Paralegal Trainee

MSF • Helena, MT

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Paralegal Trainee is a training position that provides structured learning and practical experience in legal support functions under direction, instruction, and mentorship. The role supports daily legal operations by organizing case files, coordinating schedules and depositions, conducting legal and factual research, preparing legal documents and correspondence, and assisting with mediation and litigation activities. Through on-the-job training, guided assignments, and progressive responsibility, the trainee develops the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform the duties of a Paralegal I while contributing to departmental effectiveness through proactive coordination, accurate execution, and collaboration across teams.

The position is based on-site in the Helena, Montana office in a fast-paced general office environment. Some stress may occur. Regular travel is not expected, though occasional travel may occur for organizational events or during employment. The role involves sitting for extended periods, standing, visual acumen, manual dexterity, detailed verbal communications, and fine finger manipulation when using computer keyboards.

Requirements

• Relevant bachelor's degree; or a relevant associate degree and two years of paralegal experience.
• Customer and growth mindset.
• Empathy.
• Accountability.
• Adaptability.
• Resiliency.
• Ability to work on-site in the Helena, Montana office.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and the ability to thrive and adapt in an evolving organizational landscape.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Provide litigation and administrative support to attorneys while learning legal processes, litigation procedures, and case management practices.
• Assist with trial preparation, including coordinating depositions, managing travel arrangements, organizing litigation files, drafting pleadings and other documents from approved templates, supporting discovery, conducting legal and factual research, and coordinating document and witness exchanges.
• Develop proficiency in legal department workflows, file management, and litigation support practices.
• Learn and apply mediation and hearing coordination processes by processing notices, managing correspondence, reviewing files for relevant issues and documents, and supporting attorneys, claims teams, and internal stakeholders.
• Gather documentation for legal and administrative submissions, interact with external vendors, process invoices for payment approval, maintain litigation and mediation files, and support document and case tracking systems.
• Develop knowledge of records management, departmental processes, and legal operational procedures.
• Participate in enterprise and department meetings, training opportunities, and special research projects.
• Partner with colleagues across departments on shared administrative priorities and special initiatives while developing an understanding of Montana State Fund operations and legal services.
• Identify opportunities to improve legal operational workflows as knowledge and experience increase.
• Learn the processes for ensuring documents are properly formatted, mailed, served, and filed on site.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance, including dental, vision, life, and long-term disability coverage, with optional dependent coverage.
• Flexible spending accounts for dependent care and medical expenses.
• Public employees’ retirement plan with tax-deferred contributions and an employer match.
• Optional 457(b) deferred compensation plan.
• Higher education reimbursement and other training and development programs.
• Personal leave, paid holidays, and extended leave.

What This Job Offers

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