Paralegal

Freeman Mathis & Gary, LLP is a nationally recognized Am Law 200 law firm with over 500 attorneys servicing clients in 40 offices and 22 states seeking an experienced Paralegal to join our Seattle, WA office. FMG Paralegals are highly organized, detail-oriented, and have excellent communication and people skills. Candidates must have substantive familiarity with the litigation process (i.e., case management, discovery, databases, privilege logs, court filings, e-filing, cite checking) and have the capacity to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, high-volume environment. Paralegals need well-developed Microsoft Office skills, the ability to solve problems, and communicate well with all levels of the FMG team.

The following set of success factors describe the characteristics of those who are successful in our Firm:

• Helpful, Congenial, Personable, Positive
• Unpretentious, Approachable, Respectful, Team Oriented
• Accountable, Takes Ownership, Corrects Mistakes
• Organized, Timely, Confidential, Responsive (within 24 hours)

Essential Job Functions

• Assists attorneys with the preparation of a civil case for trial
• Obtains, reviews, analyzes, and summarizes legal documentation pertaining to cases
• Manages discovery process and conduct records management
• Schedules depositions and other meetings with clients, witnesses, experts, opposing counsel, court reporters and others
• Identifies, locates, interviews, and evaluates potential experts and sends expert packages to parties for review
• Tracks requests for documents and regularly follows up on progress of receipt
• Ability to summarize case records, create chronologies, and summarize discovery responses
• Ability to organize and prioritize numerous tasks and complete them under time constraints with minimal supervision and exceptional attention to detail
• Performs legal research quickly and efficiently to inform attorney decisions
• Organize and maintain case files; coordinate with Legal Assistants and other staff
• Regularly reviews files and proactively works to move cases forward
• Ensures all functions are performed in accordance with applicable client guidelines
• Keep accurate time records and meet a 1,650 annual billable hours requirement
• Maintain positive relationships with firm attorneys, co-counsel, clients, and vendors
• Proficient in software programs such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Westlaw and Kofax PDF editor
• Additional duties and special projects as assigned

Education, Experience and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required
• Certificate in Paralegal studies required
• 5-7 years defense litigation paralegal experience
• Civil litigation, and/or employment litigation experience required
• Familiarity with performing research tasks using web-based legal research services
• Proficiency in an electronic file setting, comfortable with a paperless system
• iManage experience a plus
• Must successfully pass a background/drug screen

Physical Duties

The position is based in a comfortable, climate-controlled office setting with handicap access. The position requires prolonged sitting, standing and computer work. You may occasionally be required to lift up to 10-15 pounds. The ability to consistently hear, understand, listen, and speak to meet the needs and standards of the practice. In addition, the position requires:

• The ability to sit upright and use a computer for eight hours or more a day five days a week is an essential duty of this position.
• The position often requires dealing with moderate to high stress. The ability to cope with and manage stress is essential.
• Typing at least 35 words per minute using both hands.

What we offer you

• Competitive compensation
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision
• HSA and FSA plans available for employees and dependents
• Work-life balance
• Generous PTO policy
• 401K plan including a 3% Employer Safe Harbor contribution
• Firm paid life insurance and long-term disability

EEO Statement

Freeman Mathis & Gary, LLP (FMG) is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees by maintaining a workplace free of discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status as provided by law. FMG complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. This position is subject to our drug‑free workplace policy, which includes the ability to pass a pre‑employment drug screen. Employees may be subject to reasonable‑suspicion drug testing in accordance with Firm policies outlined in the Employee Handbook.