Paralegal

Smith Debnam Narron Drake Saintsing & Myers, LLP•Raleigh, NC

2h•Onsite

About The Position

At Smith Debnam, the philosophy is to provide the best possible value to clients, which is achieved through its professional service team including attorneys, paralegals, and staff. The firm is committed to maintaining an environment that offers professional fulfillment, actively supports professional development, and communicates the value of each person's contributions. Under the general direction and supervision of the attorney(s), this Paralegal position is responsible for providing legal and administrative support for the Consumer Collection’s practice. General duties include document drafting, research, client interaction, monitoring hearing schedules, and management of case files.

Requirements

Minimum of 1-3 years paralegal experience
Knowledge of Virginia Civil Procedure
Knowledge of hearing or litigation laws with an understanding of the litigation process
Intermediate to advance skill level in Microsoft Office products to include Word, Outlook, Excel
Experience using electronic filing systems
Strong organizational skills and attention to details
Proven ability to work in a team
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Strong ability to analyze and problem solve

Nice To Haves

knowledge of Rules of Civil Procedure a plus
Associates Degree and/or Paralegal Certification for North Carolina or Virginia preferred

Responsibilities

Draft affidavits, complaints and attach necessary supporting documentation to prepare files for filing of lawsuits
Prepare replies to counterclaims, serve and answer discovery, process consumer disputes and complaints, and draft memorandums of law
Prepare requests for extensions of time and prepare continuances
Communicate with client to obtain responses to discovery
Summarize discovery responses from adversary attorneys/defendants
Work closely with attorneys on escalated matters, arbitrations, trial prep and witness requests
Assist in trial preparation, including making, copying and organizing exhibits and compiling exhibit notebooks
Record and track deadlines through docketing and calendaring processes
Negotiate and prepare settlement agreements
Ensure files are ready for hearings by reviewing case notes, drafting appropriate motions, orders and labeling documents
Provide case updates via email to clients by monitoring, updating and reviewing account information regularly
Screen telephone calls, incoming mail and other correspondence from court personnel, sheriff deputies, local counsel, defendants and adversary attorneys
Monthly online compliance training/testing
Perform legal research
Performs other related duties as assigned by management and/or supervising attorney(s)