Paralegal - Litigation

At Bank of the West, our people are having a positive impact on the world. We’re investing where we feel we can make the most impact, like advancing diversity and women entrepreneurship programs, financing for more small businesses, and promoting programs for sustainable energy. From our locations across the U.S., Bank of the West is taking action to help protect the planet, improve people’s lives, and strengthen communities. We are part of BNP Paribas, a global leader supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Yes, we’re a bank, but as the bank for a changing world, we are continually seeking to improve the ways we help our customers, while contributing to more sustainable and equitable growth. Job Description Summary The Legal Department is seeking a qualified, motivated paralegal to support the Bank’s in-house attorneys in responding to employment related demand letters, agency charges, claims and lawsuits, and defending and prosecuting other actions on behalf of the Bank. This paralegal will assist in ongoing management of employment related demand letters, agency charges, and claims and lawsuits, as well as other claims and litigation, working closely with the Bank’s in-house attorneys and with outside counsel in some instances. Position Accountabilities Working under the supervision of the Bank’s in-house attorneys: - Review and analyze employment-related subpoenas, demand letters, agency charges, claims and lawsuits, conducts factual investigations, and undertakes legal research; - Assist with file set-up, file and case management, and internal reporting relating to litigation matters; - Identify, gather and preserve information relevant to subpoenas, demand letters, agency charges, claims and litigation, including through drafting and issuing legal hold notices, tendering of insurance claims, and communicating with Bank personnel and, in some cases, outside counsel; - Identify and communicate with Bank employees who possess relevant information; - Work with the Bank’s Enterprise Information Security team to identify electronically-stored information and ensure preservation and collection of such information; - Work directly with the Bank’s in-house attorneys, and in some instances with outside counsel and/or Human Resource personnel, to develop legal hold memos, create custodian lists, and respond to discovery requests, including through the collection, review, analysis and production of both electronically-stored information and hard copy documents; - Maintain files in a current and well-organized manner (both electronic and hard-copy); - Compose emails, letters and memoranda to outside counsel, internal clients and opposing counsel; - Track compliance with court deadlines and internal policies and procedures with respect to ongoing litigation matters; - Keep informed of Bank policies, organization structure, and record-keeping practices; - Keep informed of and meet Bank compliance policy and training requirements. - Provide input regarding the Bank’s policies and procedures concerning collection and production of electronically stored information; - May assist with internal Legal Department testing and controls monitoring; - Keep informed of changes in eDiscovery rules and practices, trends in employment law and employment related claims, litigation involving financial institutions, and developments in the law relevant to the defense of litigation; - Perform other duties and supports special projects as assigned.

Qualifications:

Required Experience - Requires broad theoretical job knowledge typically obtained through advanced education. - Requires less than 2 years relevant general knowledge and experience relating to litigation, document preservation, collection and production, legal hold notices, and responding to discovery; and - Experience with law firm and/or financial institution legal department strongly preferred Education - High School Diploma or GED Required - Associate's degree (or equivalent) preferred - Paralegal certification (preferred) Required Administrative/Technical Skills - Excellent analytical and research skills - Understanding of legal principles and terminology - Thorough knowledge of legal research techniques, including online research - Effective use of Internet in locating regulations, statutes and case law, and model policies - Strong oral and written communication skills - Excellent planning and organizational skills - Team player and self-starter - High level of professionalism - Attention to detail and accuracy - Ability to work well with personnel at all levels of the organization - Adaptable and flexible work-style with a proven ability to handle competing demands and priorities - Able to successfully navigate changing environments and perform in a fast-paced setting - Work history indicates a demonstrated track record of performance - Good computer skills; conversant with Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint - Able to learn new software systems for research and record-keeping Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Bank of the West is an Equal Opportunity employer and proud to provide equal employment opportunity to all job seekers without regard to any status protected by applicable law. Bank of the West is also an Affirmative Action employer - Minority / Female / Disabled / Veteran. Bank of the West will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance subject to the requirements of all state and federal laws and regulations.