Paralegal - Legal

San Manuel Casinos • Highland, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Vice President Associate General Counsel Government, the Paralegal - Legal provides legal-related assistance and administrative support across functional areas including government, litigation, real estate, employment and labor, transactions, and intellectual property management, depending on experience and business needs. The role conducts legal research, supports attorneys with legal documents and case management, assists with contract administration, and coordinates intellectual property filings and records. It also supports legal databases and systems and provides technology assistance to attorneys.

The position is primarily based in a climate-controlled office and requires travel to meetings, trade shows, and conferences. Evening, weekend, and holiday shifts may be required. The role involves predominantly sedentary work, frequent computer and office equipment use, and physical activities including lifting, reaching, stooping, and walking. The employee may be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, including secondhand smoke. Reasonable accommodation will be made in compliance with applicable law.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as legal studies, criminal justice, or political science; relevant or direct experience may be considered in lieu of the stated minimum education requirements.
• At least five years of related experience as a paralegal or legal assistant.
• Paralegal certification.
• Extensive knowledge of legal systems, including tribal, federal, and state courts and legislative and administrative systems, as well as substantive and procedural civil law and sources of tribal, state, and federal law.
• Excellent technical knowledge of computerized legal research systems, the Internet, word processing and spreadsheet software, PowerPoint, and legal software applications; ability to use a personal computer, develop search strategies and report formats, and extract pertinent information.
• Excellent research and analytical skills, attention to detail, ability to work independently, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to use discretion and maintain confidentiality in a fast-paced, high-demand environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication, organizational, and documentation management skills; high personal integrity and professional ethics.
• Ability to interact diplomatically and with professional maturity with senior executives, staff, and external business partners.
• Time-management, planning, and organizational skills, with the ability to work autonomously and collaboratively under deadlines and established priorities.
• Positive, team-oriented, collaborative attitude and willingness to learn.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office 365, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Smart Sheet, and Lexis-Nexis.
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record, as determined by the insurance carrier; the role requires driving Tribe-owned vehicles or patron vehicles.
• May be required, at the discretion of the San Manuel Tribal Gaming Commission, to obtain and maintain a gaming license.

Nice To Haves

• Experience as a paralegal or legal assistant in a large law firm and/or corporate in-house legal department.
• Experience with online entity management systems, e-billing systems, and Contract Lifecycle Management Systems.

Responsibilities

• Locate, gather, sort, organize, archive, and maintain matter and case files and legal documents in physical and digital systems.
• Conduct comprehensive legal research using legal texts and online databases; identify and analyze legal issues and case information; summarize findings for attorney review; assess legal compliance and recommend viable alternatives.
• Assist attorneys with drafting and updating charts, presentations, reports, and other documents, and provide timely updates on changes in the legal framework.
• Collaborate with Contract Administration to support contract management, obtain internal approvals, oversee contracting processes, respond to inquiries about contract terms and obligations, and maintain contract tracking and filing systems.
• Assist with complex assignments and legal matters; coordinate activities; initially evaluate and draft legal documents and correspondence for attorney review, including litigation answers, interrogatories, deposition materials, settlement agreements, subpoenas, letters, transmittals, and releases.
• Interview and prepare witnesses for depositions and trials; manage settlement agreements and related litigation payments; coordinate document review and approvals with attorneys and cross-functional teams.
• Assist in preparing responses to civil demand letters and government agency charges and complaints, including initial review and response to subpoenas and document requests.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders and external intellectual property counsel; assist with USPTO electronic filings; monitor trademark applications and deadlines; assist with replies and requests for reconsideration; and prepare IP portfolio reports.
• Work with Legal staff and Legal Operations to define, design, and maintain legal databases and support systems, and participate in implementing Legal Management Systems.
• Provide technology support to attorneys and remain current on hardware, software, and digital devices used in legal services.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support efficient department operations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level