SLATER MATSIL, LLP
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE : Paralegal Manager
REPORTS TO : Director of Administration
STATUS : Exempt
SUMMARY
Under general supervision and according to established policies and procedures, monitors and communicates with Firm management regarding paralegal production and capacity, manages workload distribution among the Firm's paralegals to ensure production and client needs are met, administers quality control standards, and enhances the development of paralegals' knowledge, skills and abilities. Oversees firm-wide compliance with client procedures and requirements.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
"Essential functions" are primarily job duties that incumbents must be able to perform unassisted or with some reasonable accommodation made by the employer.
- Follow the ethical requirements as set forth by the Texas Bar Association Rules of Professional Conduct, USPTO Rules of Professional Conduct, and comply with all requirements of the Firm's professional liability insurer
- Supervise paralegals
- Participate in interviewing, hiring and paralegals' performance reviews
- Develop effective training of new paralegals and related support staff; update new hire training programs as needed
- Act as a workload facilitator between paralegals and attorneys by allocating and assigning work; respond to attorney requests for paralegal assistance and ensure projects are completed accurately and on time
- Implement best practices, monitor compliance with legal standards and firm procedures, and ensure high-quality legal support
- Provide regular production and administrative reports to management
- Monitor specific paralegal responsibilities and processes; communicate with paralegals to ensure Firm requirements are met (e.g., back docket status, procedure checklists, case art spreadsheets)
- Oversee client procedures to ensure procedures are current, accurate, and followed by employees
- Work with Director of Administration to identify promotable talent and address paralegal training needs
- Work with Director of Administration to address appropriate staffing levels and determine paralegal assignments
- Maintain regular attendance and punctuality
- Work may require more than 40 hours per week to perform the essential duties of the position; may require irregular hours
DDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Perform special projects and tasks as requestedThe "Knowledge, Skills and Abilities" listed below are required in order to perform the above essential functions .
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
Must be detail-oriented and have the ability to work in a fast-paced environmentAbility to work in stressful conditionsAbility to organize and prioritize numerous tasks and to complete them under time constraintsStrong leadership and interpersonal skills necessary to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization, including managing teams and liaising with attorneysKnowledge of Intellectual Property legal principles and practices at a level normally acquired through formal paralegal training or equivalent experienceAbility to withstand a high level of mental effort and strain while coordinating and maintaining multiple or complex tasksAbility to speak clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions; participates in meetingsWrites clearly and informatively; edits work for spelling and grammar; varies writing style to meet needs; presents numerical data effectively; able to read and interpret written informationExpertise in legal software, document management systems, and standard office applications like Microsoft Word and Excel is crucial for managing technology and workflows.Ability to operate office equipment, including computer, for extended periodsEXPERIENCE, EDUCATION / TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent experienceAdvanced Intellectual Property legal practice experience gained through extensive experience as an Intellectual Property paralegal / assistant or similar roleSupervisory experience gained from extensive supervision of multiple paralegalsPHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to use hands / fingers to handle or feel. The employee must occasionally lift and / or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close visual acuity to perform activities such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, transcribing, viewing a computer terminal, and extensive reading.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Normal office environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, and temperature
The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of all essential functions, responsibilities or requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.