Senior Litigation Paralegal

Summary :

Covington is seeking an experienced, career-track litigation paralegal with substantial work experience in AmLaw 100 firms or specialized boutique law firms who will contribute as lead paralegal on large, complex cases and provide instruction and informal mentorship to junior paralegals at the Firm.

The Paralegal may be based in the Firm's Los Angeles, Palo Alto, or San Francisco office.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Perform all elements of litigation case management, including file management, case calendaring, discovery, and trial activities.
• Utilize existing systems and procedures and / or establish new procedures to facilitate the organization and retrieval of documents by and for the attorneys on the case team.
• On a case-specific basis, coordinate and oversee the tasks of more junior paralegals and other support staff as needed on large litigation matters and / or investigations in all phases of litigation from discovery through trial / arbitration.
• Liaise between case team attorneys and support staff as needed to ensure that case-specific paralegal services are meeting the team's expectations.
• Interact with outside entities (e.g. courts, government agencies, expert witnesses, corporations, vendors and other law firms) to gather information or coordinate activities as needed in support of firm activities, specifically trials and arbitrations.
• Draft, review, and / or analyze routine legal documents as requested by attorneys; conduct legal research under attorney supervision.
• Provide formal and / or informal guidance and training to more junior paralegals regarding firm and litigation procedures and best practices.
• Create and maintain effective working relationships with others to facilitate a positive and productive work environment.
• Continuously refine, develop, and expand skills in anticipation of changes in the work environment or profession.
• Adhere to Firm policies, practices, and priorities.
• Perform other duties as requested by Firm management.

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years' work experience as a litigation paralegal in an Amlaw 100 firm or a specialized litigation practice firm.
• Experience with all stages of litigation, including intake, discovery, and trial.
• Experience preparing for and attending trials / arbitrations / hearings.
• Experience coordinating trial / arbitration logistics, including negotiating for workspace, setting-up remote office space, and coordinating with vendors.
• Experience developing and maintaining processes to collect, store, and maintain paper and electronic case files.
• Strong sense of accountability and attention to detail.
• Ability to convey information to individuals at all levels within the firm in a courteous and professional manner; strong service orientation.
• Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to work concurrently on a variety of projects with changing priorities.
• Ability to work equally well as part of a team in both a leadership and subordinate role.
• Ability to maintain stable performance under pressure with continually changing priorities; ability to integrate special assignments or projects into workflow.
• Excellent judgment demonstrated by the ability to make appropriate decisions in high pressure situations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including communications that are clear and concise, use proper grammar and appropriate vocabulary.
• Experience with court and administrative agency filings, including electronic or e-filings.
• Experience using e-discovery databases (e.g. Concordance, Relativity, NUIX Discover .
• Experience using litigation support software for managing files and transcripts preferred. (e.g. LiveNote, CaseMap, etc.)
• Proficient with Microsoft Office software products including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• Proficiency using LexisNexis, Westlaw, and Adobe Acrobat in a legal setting.
• Proficient with cite-checking, Bluebook and CA Style Manual rules.
• Must be available for overtime work and travel as needed.
• BS / BA from an accredited college or university required.
• Paralegal certificate preferred.

Covington & Burling LLP is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any aspect of employment, including hiring, salary, promotion, discipline, termination, and benefits, on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, sexual orientation, family responsibility, disability (including physical handicap), or any other improper criterion.

Reports to : Paralegal Supervisor (California)

Salary : $87,500 - $140,000 (dependent on experience)

Workplace type : Hybrid