Paralegal

Clayton law firm is seeking an experienced, detail-oriented, and motivated Family Law Paralegal to join their in Clayton, Missouri .This position is ideal for a legal professional who takes pride in producing accurate, high-quality work, enjoys collaborating with attorneys and colleagues, and understands the importance of providing compassionate and professional service to clients navigating challenging personal circumstances. The ideal candidate is organized, proactive, and dependable, with the ability to independently manage assigned responsibilities, anticipate case needs, and maintain consistent communication with attorneys and clients. They value individuals who take ownership of their work, demonstrate sound judgment, and contribute positively to a collaborative professional environment.

What You'll Do

Case Management and Legal Support

• Assist attorneys with all phases of family law matters, including dissolution of marriage, child custody, child support, maintenance, adoptions, guardianships and other domestic relations proceedings.
• Draft petitions, answers, motions, pleadings, and other legal documents for attorney review.
• Independently monitor assigned cases, manage deadlines, and proactively identify outstanding tasks and procedural requirements.
• Calculate and track routine procedural and discovery deadlines in accordance with applicable court rules and firm procedures.
• Monitor court dockets and electronically file documents through Missouri Case.net.
• Coordinate service of process and follow up on outstanding service requirements.

Discovery and Financial Documentation

• Prepare and organize discovery requests and responses.
• Review discovery materials for completeness and identify missing information.
• Organize and summarize financial records, including income, assets, liabilities, and expenses.
• Prepare financial statements, Mandatory Document Exchanges, property distribution worksheets, and Form 14 calculations.
• Request outstanding information and follow up with clients to en sure timely completion of discovery obligations.

Client Communication and Attorney Coordination

• Maintain professional, timely, and compassionate communication with clients regarding case status, procedural developments, and required information.
• Proactively communicate upcoming hearings, deadlines, and necessary client actions.
• Keep attorneys informed of significant case developments, outstanding tasks, and potential delays.
• Coordinate with court personnel and opposing counsel regarding routine administrative and scheduling matters.
• Manage competing assignments, clarify deadlines when necessary, and communicate workload concerns proactively.
• Collaborate with attorneys and colleagues to ensure assigned matters progress efficiently.

Hearing, Mediation, and Trial Preparation

• Prepare and organize exhibits, trial binders, witness lists, and supporting materials.
• Coordinate witnesses, experts, and other participants as necessary.
• Assist attorneys with preparation for hearings, mediations, depositions, settlement conferences, and trials.
• Attend proceedings when requested to provide litigation and logistical support.
• Maintain organized electronic case documents in accordance with established firm procedures.

Billing and Administrative Responsibilities

• Accurately record billable and nonbillable time in accordance with firm procedures.
• Enter time daily with clear, complete, and appropriate billing descriptions.
• Maintain productivity consistent with the firm's annual billable-hour expectations.  Participate in required firm meetings, training, and professional development.
• Maintain familiarity with applicable court rules, filing procedures, and changes affecting assigned matters.
• Assist with workload coverage for other paralegals when operational needs require.

They are looking for someone who combines strong technical paralegal skills with initiative, professionalism, and a commitment to delivering high-quality work.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Exceptional attention to detail, accuracy, and organization.
• Strong legal drafting, proofreading, and document preparation skills.
• The ability to independently manage multiple cases, assignments, and competing deadlines.
• A proactive approach to identifying outstanding work and anticipating case needs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Professionalism, discretion, and empathy when working with clients on sensitive matters.
• Accountability, reliability, and consistent follow-through.
• The ability to accept constructive feedback, take ownership of mistakes, and demonstrate continuous improvement.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the judgment to recognize when attorney guidance is necessary.
• Flexibility and a collaborative approach to supporting attorneys and colleagues.

Qualifications

• Required Minimum of three years of family law paralegal experience.
• Degree in Paralegal Studies, Legal Studies, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel, including working with financial spreadsheets.
• Experience with legal document drafting, proofreading, and preparation.
• Experience organizing discovery materials and reviewing financial documentation.
• Familiarity with electronic court filing procedures and Missouri Case.net.
• Experience using legal case management and document management systems.
• Strong organizational, communication, and time-management skills.

Preferred five or more years of family law paralegal experience.

• Experience working with Missouri family court procedures, discovery requirements, financial disclosures, and litigation preparation.