Paralegal

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES * Interface with claims attorneys and outside litigation counsel, as well as client representatives, to support the discovery, data request, and records disclosure process.

* Gather, sort, and organize voluminous documents and data; create and maintain records repositories for various legal documents evidencing claims, defenses, and other legal positions.

* Create and maintain filing systems (paper and electronic) for the Office of Legal Affairs and receive and/or forward documents and dates to various departments as needed.

* Maintain charts of subpoenas and document discovery requests, and copies of same, as well as assist in gathering and responding to discovery requests and subpoenas.

* Prepare legal documents as directed by attorneys in the Office of Legal Affairs.

* Create, review, and use templates and other time-saving forms and letters from existing and completed work products.

* Draft correspondence and routine legal documents.

* Perform legal and factual research.

* Identify ways to improve office processes.

* Remain abreast of existing and emerging technologies, processes, products, services, and leading industry performance benchmarks.

* Work effectively as a team member, embracing and fostering the University's mission.

* Complete other duties, as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES None.

QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS Experience Required: * Associate or Bachelor's Degree or Paralegal Certificate.

* At least 5 years of relevant experience as a paralegal in a mid-size or large law firm or sophisticated in-house legal department handling litigation claims, investigations, and/or contested matters.

* Proficient with Windows, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and video conferencing technologies.

Preferred: * Project management skills and/or experience a plus.

Personal Required: * Agree with the Christian values and mission of the University.

* Self-motivated with a strong work ethic.

* Honest, organized, and loyal.

* Ability to multitask on several assignments.

* Excellent interpersonal skills and a positive personality.

* Willingness to learn.

* Successful completion of an acceptable background check.

ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB Communication and Comprehension * A professional demeanor.

* Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing to convey clear, well-articulated information.

* Ability to understand, speak, and write English in order to convey messages and correspond in an articulate and professional manner.

* Shows initiative; proactive.

* Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and thrive in a fast-paced environment.

* Demonstrated ability to work well collaboratively with team of attorneys, other paralegals, and office staff.

* Discretion and the ability to maintain confidences.

Problem Solving * Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature.

* Excellent attention to detail.

* Solutions-oriented.

Physical and Sensory Abilities * Occasionally required to travel locally and within the University campus.

* Frequently required to sit for extended periods to perform deskwork or type on a keyboard.

* Regularly required to hear, understand, and speak in order to effectively communicate orally.

* Occasionally required to stand, walk, and climb stairs to move about the University campus.

* Handle materials, reach overhead, kneel, or stoop in order to conduct business.

* Regularly lift 10 or fewer pounds.

* Willingness and ability to accurately follow directions.

WORKING CONDITIONS Work Environment The working environment in which one will typically perform the essential functions of this position is a climate-controlled office setting.

It is well lighted, and the noise level is moderate.

The work hours are during University office hours of 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.

Driving Requirements Use of one's personal vehicle (or University vehicles) is required for travel in the performance of the essential functions of this position.

Proof of a valid Virginia driver's license, an acceptable DMV record, and liability insurance is required.