Entry Level Paralegal Jobs in Needham, MA (NOW HIRING)

Position summary We are seeking a Litigation Paralegal with 2-3 years' experience to join our dynamic and close-knit legal team. This individual will provide support to attorneys in commercial litigation matters, helping with case and volume portfolio management, discovery, document management, and preparation of litigation materials. We are looking for a problem-solver by nature, someone who enjoys tackling organizational issues and offering support and creativity to work with the litigation team to meet clients' needs in a timely and efficient manner. The ideal candidate will take initiative and be meticulous, organized, technology-adept, and eager to develop their litigation skills while providing reliable and effective support to attorneys, clients, and the broader legal team. The ideal candidate will also have some experience with, and be eager to learn, AI usage in the legal space. Under general supervision and per established policies and procedures, the Entry-Level Paralegal will provide legal and administrative support to the firm's attorneys and clients, primarily in commercial litigation matters. The role includes assisting with case management, organizing legal documents, supporting discovery and litigation processes, conducting basic legal research, and helping ensure the efficient operation of the legal team. The candidate must follow firm policies and procedures, maintain professional and positive interactions with attorneys, support staff, clients, and vendors, and uphold strict confidentiality regarding client and firm matters. This role is not limited to the duties and responsibilities outlined in this description, and assignments may evolve based on the needs of the firm. Job duties and responsibilities Support attorneys and litigation teams with day-to-day case management tasks in commercial litigation matters, including organizing case files, keeping deadlines, and preparing legal materials. Help with the organization and maintenance of pleadings, discovery materials, correspondence, exhibits, and other case-related documents. Help with data collection, organization, and tracking related to litigation matters, including maintaining case information, discovery materials, document inventories, deadlines, and status reports. Provide support during the discovery process, including assisting with document collection, review, organization, production preparation, and tracking of discovery-related materials. Prepare and format legal documents, including pleadings, discovery responses, correspondence, and other litigation materials under the direction of attorneys and senior paralegals. Assist with deposition preparation by organizing documents, preparing exhibits, compiling case materials, and supporting attorneys with administrative and logistical needs. Maintain electronic case files, assist with litigation databases, and document management platforms, including Relativity or similar systems. Support attorneys with hearing and case preparation by organizing exhibits, assembling case materials, and maintain accurate litigation records. Utilize Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, to prepare legal documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and case-related materials. Assist with electronic filing procedures in Boston, Massachusetts state and federal courts and maintain awareness of applicable court rules, filing requirements, and deadlines. Conduct basic legal research, factchecking, and citation review to assist attorneys in preparing accurate and well-organized legal documents. Apply strong attention to detail, organization, and communication skills while collaborating with attorneys, paralegals, and support staff to ensure efficient case workflow. Demonstrate the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and learn new litigation processes and technologies in a fast-paced legal environment. Job duties and responsibilities included are not exhaustive and may be supplemented asnecessary. Reed Smith reserves the right to revise or modify job duties and responsibilities at any time. Requirements Education: Undergraduate degree and paralegal certificate needed; will consider candidate with comparable relevant legal experience in lieu of a paralegal certificate. Experience:Paralegal with 2-3 years of litigation experience needed. Skills: The ideal candidate will have effective communication skills, both verbal and written, and the ability to engage effectively with individuals at all levels, including attorneys, clients, and other firm personnel. They should be highly organized, with a proven ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and deadlines. Independence, initiative, and critical thinking skills are essential, as is the ability to adapt to shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment. Sound judgment, informed decision-making, and the ability to take ownership of assigned tasks are also key. Excellent case management skills, effectively organizing, tracking, and managing labor and employment cases from inception through resolution. Capable of obtaining, reviewing, summarizing, and indexing case records and documents to support litigation efforts. Experienced in preparing and serving subpoenas, as well as managing and organizing discovery, including coordinating document production, responses to requests for documents, and interrogatories. Organizes and maintains discovery files, schedules depositions, prepares deposition materials and exhibits, and coordinates preparation for expert witness involvement. Drafts and prepares basic litigation pleadings, discovery responses, motions, and other legal documents under the direction of attorneys. Skilled in working with litigation databases and software, such as Relativity, to assist with document management and case organization. Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and able to utilize these programs effectively to prepare documents, presentations, and spreadsheets. Provides comprehensive assistance with trial preparation, including organizing exhibits, preparing trial notebooks, and attending trial as necessary to support attorneys. Works independently, meets deadlines, and effectively collaborates with attorneys, staff, and clients to ensure smooth workflow and project completion. Solid understanding of Civil Procedure Rules, including both Federal and Georgia State-specific rules, and applies them to ensure compliance in case handling. Proficient in Georgia State and Federal court rules, including experience with electronic filing systems (e.g., e-filing platforms like Odyssey) and adhering to local court practices. Strong writing and proofreading skills, ensuring that all legal documents are clear, concise, and free of errors. Proficient in fact-checking and legal cite checking, including blue booking, to ensure accuracy and adherence to legal citation standards. Additional information Supervisory responsibilities: None. Equipment used: Personal computer and other office equipment such as telephone, calculator, copier, scanner, etc. Essential job functions Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and perform tasks requiring prolonged and/or extensive computer use. Ability to use computers, telecommunications, and digital collaboration tools to perform core job responsibilities. Ability to communicate effectively. Ability to access, use, and safeguard confidential and sensitive information while performing job responsibilities in work environments that support confidentiality, privacy, and information security requirements. Travel for meetings and training as required. Ability to work extended hours as required to meet project, client, or business needs. Working conditions Works in a typical office setting and/or remotely. Occasionally called upon to work hours in excess of your normal daily schedule. Pay ranges This is a non-exempt position. The hourly wage range for this role is $35.70 to $43.27 per hour, with an estimated annual compensation range of $74,250 to $90,000, based on a 40-hour workweek. This represents the presently anticipated pay range for this position. Actual pay may vary based on various factors, including, but not limited to, location and experience. Employee benefits overview Our comprehensive benefits package includes: 401(k) Retirement Plan Medical Insurance Health Savings Account (HSA) Virtual Health Services Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Accident Insurance Hospital Indemnity Insurance Critical Illness Insurance Life Insurance Short-Term Disability Coverage Long-Term Disability Coverage Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) Lyra Health Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Paid Family Leave (for eligible Exempt and Non-Exempt staff) Transportation Benefit Back-up Child Care Services College Coach Program Pet Insurance Paid Sick Time (for Exempt staff) Paid Time Off (available to all full-time, non-temporary employees) Reed Smith offers a challenging work environment, business casual dress code and a total compensation package that includes a competitive salary, flexible benefits program, tuition assistance, and generous 401(k) plan. Reed Smith is an Equal Opportunity Employer with Core Values of Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork & Respect, Innovation, and Impact. Reed Smith also provides reasonable accommodations in accordance with law, including in the application and interview process. Qualified candidates only. No search firms.