Legal Assistant - Litigation

LITIGATION LEGAL ASSISTANT responsibilities include assisting the attorney with approximately 60 plaintiff cases. Case management involves performing the following:

Draft pleadings & correspondence for attorney review.
Schedule and calendar appointments, hearings, depositions, mediations, arbitrations, and trials.
Correspond and converse with medical providers, law enforcement agencies, experts, clients, judicial assistants, and other attorney offices.
Assist the attorney in the negotiation process by relaying information to clients and insurance adjusters.
Handle incoming telephone calls relating to clients or potential clients.
File, type, copy and run errands as needed.
File maintenance, file reviews and client status letters.
Organize, verify and participate with client disbursement appointments.
Process paperwork and daily mail connected with litigation matters.
Coordinate travel reservations for business travel.
Any other duties assigned, such as client intake.

In addition to managing the cases, it is critical that the clients also be managed. The clients need someone to take time to answer their questions and educate them about the legal process. There is extensive client contact primarily over the telephone.
REQUIREMENTS
The following is a list of qualifications:

Experience in the legal field (1-2 years litigation and/or knowledge of Personal Injury preferred).
Creative, inquisitive thinker with problem solving capability.
Excellent communication skills.
Basic math, grammar and spelling skills.
Positive attitude, hard-working and conscientious.
Professional attire, appearance and mannerisms.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Word 2002, Excel 2002, Outlook; effective typing speed preferred (50+ wpm).
Good organizational skills, detail-oriented, resourceful.
Ability to bend, lift, file and carry large legal files and books;
Ability to sit for long periods of time.
Ability to drive to and from branch offices and other locations in Pinellas, Pasco, and Hillsborough Counties as needed.
Ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize work assignments.

Although not a requirement, knowledge of medical terminology, particularly in the fields of orthopedics and neurology would be very beneficial. Knowledge of PC DOCs and ProLaw are also be helpful.