Sommers Schwartz is seeking an experienced paralegal to work on our medical malpractice litigation team in the firm’s Southfield, Michigan, office.
In this regular, full-time, non-exempt position, the legal assistant will support our attorneys in their representation of clients at every stage of medical malpractice and personal injury litigation, including pre-suit investigations, discovery, pre-trial proceedings, trials, and appeals.
Job responsibilities include:
- Collecting pertinent information from prospective clients during phone interviews.
- Entering information into the firm’s matter intake software and contact databases.
- Working with attorneys and professional staff to evaluate legal claims, request and review critical records, and communicate with prospective clients throughout the intake process.
- Opening, organizing, and maintaining case files.
- Electronic filing in state and federal court.
- Downloading electronic court filings as they are filed.
- Calendaring cases and other deadlines as needed.
- Scheduling court reporters, attorney travel arrangements, and attorney meetings as needed.
- Drafting form retainer agreements, consent forms, and other documents and sending them to clients for signature.
- Preparing legal documents, including pleadings, motions, briefs, affidavits, discovery requests, case evaluation summaries, and demand letters, as directed by attorneys.
- Organizing and maintaining documents in paper and our electronic filing system.
- Inputting updates into our case management system.
- Meeting with clients and other professionals to discuss case details.
- Communicating with clients verbally and in writing.
- Working with attorneys, other paralegals, and professional staff.
- Assisting with trial preparation by organizing exhibits and performing other tasks.
- Paying invoices through the firm’s accounting department.
- Participating in firm activities, meetings, and events.
- Helping with other external marketing and administrative duties as needed.
Candidates should have these required experience and skills:
- Five or more years of litigation experience working on medical malpractice and personal injury cases in a law firm setting.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to empathize with emotional and distraught individuals seeking legal assistance.
- Solid organizational skills and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced litigation environment.
- Excellent people skills and the ability to solve problems and work quickly under stress.
- Team player with the ability to establish functional relationships with different personalities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Outlook, and Excel; knowledge of RightSignature, LawRuler, or similar intake and practice management software programs is preferred.
Business hours are 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, but additional work may be necessary. This is an office-based position, with the possibility of up to two remote workdays per week. A background check, in accordance with applicable employment laws, may be required. Sommers Schwartz is an equal opportunity employer.
Interested candidates are asked to submit a resumé and compensation requirements to Joe Bourgon (jbourgon@sommerspc.com).
