What are the responsibilities and job description for the Paralegal II position at K&L Gates?
Job Description
At K&L Gates, we are looking for smart, imaginative and hard-working people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and ideas to join us. Perhaps our search for talented visionaries and your search for important and impactful work lead to the same place.
We are seeking a Paralegal II to join the Pittsburgh office. The Paralegal supports lawyers, performing a variety of functions that may include factual research, document analysis, cite checking and Shepardizing, and drafting transactional documents, all as directed by the supervising lawyer. Candidates must be self-starters who possess the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Excellent communication skills and a commitment to providing the highest quality client service are strongly preferred.
Supervising partner(s), practice group chairs, and lawyers; Director of Administration; Firmwide Director of Paralegals; Paralegal Manager; paralegals, and clients
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
- Utilizes the firm’s software and technology, specifically any practice-group driven technology
- Examines, organizes, summarizes, and analyzes information relating to particular questions to create a logical and usable work product
- Investigates factual issues by using a variety of resources, including local libraries, web sites, client repositories, and other outside sources
- Maintains client, matter, or practice group specific libraries in hard copy or electronic format (or both)
- Presents results of all projects in effectively written memos, e-mails, or in logical discussion
- Creates and maintains spreadsheets, utilizing formulas
- Coordinates the storage of client information with the firm’s Records Department
- Maintains all administrative standards set by the firm, including the preparation and submittal of daily time entries, attendance at administrative meetings, and other administrative tasks as assigned
ADDITIONAL DUTIES
EXPERIENCE SKILLS REQUIRED
- Minimum of two (2) years’ relevant work experience in the legal field
- Working understanding of the legal terminology specific to the practice group
- Demonstrates proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and the ability to be trained on specific practice group technology
- Displays the ability to express himself/herself clearly using proper grammar and appropriate vocabulary; comments are organized and precise; is able to describe a set of facts in an organized, clear, and unambiguous fashion
- Possesses excellent verbal and written communication skills
- High attention to detail and the ability to follow up on assignments in situations where there is little or no guidance, structure a system from minimal instruction, and submit a flawless work product
- Positive, flexible and committed attitude
- Ability and time management skills to work independently and meet deadlines in an atmosphere of frequent interruptions
- Critical thinking skills sufficient to make decisions regarding daily work, a willingness to follow instructions, and responsibility to bring all problems, concerns, or discrepancies to the attention of the supervising lawyer
- Remain current in practice area industry trends and in the legal profession
- Use own judgment in decision making to solve problems and achieve business outcomes
- Organize and prioritize own workload and help timekeepers with their organization
- Take the initiative in handling projects and anticipating what needs to be done
- Understand and follow specific and detailed instructions in oral and written form
ADDITIONAL ABILITIES REQUIRED
- In addition to the qualities and skills discussed above, candidates for “practice area specific” positions require certain specific educational credentials and skills. These candidates are expected to have academic expertise in the practice area of interest as well as the generic skills previously described.
- This job operates in an office setting and is largely sedentary, requiring the routine use of a computer and other standard office equipment. The ability to open file cabinets, lift files, bend, and stand on a stool may also be required.
ABOUT THE FIRM
K&L Gates is a fully integrated global law firm with lawyers located across five continents in more than 40 offices. We have experienced dramatic growth in the past decade and now rank among the largest U.S. based law firms in the world. We take pride in constantly striving for innovation, imagination and an entrepreneurial spirit. We come up with big ideas and then roll up our sleeves to get the job done, guiding our clients through their most complex issues in a variety of industry sectors and across multiple regions of the world.
The industry recognition the firm has garnered emanates from the foundation of a global community aligned on behalf of our clients. The people at K&L Gates are committed to working together to create a legacy for each other, the firm, our clients, and the communities in which we serve. We thrive in an inclusive and socially conscious environment that embraces diversity and takes a holistic approach to the career evolution of all our professionals.
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Notice: We participatein E-Verify in certain Firm locations for purposes of verifying employment eligibility.
BENEFITS
We offer a dynamic work environment and excellent benefits.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The Firm is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the Firm that employment decisions shall be based on merit, qualifications and competence. Employment practices shall not be influenced or affected by virtue of a person’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, military status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. This policy governs all aspects of employment including, without limitation, recruiting, hiring, compensation, benefits, promotion, assignment and dismissal. In addition, it is the Firm’s policy to provide an environment that is free of unlawful harassment of any kind including, without limitation, that which is sexual, racial, age-related, disability-related or ethnic background-related.
