What are the responsibilities and job description for the Litigation Paralegal position at Vernis & Bowling?
Vernis & Bowling is seeking an experienced Litigation Paralegal to join our civil litigation defense team in Jackson, Mississippi. This is a substantive role focused on heavy discovery and trial preparation, requiring a candidate who can manage a defense docket with minimal supervision.
Core Responsibilities:
- Draft, prepare, and review substantive legal documents, including pleadings, motions for summary judgment, appellate briefs, and complex discovery materials.
- Manage the complete discovery lifecycle, including drafting interrogatories, organizing exhibits, and preparing responses to subpoenas.
- Synthesize and summarize voluminous medical records, deposition transcripts, and court files for attorney review.
- Conduct targeted legal research utilizing statutes, judicial decisions, and public records to support motion practice and trial strategy.
- Serve as the primary liaison coordinating case logistics and strategy with experts, fact witnesses, clients, and opposing counsel.
- Drive trial preparation by assembling trial notebooks, managing digital exhibits, and coordinating trial data.
Requirements:
- Minimum 3–5 years of dedicated paralegal experience specifically in General Liability or civil defense.
- Comprehensive knowledge of the Mississippi Rules of Civil Procedure and local court filing protocols.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel), Adobe Acrobat Pro, and modern law practice management/e-discovery platforms.
- Proven ability to synthesize complex case data and maintain organization in a high-volume litigation environment.
Firm Benefits & Environment
- Compensation & Wellness: Employer-contributed health insurance, a suite of optional elective coverages, a 401(k) retirement plan, and a generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy.
- On-Site Advantage: Operating 100% on-site in our Jackson office ensures seamless, real-time collaboration with managing attorneys. It eliminates the friction of remote communication during heavy discovery phases and provides direct, immediate access to physical case files and trial preparation resources.
- Professional Infrastructure: As an established civil litigation defense firm, we provide the stability, administrative support, and high-level case exposure necessary for an experienced paralegal to execute complex work without unnecessary bottlenecks.