Paralegal

Company Description

Brown & James, P.C. is a Midwest regional law firm with more than 80 attorneys representing corporate clients in litigation, appeals, and insurance coverage matters. With offices across Missouri, Illinois, Kansas, and Arkansas, the firm regularly appears in state and federal courts and before administrative agencies throughout the region. Brown & James also serves national clients who rely on the firm’s strong Midwest reputation to handle their regional legal needs. As a member of the American Law Firm Association International (ALFA), the firm benefits from a global network of resources and professional support. Brown & James is consistently recognized as a leading trial firm, including “Winningest Defense Firm” honors and Tier 1 rankings in Best Law Firms by U.S. News – Best Lawyers since 2010.

Job Overview

The Paralegal provides substantive legal and administrative support to attorneys to ensure the efficient management of client matters from inception through resolution. This role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple cases and deadlines in a fast-paced legal environment. The Paralegal assists with legal research, document preparation, case management, and trial support while maintaining strict confidentiality and professional standards.

Responsibilities

Attorney & Case Support

• Assist attorneys with all phases of case preparation, including investigation, discovery, trial preparation, and case resolution
• Draft, review, and revise legal documents including pleadings, motions, discovery requests and responses, subpoenas, and correspondence
• Conduct legal research and summarize findings for attorney review
• Prepare case summaries, chronologies, and legal memoranda
• Coordinate attorney calendars for case-related deadlines, hearings, depositions, and meetings

Court & Filing Responsibilities

• Prepare and electronically file pleadings and other documents in state and federal courts
• Monitor court rules and ensure compliance with filing procedures and deadlines
• Coordinate service of process and maintain records of filings and confirmations
• Assist in preparing exhibits, witness files, and trial binders for hearings, mediations, and trial

Client & Case Management

• Maintain organized electronic and physical case files throughout the lifecycle of each matter
• Communicate professionally with clients, court personnel, and opposing counsel as directed by attorneys
• Assist with document collection, organization, and production during discovery
• Review and summarize records, depositions, and other case materials
• Maintain strict confidentiality of client and firm information

Administrative Support

• Track deadlines and maintain accurate case docketing
• Assist with scheduling depositions, mediations, and meetings
• Support billing and time entry processes as needed
• Assist attorneys with case-related administrative tasks and practice group support

Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Paralegal Studies, Legal Studies, or a related field preferred
• Paralegal certificate from an accredited program preferred
• 3 years of experience as a paralegal in a law firm or legal department
• Experience with litigation procedures and discovery processes
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel)
• Experience with legal research tools and document management systems

Skills & Competencies

• Strong legal research and analytical skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
• Exceptional attention to detail and proofreading skills
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Professional, client-service-oriented demeanor
• Sound judgment and discretion

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Profit-sharing program
• Fiscal year-end bonus eligibility upon reaching 1,500 billable hours
• Paid time off and firm holidays
• Opportunity for a hybrid work schedule following a successful initial in-office acclimation and training period

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Free parking
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Profit sharing
• Vision insurance
• Work from home