Paralegal

Job Summary:  

The Paralegal assists Staff Counsel by preparing and organizing various legal documentation for cases and trials.   This includes drafting discovery requests and responses, motions, and other documents under the direction of the attorneys.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:  

• Drafts case specific written discovery requests, legal objections, and factual responses to written discovery.  The requests and responses would be to interrogatories, requests for production, and requests for admissions.
• Drafts good faith letters to opposing counsel regarding outstanding discovery requests.   
• Drafts discovery motions and responses to opposing discovery motions.
• Prepares non-party subpoenas for documents.
• Prepares documents to be produced in response to Request for Production.
• Drafts Privilege Logs by identifying applicable privileges as it relates to claim and other documents.  
• Communicates with witnesses including field adjusters, engineers, contractors, insureds, etc. and assist the handling attorney with preparation for depositions and trials.  
• Prepares electronic and paper exhibits for trial at attorney direction.
• Assists and/or ensures that electronic binders for discovery, depositions, and pleadings are prepared for trial.
• Communicates and coordinates with witnesses for trial attendance.
• Arranges for equipment setup at the Courthouse as necessary.
• Communicates with co-workers, management, clients, vendors, and others as needed in a courteous and professional manner.
• Maintains the integrity of the company and products offered by complying with federal and state regulations as well as company policies and procedures.
• Attendance at trial may be requested but is not required.
• May perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

 Job Qualifications:

• Strongly prefer bachelor’s degree, Associates or Certificate in Paralegal Studies from an ABA-approved program, or a Juris Doctorate.  
• At least 2 years of experience working as a paralegal.  At least 1 year of experience with insurance claims preferred, especially with first party claims.    
• Strong organization skills with the ability to successfully multi-task, prioritize and maintain the daily tasks for the assigned case load.  
• Strong communication and research skills.
• Works collaboratively with team members and others.
• Demonstrates desire to acquire effective trial skills with increased litigation complexity.
• Personal integrity and adherence to a high degree of professionalism and ethical competency.

 Key Competencies 

• A thorough understanding of the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure
• A thorough understanding of the Florida Evidence Code.  
• A thorough understanding of all Administrative Orders in effect within each jurisdiction that the paralegal handles.  
• A thorough understanding of case law governing discovery in Florida.
• Ability to work independently on discovery matters, independently spot issues and be able to target discovery to specific factual issues to apply the applicable law to the discovered facts.  

General Information:

All employees must pass a pre-employment background check.  Other checks may be needed based on position: driving history, credit report, etc.

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature of work performed; the level of knowledge and skills typically required; and usual working conditions of this position.  It is not designed to contain, or be interpreted as, a comprehensive listing of all requirements or responsibilities that may be required by employees in this job.  Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.    

Heritage Insurance Holdings, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer.  We will not discriminate unlawfully against qualified applicants or employees with respect to any term or condition of employment based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, place of birth, military service status, or other basis protected by law.