Paralegal IV

Cherokee Federal • McAllen, TX

7d • $36 - $37

About The Position

The Paralegal IV provides professional litigation support, including legal and records research, witness interviews, title reviews, report preparation, responses to landowner complaints, courtroom assistance, trial preparation, and weekly case updates. The role supports attorneys by preparing exhibit cross-references and screening documents for relevance and privilege under established guidelines. It also includes preparing interview records for deposition, identifying relevant record systems and records, and developing procedures to track and manage case files, exhibits, and other case materials.

The position prepares complaints, notices, motions, and discovery materials, including disclosures, interrogatories, requests for production, and requests for admission. Complaints and responses are documented in weekly reports. Employees must identify themselves as contractors during phone and in-person landowner interviews. Other job-related duties may be assigned. The position has no supervisory or management authority and is performed primarily in a climate-controlled environment.

Requirements

• An associate degree or higher, or a high school diploma and paralegal certificate; work experience may be substituted for the paralegal certificate.
• Three years of experience in legal support.
• Ability to use, understand, and maintain directories, personnel lists, guides, and references to provide office information and refer questions to other offices.
• Skill operating a computer terminal, personal computer, and office machines such as fax, scanner, and copier.
• Hands-on familiarity with the CM/ECF filing system and computer applications including word processing, databases, spreadsheets, and telecommunications.
• Basic legal knowledge, including standard legal citation, to cite-check legal motions and memoranda.
• Sufficient experience with legal research tools such as LEXIS and Westlaw to perform basic legal research.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and hands-on familiarity with word processing, databases, document review and file management systems, spreadsheets, imaging, and hardware systems.
• Must pass a Minimum Background Investigation before starting onsite work and receive favorable adjudication of the appropriate Department of Justice background investigation for position sensitivity level 5, including completion of an SF 85P/S Questionnaire for Public Trust Position.
• Must have an active Public Trust clearance or be able to obtain one.
• Must pass Cherokee Federal pre-employment qualifications.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer; may occasionally need to stand or move about the office for extended periods.

Nice To Haves

• Paralegal certificate.
• Equivalent legal training may be substituted with approval of the CO; an undergraduate degree is preferred.
• At least one year of litigation paralegal experience; trial experience is very helpful.
• Automated litigation support experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal and records research, witness interviews, title reviews, report preparation, responses to landowner complaints, courtroom assistance, trial preparation, and weekly case updates.
• Review title commitments for accuracy and create deed history summaries.
• Assist attorneys in the courtroom by preparing exhibit cross-references and screening documents for relevance and privilege according to established guidelines and criteria.
• Conduct witness interviews and prepare records of interviews for use at deposition.
• Identify contractor status during phone and face-to-face interviews with landowners.
• Identify record-keeping systems and records that may be relevant.
• Design and develop systems and procedures for tracking, controlling, and managing case files, exhibits, and other case-specific materials.
• Prepare complaints, notices, motions, and discovery, including disclosures, interrogatories, requests for production, and requests for admission.
• Document complaints and responses in weekly reports.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Up to a 6% 401(k) company match.
• Paid time off.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus prescription drug coverage.
• Basic life and AD&D insurance, with supplemental life options.
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Paid holidays.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) options.
• Professional development, training, and certification support.
• Voluntary accident, critical illness, and identity theft protection benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree