This position is responsible for providing administrative and legal support for our family law attorneys. Duties include drafting documents, agreements, and pleadings; monitoring and timely execution of civil procedure steps; conducting research; interacting with clients; monitoring hearing schedules; preparing for trial and mediation; providing attorney support; and general management of case files and dockets.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Draft affidavits, complaints, and attach necessary supporting documentation to prepare files for the 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)
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- 5+ years of experience in Family Law in North Carolina with knowledge of NC family court rules.
- Associate degree and/or Paralegal Certification for North Carolina desired.
- Intermediate to advanced skill level in Microsoft Office products, include Word, Outlook, and Excel.
- Experience using electronic filing systems.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to details.
- Experienced in tracking and recording billable hours and related time entries.
- Proven ability to work in a team.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong ability to analyze and problem solve.
- Type 50 + WPM.
- Self-Starter with proven ability to work independently and take appropriate initiative.
- Proficient in drafting and strong attention to detail.