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 paralegal 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 medical records, and communicate with prospective clients throughout the intake process.
- Investigating the facts surrounding the medical care and treatment rendered in medical malpractice cases, including birth injury claims.
- Preparing legal documents, including pleadings, motions, briefs, affidavits, notices of intent, discovery requests, case evaluation summaries, and demand letters.
- Researching the law and medicine associated with each case.
- Organizing and maintaining documents in paper and our electronic filing system.
- Inputting updates into our case management system.
- Analyzing and summarizing medical records, deposition transcripts, answers to interrogatories, and other material.
- Meeting with clients and other professionals to discuss details of the case.
- Communicating with clients and their families.
- Working with attorneys, other paralegals, and professional staff.
- Interviewing medical experts and witnesses.
- Attending federal and state court proceedings with attorneys.
- Preparing for trial by organizing exhibits and performing other tasks.
- Participating in firm activities, meetings, and events.
- Assist with other external marketing and administrative duties as needed.
Candidates should possess the required experience and skills:
- Paralegal or legal assistant certification from an accredited program.
- Five or more years of experience working on medical malpractice cases in a law firm setting. Experience with birth injury cases is a plus.
- Superior writing skills and competency in legal and medical literature research.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to empathize with emotional and distraught individuals seeking legal assistance.
- Familiarity with medical terminology, notations, and records; anatomical drawings; laboratory tests; medications; and the ability to explain or illustrate diagnoses of medical conditions.
- Solid organizational skills and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced litigation environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Outlook, and Excel; knowledge of Needles CMS, 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 in our Southfield, Michigan office, with 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 should submit a resumé and compensation requirements to Joseph H. Bourgon at jbourgon@sommerspc.com.
