Sr. Paralegal

Legal Team Opportunity

If you're passionate about being part of a diverse organization that enables a Fortune 100 company with nearly $70 billion in annual sales to deliver innovative business solutions with excellence, then Nationwide's Legal team could be the place for you At Nationwide®, "on your side" goes beyond just words. Our customers are at the center of everything we do and we're looking for associates who are passionate about delivering extraordinary care.

The qualified candidate for this position will handle all aspects (administrative and paralegal) of the case, including scheduling, mail, drafting discovery and medical chronologies, retaining experts, opening and closing files in addition to trial preparation and attendance. The qualified candidate will have experience handling files from start to finish. This is a mostly paperless office and the applicant must be proficient using Microsoft suite of products (Word, Excel, Power Point). The candidate must also be able to utilize case management software effectively to stay organized and expedite file handling. Proactive file handling and good communication skills are a must.

Looking for candidate with General Liability experience. Subrogation and workers' compensation experience a plus.

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY: Performs a variety of complex legal related tasks with minimal supervision of a trial attorney or managing attorney. Assists in the preparation and trial of lawsuits by coordinating pre-trial proceedings, participating in discovery activities, drafting motions, pleadings, and subpoenas, obtaining witnesses and performing related duties. Ability to handle small matters with little to no oversight and/or direction and handle medium size matters with some oversight and direction. Skilled to mentor and train new paralegals within the office. Activities may be directed by Trial Attorney, Managing Attorney or Regional Attorney.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS: Reports to Managing Attorney or Regional Attorney.

CORE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Reviews office files and answers routine correspondence. Conducts legal research, file management and case progression activities. Drafts correspondence to opposing attorneys, claims and clients with regard to related discovery matters, case status, motions, etc.
• Drafts interrogatories and other discovery as well as complex pleadings, discovery motions and orders for attorney review and approval.
• Obtains, compiles and analyzes records for discovery. Handles incoming discovery. Analyzes and responds to incoming discovery. Reviews and analyzes medical records.
• Prepares experts/other witnesses and any other necessary pre-trial and/or trial activities.
• Summarizes and/or indexes depositions, and on completion of discovery, summarizes and indexes all material.
• Drafts jury instructions. Drafts and issues necessary subpoenas.
• Contacts parties and witness(es) concerning trial dates and coordinates with the attorney their appearance and testimony.
• Coordinates any necessary interviews; meet with clients and/or witnesses as necessary to ensure proper case development.
• Arranges for necessary medical and expert witnesses and coordinates their time.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Education: Undergraduate studies in business administration, insurance or other related area preferred.

Designations: Certification in paralegal studies preferred; equivalent experience may be substituted.

Experience: Typically four years as a paralegal with proven performance.

Knowledge: Operation, practices and procedures of a law office engaged in civil litigation. Filing procedures of relevant courts and administrative agencies. Demonstrated knowledge of legal research and dis positive motion practices. Demonstrated knowledge of ability to analyze and interpret medical reports.

Skills/ Competencies: Strong verbal and written communication skills for contact with employees, attorneys, clients and customers. Ability to operate a personal computer and related legal and business software and data bases (i.e. Power point Pacer, Pacer, Lexis, etc.). Ability to design and maintain a filing system. Ability to effectively prioritize work. Analytical ability to independently research information and determine applicability of legal action.

Staffing exceptions to the above minimum job requirements must be approved by the VP, Trial Division and HR Officer.

JOB CONDITIONS:

Overtime eligibility: Eligible (non exempt).

Working Conditions: Professional law office environment. Occasional travel.

ADA: The above statements cover what are generally believed to be principal and essential functions of this job. Specific circumstances may allow or require some associates assigned to the job to performs a s