Legal Assistant

Taylor, Olson, Adkins, Sralla & Elam, L.L.P.

Legal Assistant

Position Summary and Qualifications:

Mid-size Fort Worth law firm specializing in municipal law looking for a full-time Legal Assistant with litigation skills. This position is part of the TOASE Legal Support Team. In that role, the Legal Assistant will assist with the preparation of ordinances, resolutions, contracts, releases, indemnification agreements, and other documents related to the Firm providing legal services to municipal and other governmental clients. This role will also require strong litigation skills. This position requires a good work ethic, exceptional organizational skills with ability to manage multiple cases simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and meeting all deadlines. Strong proofreading, writing, and formatting skills. Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and take ownership of assigned cases with minimal supervision. Must have strong written and verbal communication skills. Must have a high degree of professionalism.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Communication and Coordination - Including but not Limited to:

• Manage emails, calendars, contact information, and similar communication activities utilizing systems such as Microsoft Outlook.
• Manage phone calls, voicemail messages, and conference calls.
•  Manage litigation cases through full litigation lifecycle.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with opposing counsel, court administrators, insurance adjusters, witnesses, experts, and court reporters.
• Work closely with attorneys to develop and execute case strategy.
• Coordinate with other paralegals, team members, and support staff.
• Determine and calendar answer, discovery, motion, trial, and appellate deadlines.
• Prepare timelines, medical chronologies, and deposition summaries as requested by attorneys.
• Handle state and federal e-filing and service.
• Research Court Local Rules, both state and federal.
• Research Rules of Civil Procedure, both state and federal.
• Research Rules of Appellate Procedure, both state and federal.

Discovery and Litigation:

• Conduct citation and fact checking, including retrieving cases and documentation from: Lexis Nexis, Pacer, Texas Secretary of State, Public Utility Commission, EEOC, and other research as needed.
• Draft pleadings, written discovery, privilege logs, scheduling orders, motions, and appellate briefs.
• Proofread, revise, and format legal documents.
• Coordinate and schedule depositions, mediations, and witness preparation.
• Compile, organize, and assemble documents for production and as exhibits.
• Prepare Firm trial docket.
• Assist in hearing preparation, prepare hearing notebooks, and attend hearings as necessary.
• Assist in all aspects of mediation preparation.

Trial Preparation and Trial Support:

• Prepare trial notebooks.
• Organize and prepare all trial exhibits and appropriate exhibit notebooks.
• Coordinate with experts, fact witnesses, and clients in preparation for trial.
• Organize and prepare witness notebooks.
• Prepare trial subpoenas.
• Attend and assist attorneys during trial.

Competencies:

Adaptability

• Adapt to change (expected and unexpected) and balance competing demands in a fast-paced environment.

Diligence

• Monitor multiple projects and take ownership of work product for accuracy.
• Apply organizational strategies to ensure projects are appropriately prioritized and resources are used effectively and efficiently.
• Take direction from mentors and team members.

Effective Communication (Written and Verbal)

• Communicate clearly and coherently, whether one-on-one or in small groups with coworkers and/or
• Read and comprehend information and instructions.
• Adapt communication style to suit particular situations and audience needs.
• Draft, proofread, and format various types of documents for grammar, clarity, and appearance.

Technology Skills:

Proficient in Microsoft Suite, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, Adobe, E-Filing, and other office equipment.

Work Hours:

Usual work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. with a one-hour lunch. Overtime work may be required from time to time.