The Trial Paralegal provides comprehensive support to attorneys during all phases of trial preparation and execution. This includes conducting legal research, organizing and managing trial exhibits and documents, coordinating with witnesses, and assisting with courtroom logistics. The trial paralegal plays a vital role in ensuring that trial proceedings run smoothly and efficiently.
Responsibilities:
1. Trial Preparation:
- Organize and manage trial exhibits, documents, and evidence.
- Coordinate with attorneys to prepare witness lists, subpoenas, and deposition summaries.
- Assist in preparing trial binders and other materials for courtroom use.
- Ensure all trial-related deadlines are met and that documents are filed with the court in a timely manner.
2. Witness Coordination:
- Communicate with witnesses to schedule interviews, depositions, and trial appearances.
- Prepare witnesses for testimony by reviewing relevant documents and conducting mock examinations.
- Coordinate travel arrangements and logistics for out-of-town witnesses, if necessary.
- Draft, arrange for service of trial subpoenas in state and federal court, and follow-up to make sure that the subpoenas have been properly served on the witness.
3. Courtroom Support:
- Coordinate with courtroom personnel regarding logistics such as AV equipment, exhibits, etc.
- Attend trials and provide logistical support to attorneys during proceedings.
- Maintain organized trial notebooks and exhibit lists for easy reference during trial.
4. Case Management:
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date electronic and physical case files.
- Track billable hours and expenses related to trial preparation activities.
- Assist with post-trial activities, including filing post-trial motions and appeals if necessary.
Qualifications:
- Strong understanding of legal principles, procedures, and terminology.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact professionally with clients, attorneys, and witnesses.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software applications.
- Ability to travel up to 75 miles for litigation matters in New Orleans and Baton Rouge.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Paralegal Studies or related field required.
- 3-5 years minimum litigation experience required.
Physical Requirements:
- The physical demands described here are representative of the requirements that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to handle or feel objects, tools or controls; use a computer keyboard and mouse; use a telephone; reach with hands and arms; talk and listen. The employee is frequently required to walk and sit, as well as to lift and carry objects such as boxes and files weighing up to 40 pounds. The employee is occasionally required to stand, stoop or kneel. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
Jones Walker LLP provides an extensive range of legal services to a national and international corporate client base through offices in Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, New York, Mississippi, Texas, and Washington, D.C.
We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal opportunity for the participation of all qualified persons in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, or any other factor.
Job Type: Full-time
Education:
Experience:
- Litigation: 3 years (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- New Orleans, LA 70170 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- New Orleans, LA 70170: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person