Paralegal - Pre-litigation

Job Description

Job DescriptionDescription:

SUMMARY

The Pre-Litigation Paralegal will operate under the direct supervision and guidance of the Pre-Litigation Attorneys and Paralegal Supervisor, providing essential support in the management of personal injury case files during the pre-litigation phase.

The responsibilities encompass comprehensive assistance across all aspects of personal injury within the pre-litigation realm. A Pre-Litigation Paralegal is expected to possess a high level of proficiency, meticulous organizational skills, and acute attention to detail. This individual must possess the ability to scrutinize case documents for accuracy and to adeptly prioritize and address case requirements, ensuring seamless adherence to internal and external deadlines, processes, and procedures. This role is essential to the attainment of the department’s overarching goals and objectives.

The role of Pre-Litigation Paralegal entails vital support to Attorneys and Senior Paralegals, encompassing attendance at meetings, client communication maintenance, facilitation of medical management needs, composition and dispatch of demands, and the diligent research and collection of evidence for pre-suit investigations. This role is responsible for performing case assessments and offering guidance and support to other paraprofessionals including legal assistants. This comprehensive approach ensures that all pre-litigation cases are handled with timeliness and efficiency and that any critical issues are promptly identified and resolved.

The Pre-Litigation Paralegal excels as a communicator, collaborator, and self-motivated individual who consistently delivers top-tier work while upholding rigorous personal standards. They must embody the principles of 'GET IT,' 'WANT IT,' and demonstrate the 'CAPACITY' to fulfill their role as defined:

GET IT: Possess a comprehensive understanding of the role's intricacies, its significance, and its specific responsibilities.

WANT IT: Approach the job with genuine enthusiasm and passion for the tasks at hand.

CAPACITY: Demonstrate the ability to effectively perform the required duties and responsibilities of the role.

The ideal candidate for this position embodies the company's core values, encapsulated in the acronym 'HECTOR':

- HUNGRY: Demonstrates a strong desire to understand the role's significance and responsibilities.

- EXECUTES: Executes tasks with precision and efficiency.

- COMPASSION: Approaches work with empathy and care for clients and colleagues.

- TEAM over self: Prioritizes teamwork and collaboration.

- OWNERSHIP: Takes responsibility for tasks and outcomes.

- Do the RIGHT thing: Upholds ethical standards and makes morally sound decisions.

The Pre-Litigation Paralegal who embodies these values enhances our workplace environment and contributes to our continued success.

Requirements:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REQUIREMENTS

• Work under the supervision and direction of Attorneys and Paralegal Supervisor to assist the department with case matters in the pre-litigation process.
• Offer guidance and support to the department, identifying complex case needs and issues, and assisting in their resolution.
• Support Company and Department goals, objectives, and measurable outcomes.
• Actively participate in department meetings, case meetings, and planning sessions.
• Strictly adhere to company policies and procedures.
• Process pre-litigation case matters and documents through the case management system efficiently and accurately.
• Audit new cases from client conversion to the Pre-Litigation phase, ensuring proper documentation and adherence to procedures.
• Verify critical deadlines, such as Statute of Limitations (SOL), ensuring their accurate reflection in the case management system.
• Timely perform all assigned tasks, including client communications and treatment coordination, claim establishment, lien management, and evidence gathering.
• Draft initial letters of representation and follow-up communications, complex letters, including those related to spoliation, open records, and dispute of liability.
• Draft and send demand packages as required.
• Conduct investigations and retrieve records, including incident reports and photographs.
• Timely perform all assigned tasks with precision and attention to detail.
• Conduct thorough research and investigations to gather pertinent information.
• Handle communication with clients, adjusters/insurance carriers, providers, lienholders, and other relevant parties, while gathering necessary documents and information.
• Facilitate client medical management as necessary.
• Update and maintain medical providers' profiles, ensuring the timely retrieval of all records.
• Identify and verify liens, while efficiently tracking and updating lien amounts.
• Familiarity with case valuations and the settlement negotiation process, assisting as required.
• Provide support during client meetings as assigned.
• Timely submit invoices for case expenses incurred to the accounting department.
• Maintain strict confidentiality to protect the firm's sensitive information.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Paralegal certification is a plus.
• A minimum of 2 years of hands-on experience as a paralegal, demonstrating competence in legal processes and case management.
• Strong computer literacy.
• Proficiency in the English language, both written and verbal.
• Excellent administrative and organizational skills.
• Ability to handle multiple activities and perform well under pressure.
• Minimum typing speed of 40 words per minute (WPM).
• Excellent skills in Microsoft Office applications.
• Capability to work attentively and independently with minimal supervision.
• Self-starter with outstanding multitasking abilities.
• Detail-oriented, accurate, and consistently organized and efficient.
• Skilled in prioritizing and reprioritizing tasks and working with a sense of urgency.
• Ability to multitask effectively, balance priorities, meet deadlines, and work with a sense of urgency.
• A commitment to maintaining a positive office environment and strict adherence to the firm's "Zero Tolerance" policy regarding office gossip, drama, or behavior that negatively affects office morale or individual employees.