Paralegal

At Smith Debnam, our philosophy is simple - to provide the best possible value to our clients. We firmly believe that the key to delivering such value is equally simple - the people who make it happen. Our professional service team, the attorneys, paralegals and staff, are therefore our most important asset. We are committed to maintaining an environment that provides professional fulfillment, actively supports professional development, and communicates the value of each person's contributions.

Under the general direction and supervision this position is responsible for providing legal and administrative support for our Consumer Collection’s practice. General duties will include document drafting, research, client interaction, monitoring hearing schedules and management of case files.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Draft affidavits, complaints and attach necessary supporting documentation to prepare files for 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 Required:

• Minimum of 1-3 years paralegal experience with knowledge of Rules of Civil Procedure a plus
• Associates Degree and/or Paralegal Certification for North Carolina or Virginia preferred
• Knowledge of Virginia Civil Procedure
• Knowledge of hearing or litigation laws with an understanding of the litigation process
• Intermediate to advance skill level in Microsoft Office products to include Word, Outlook, Excel
• Experience using electronic filing systems
• Strong organizational skills and attention to details
• Proven ability to work in a team
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong ability to analyze and problem solve