Now Hiring! Paralegal, Criminal Defense

Schedule: Full Time, In Office 

Location: 1625 Bethel Road, Columbus, OH, 43220

Compensation: $28 to $32 per hour

Job Summary:

The Paralegal will assist attorney(s) by providing clerical and research support services including document preparation and review; interviewing clients and witnesses; research, investigations, and fact checking; and trial preparation. This is a full-time in-office position.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Communicate effectively with courts, opposing counsel, opposing party, and witnesses.
• Assists in requesting and compiling discovery and reciprocal discovery.
• Schedule hearings, phone conferences, meetings.
• Files with courts through a variety of methods.
• Assists with providing wraparound services and contact info for resources to clients.
• Coordinates and maintains calendars for attorneys.
• Assists with appeals, including drafting briefs.
• Meets with attorneys, clients, and other professionals to discuss assigned cases or projects.
• Drafts legal documents including routine pleadings and motions, affidavits, and interrogatories; files motions and pleadings according to judicial procedures.
• Researches and analyzes statutes, regulations, legal articles, judicial decisions, and other legal sources; provides written analysis to attorneys.
• Interviews clients and witnesses and prepares summaries of their statements.
• Prepares, organizes, stores, and retrieves case files, which may include evidence, exhibits, depositions, pleadings, exhibits, and other items.
• Assists attorneys with trial preparation, which may include attending trials and hearings.
• Develops and maintains records regarding billable hours spent on specific cases.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills & Abilities:           

• Capability to analyze and apply legal principles to practical client problems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Understanding of legal language and principles, research methods, court pleadings and processes, and other related matters.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, and to exercise discretion and good judgment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Key Performance Indicators for the Position:       

• Completes a quarterly checklist custom to the position.
• Attends regular one-on-ones with manager to assist in development.
• Maintains an average customer satisfaction rating of 3 or more.
• Completes learning objectives assigned each quarter.
• Completes and logs billable hours on a daily basis which equal 80 legal hours each month
• Tracks and monitors income generation.
• Attends weekly matter meetings with the team.
• Completes assigned networking opportunities.
• Completes and seeks out additional professional development opportunities.

Education & Experience:

• Associate degree in Paralegal Studies or related field required; Bachelor’s degree in Paralegal Studies or related field preferred.
• 2-3 years of experience preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

The Meade Law Group Mission:  

To create a financially sound legal practice that provides caring, effective, and efficient legal services to our community. We value integrity, excellence, teamwork, stewardship, and loyalty.

Further objectives of the firm are:

1. To have a well-organized, well-managed, productive law firm that can contribute to our clients and to the legal system.
2. To provide a work product that is timely, accurate, and of value to our clients.
3. To be fair, honest, empathic and ethical in all dealings with our clients, our team, court personnel, opposing counsel, and vendors.
4. To be always in pursuit of new procedures and products designed to benefit the firm, our teams, and our clients; and
5. To be coachable and humble enough to make this firm a safe place in which to work and to be an asset to both our social and legal communities.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by law or regulation. It is our intention that all qualified applicants are given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.