Paralegal - Legal

San Manuel•Highland, CA

About The Position

Under the direction of the Vice President Associate General Counsel Government, the Paralegal provides legal-related assistance and administrative support across functional areas including government, litigation, real estate, employment and labor, transactions, and intellectual property management, based on individual experience and business needs. The role supports legal research, document and case-file management, contract administration, litigation matters, intellectual property filings, legal databases, and attorneys’ technology needs. The position works with attorneys, Legal Operations, Contract Administration, internal stakeholders, external counsel, and other cross-functional teams. It may require travel to meetings, trade shows, and conferences, and may include evening, weekend, and holiday shifts. The primary work environment is a climate-controlled office.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as legal studies, criminal justice, or political science; related, relevant, and/or direct experience may be considered in lieu of the stated minimum education.
At least five years of related experience as a paralegal or legal assistant.
Paralegal certification.
Extensive knowledge of tribal, federal, and state court systems; legislative and administrative systems; 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, spreadsheets, and PowerPoint legal applications, with the ability to develop search strategies and report formats and extract relevant information.
Excellent research and analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently.
Strong 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 and acceptable driving record as determined by the insurance carrier; the role involves operating or 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 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 legal matter and case files and documents in physical and digital formats.
Conduct legal research using texts and online databases, identify and analyze legal issues and case information, and summarize findings for attorney review.
Assess legal compliance and recommend viable alternatives to inform business decisions.
Assist attorneys with drafting and updating charts, presentations, reports, and other documents.
Monitor changes in the legal framework and provide timely updates to requesting attorneys.
Support contract management by coordinating with Contract Administration, obtaining internal approvals, overseeing contracting processes, responding to inquiries about contract terms and obligations, and maintaining contract tracking and filing systems.
Assist with complex assignments and legal matters; coordinate activities; and initially evaluate and draft legal documents and correspondence for attorney review.
Prepare witnesses for depositions and trials, manage settlement agreements and litigation-related payments, and coordinate document review and approvals with attorneys and cross-functional teams.
Assist with 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 as required.
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 stay current on hardware, software, and digital devices used to deliver legal services.
Perform other duties as assigned to support efficient department operations.