing and managing trial exhibits, preparing initial drafts of witness and exhibit lists, and providing additional trial-related assistance as needed.
• Conduct cite-checking and Shepardizing as needed. 
• Perform legal research using tools such as Lexis and PACER as required.
• Conduct background, litigation and social media searches as required.   

Qualifications/Skills Required:

• Proficiency in the Windows environment, including Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.
• Solid understanding of state and federal rules of civil procedure. 
• Law firm experience in civil defense work; employment law background preferred.
• Familiarity with insurance carrier guidelines is a plus.
• Experience using timekeeping and billing software; knowledge of Intapp is a plus.
• Experience with document management systems required; familiarity with NetDocuments is a plus.
• Experience in e-discovery platforms including Relativity is a plus.
• Experience with trial/mediation/arbitration preparation, class actions, and wage and hour matters is a plus. 
• Proven track record of meeting billable hour targets.
• Demonstrated exceptional organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines simultaneously.
• Ability to apply confidentiality, sound judgment, professionalism, and strong teamwork skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively toward delivering outstanding client service.

Educational/Professional Requirements:

Compliance with California Business & Professions Code 6450 for paralegal practice in the state of CA.

• An ABA-approved paralegal certificate is highly preferred, but alternative educational qualifications that satisfy the above standards will also be considered.
• CLE credits must be current and compliant, or the candidate must demonstrate a willingness to become compliant as part of their employment agreement.
• A minimum of 5 years’ litigation defense experience in a law firm setting is required—preferably in employment law, though this is not mandatory.

For California, the expected hourly range for this position is between $40.00 and  $50.00 per hour.  The actual compensation will be determined based on experience and other factors permitted by law. 

This position is also eligible for annual bonuses.

Jackson Lewis offers a competitive benefits package that includes: Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance · 401(k) Retirement Plan · Flexible Spending and Health Savings Account · Firm-paid holidays, vacation and sick time · Employee assistance program and other firm benefits

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We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, marital status or any other characteristics protected by law.