Paralegal

At Smith Debnam, our philosophy is simple - to provide the best possible value to our clients. We firmly believe that the key to delivering such value is equally simple - the people who make it happen. Our professional service team, the attorneys, paralegals and staff, are therefore our most important asset. We are committed to maintaining an environment that provides professional fulfillment, actively supports professional development, and communicates the value of each person's contributions.

Under the general direction and supervision, this position is responsible for providing legal and administrative support for our Consumer Collection’s practice. General duties will include document drafting, research, client interaction, monitoring hearing schedules and management of case files.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Draft affidavits, complaints and attach necessary supporting documentation to prepare files for filing of lawsuits

Prepare replies to counterclaims, serve and answer discovery, process consumer disputes and complaints, and draft memorandums of law

Prepare requests for extensions of time and prepare continuances

Communicate with client to obtain responses to discovery

Summarize discovery responses from adversary attorneys/defendants

Work closely with attorneys on escalated matters, arbitrations, trial prep and witness requests

Assist in trial preparation, including making, copying and organizing exhibits and compiling exhibit notebooks

Record and track deadlines through docketing and calendaring processes

Negotiate and prepare settlement agreements

Ensure files are ready for hearings by reviewing case notes, drafting appropriate motions, orders and labeling documents

Provide case updates via email to clients by monitoring, updating and reviewing account information regularly

Screen telephone calls, incoming mail and other correspondence from court personnel, sheriff deputies, local counsel, defendants and adversary attorneys

Monthly online compliance training/testing

Perform legal research

Perform other related duties as assigned by management and/or supervising attorney(s)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

Minimum of 1-3 years paralegal experience with knowledge of Rules of Civil Procedure a plus

Associate's Degree and/or Paralegal Certification for North Carolina or Virginia preferred

Knowledge of Virginia Civil Procedure

Knowledge of hearing or litigation laws with an understanding of the litigation process

Intermediate to advanced skill level in Microsoft Office products to include Word, Outlook, Excel

Experience using electronic filing systems

Strong organizational skills and attention to details

Proven ability to work in a team

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Strong ability to analyze and problem solve

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