Paralegal

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Information organization. Timely maintains matter management and other management database. Responsible for initial case intake including master logs. Sets up and maintains paper and electronic files in accordance with department procedures and processes. Assembles documents and information for attorney reference and case preparation. Coordinates with in-house attorneys and outside counsel and their staff to maintain matter database, calendar entries and diary database with relevant developments.
• Conduct factual research from internal and external sources. Interacts/interviews all levels of personnel in various departments at KMC and other Kawasaki entities to obtain relevant information. Maintains knowledge of KMC’s organization and operating systems to access available data. Timely responds to requests for information, analysis, or documentation.
• Government Reporting/Compliance. Responsible for bi-annual Lemon Law reporting to the New Jersey Attorney General’s office. Support as needed with reporting as required by various government agencies, including NHTSA Tread Act, , MMSEA reporting and various state reporting laws. Assists Government Relations department with responding to government inquiries as necessary.
• Represents Kawasaki. Communicates with claimants, dealers, vendors with respect to the resolution of warranty matters. Includes disposition of units bought back as part of a settlement.
• Document preparation. Drafts releases/settlement agreements, affidavits and verifications. Drafts responses to claims including attorney general and lemon law complaints.
• Acts as a liaison among various internal departments as well as with outside entities. Promptly fulfills requests for staff counsel and others without follow up. Creates reports/analysis from matter management data and various data as requested.
• Witness preparation. Assists attorneys in preparing Kawasaki witnesses for depositions and trial testimony. Gathers and prepares documents relevant to the witness, organizes exhibits, digests transcripts, summarizes significant events or proceedings.
• Attends Trials. Organizes exhibits, files and all other supporting documents. Coordinates trial set-up and logistics, assists attorneys by performing various assigned tasks, including handling exhibits and marking documents referred to by counsel, and research. Assists in the preparation of witness testimony and serves as a liaison between trial attorneys and in-house staff in all aspects of trial.
• Event Data Recorder (EDR) Download Requests. Respond to external requests for EDR. Coordinate with outside entities and internal staff to obtain the Engine Control Unit (ECU), download data, and return unit.
• Maintains familiarity with Kawasaki products.
• If holding CA Notary Public commission, performs notarial tasks as requested by the company

Education and Experience:

High school diploma or general education degree (GED) is required; a Bachelor’s degree from a 4 year college is preferred and a minimum of 3 - 5 years related experience and/or training in a legal environment; or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. AMLaw 200 law firm experience preferred. A certificate of completion of a paralegal program approved by the American Bar Association or the equivalent level of education and law-related experience is also required.

Skills and Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, you must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The items listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Strong organizational skills.
• Works independently.
• Works in a team environment.
• Has strong communication skills.
• Works well under pressure.
• Has the ability to work on multiple cases simultaneously and multi-task with ease.
• Completes tasks under strict time constraints.
• Often self- initiated with inquiries and independent follow up with in-house counsel, outside counsel and Kawasaki personnel.
• Competently and consistently performs duties and responsibilities with minimum supervision.
• Has ability to make judgment calls when necessary.
• Exhibits independent decision making skills and responsibility.
• Has knowledge and experience working with Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe and email systems such as Lotus Notes or Outlook.
• Experience with data and electronic document management systems such as iManage is a plus.
• Records retention and data migration experience a plus.

Salary: $100,000 - $110,000

To support your health and wellness goals, Kawasaki provides a comprehensive benefits program dedicated to the well-being of our employees and their families.

What we offer:

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Medical, Dental, Vision and Pet insurance
• 401(k) match
• Life and Disability benefits
• Generous PTO policy
• Up to 12 paid company holidays
• Employee discounts on Kawasaki products
• Onsite fitness center
• Kawasaki Kafé

KMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with KMC is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.