Paralegal - Defense Litigation

Hinshaw & Culbertson•Fort Lauderdale, FL

About The Position

Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP is seeking a Defense Litigation Paralegal for its Ft. Lauderdale/Miami office. The role supports attorneys in tort defense litigation, including matters involving transportation, personal injury, and property damage. The paralegal researches law, investigates facts, and prepares legal documents in accordance with established policies and procedures. The position involves managing cases from inception through mediation, arbitration, trial, or settlement, as well as supporting discovery, expert engagement, depositions, and trial preparation.

Requirements

At least five years of general civil litigation experience.
Experience with expert retention and preparing medical chronologies.
Working knowledge of internet software.
Proficiency with Excel, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat Pro, LexisNexis, Pacer, Relativity, Sanction, TrialPad, iManage, and e-filing in State and Federal Court systems.
Clear, informative writing skills, including editing for spelling and grammar and adapting writing style to meet needs.
Ability to read and interpret written information.
Experience with trial preparation and participation or attendance, including organizing witness materials and preparing physical and electronic exhibits.
Experience with exhibit manipulation software such as Sanction, Trial Director, TrialPad, Relativity, and PowerPoint.
Knowledge of complex litigation.
Strong problem identification and resolution skills, including gathering and analyzing information.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, accuracy, and thoroughness.
Ability to follow instructions, respond to management direction, and commit to additional work hours when necessary to reach goals.
Ability to balance team and individual responsibilities and contribute to a positive team environment.
Ability to maintain confidentiality, accept responsibility for actions, and follow through on commitments.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree.
Nursing home or medical malpractice defense experience.

Responsibilities

Review and manage case files continually from inception through mediation, arbitration, trial, or settlement.
Prepare subpoenas compelling depositions and/or document productions.
Prepare initial discovery, including interrogatories, requests for production, and requests for admissions.
Draft discovery responses, including document productions and corresponding privilege logs.
Prepare attorneys for depositions.
Research, vet, and engage subject matter experts.
Monitor response deadlines and timeliness.
Prepare legal documents, including briefs, pleadings, fact and medical chronologies, agreements, and trial or mediation binders.
Investigate facts as requested by attorneys, including through social media research.
Prepare for trial by creating trial notebooks, exhibit lists, witness lists, and trial subpoenas; manage witnesses; schedule trial testimony; prepare and manipulate trial presentations; and perform other trial-related tasks as needed.
Attend trial as necessary.