Position Summary

The Senior Paralegal is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the firm's litigation support function while actively managing a caseload of complex civil litigation matters. This role combines hands-on litigation support with team leadership, workflow management, mentoring, and process improvement.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned civil litigation paralegal with strong organizational skills, extensive knowledge of Missouri and federal court procedures, and proven experience leading and developing high-performing teams.

Key Responsibilities

Litigation Management

• Support attorneys in all phases of civil litigation, from case inception through trial and appeal.
• Draft, review, and manage pleadings, discovery requests, discovery responses, subpoenas, and legal correspondence.
• Coordinate document production, review, and organization for litigation matters.
• Maintain case files and litigation databases, ensuring accuracy and compliance with firm standards.
• Conduct legal research and factual investigations as directed by attorneys.
• Prepare deposition summaries, medical record summaries, and case chronologies.
• Manage electronic filing in Missouri state courts and federal courts.
• Coordinate trial preparation, including exhibit management, witness coordination, and trial notebooks.
• Assist attorneys during mediations, arbitrations, depositions, and trials.

Team Leadership and Management

• Assign workloads and manage team resources to ensure efficiency and service excellence.
• Develop and implement best practices for case management, document control, and litigation support.
• Monitor deadlines, court schedules, and workflow priorities across the litigation department.
• Provide training, coaching, and professional development opportunities for team members.
• Assist with hiring, onboarding, and performance management of litigation support personnel.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and client-focused team culture.

Operational Excellence

• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance productivity and accuracy.
• Ensure compliance with firm policies, court rules, procedural requirements, and ethical standards.
• Coordinate with attorneys to establish litigation strategies, timelines, and case support plans.
• Assist with budgeting, vendor coordination, and litigation-related expenses where appropriate.
• Serve as a liaison between attorneys, support staff, clients, experts, and third-party vendors.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree, Paralegal Certificate, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 4 years of civil litigation experience.
• Extensive knowledge of Missouri state court procedures and federal court rules.
• Demonstrated experience supporting complex litigation matters through trial.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and litigation management software.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Exceptional organizational, leadership, and project management abilities.

Preferred

• Advanced experience with eDiscovery platforms and document review technology.
• Experience supervising multiple paralegals in a law firm environment.
• Trial experience in complex commercial, personal injury, employment, insurance defense, construction, or business litigation matters.
• Certified Paralegal (CP), Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP), or similar professional designation.

Core Competencies

• Leadership and Team Development
• Litigation Support Expertise
• Strategic Thinking
• Project and Workflow Management
• Attention to Detail
• Client Service Excellence
• Communication and Collaboration
• Problem Solving and Decision Making
• Time Management and Prioritization

Compensation and Benefits

We offer a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, including:

• Competitive salary
• Performance-based bonus opportunities
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with firm contribution
• Paid time off and holidays
• Continuing education and professional development opportunities
• Supportive and collaborative work environment