Paralegal Job Description
[Intro Paragraph] Your job description should begin with a concise overview of the open position and a brief description of an ideal candidate, for example: “We are seeking a diligent paralegal to join our highly collaborative workplace. The ideal candidate is adept at multitasking and client support and has previous experience working for a law firm or corporate legal team.” Writing this summary will help you focus on the most critical qualities you are seeking in your next paralegal.
About Our Workplace: Use this section of your paralegal job description to highlight the benefits of joining your firm. For example, you could describe the company culture, mission, values, and the types of cases the paralegal would handle.
Paralegal Job Responsibilities: Use this section of your job description to present a comprehensive list of the job responsibilities so candidates can decide if they are interested in the work and have the necessary skills and experience to succeed. Edit this list based on your specific hiring needs and area of legal specialization.
- Collects, compiles, and organizes evidence and legal documentation for attorney review
- Researches case-related factual issues using in-house files and outside reference sources, such as laws, regulations, and legal decisions and articles
- Assists with the preparation, filing, and service of contracts, filings, and pleadings
- Interviews clients, witnesses, and experts
- Acts as a liaison among all parties for scheduling and sharing information
- Organizes and manages documents, including creating spreadsheets and retrieval systems
- Coordinates the collection, review, and production of documents and responds to discovery requests
- Assists with trial preparation, including the assembly of exhibits, witness binders, and appendices for depositions and court filings
- Attends trials, depositions, and other legal proceedings, taking notes and assisting attorneys as needed
- Summarizes deposition and trial transcripts and exhibits
- Compiles information and prepares statistics, charts, graphs, and other summaries to detail the findings
- Files exhibits, briefs, appeals, and other legal documents with the court and opposing counsel
- Uses legal software and databases to assist lawyers and clients
- Tracks billable hours for client invoicing
Work Hours and Benefits: This section should include the hours required and the salary range and benefits that come with the position. To determine a fair offer for your city or town, you can use a salary tool like Monster’s, which allows you to input job titles and locations to calculate estimates for low, median, and high salaries. One of the best ways to use this section of your paralegal job description is to emphasize benefits and perks that are most likely to appeal to paralegal applicants, such as 401(k) and paid time off.
Paralegal Qualifications and Skills: Use this section of your paralegal job description to share the skills and experience that would make someone an ideal candidate. Research shows that women and members of underrepresented groups are less likely to apply to jobs if they do not meet all the requirements. You attract more applicants and enhance your diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives by noting which qualifications are required and which are preferred.
- Legal research and investigation skills
- Case management experience and skills
- Written and verbal communication skills
- Time management and organizational skills
- Critical thinking
- Client focus
- Interpersonal relations
- Analytical problem-solving
- Discretion, trustworthiness, and confidentiality
- Deadline driven
- Multitasking
- Project management
- Time management
- Teamwork
Education and Experience Requirements:
[Call To Action] End your paralegal job description on a strong note with a call to action that directs candidates to apply and provides them with instructions on how to do so.
Use Your Job Description to Hire Your Next Top-Performing Paralegal
After crafting your paralegal job description, you’re ready to find the right fit for your firm. Find qualified candidates quickly with a job post on Monster and a recruitment plan designed to fit your needs.
