In-House Paralegal Job at Archdiocese of San Antonio Careers in San Antonio

In‑House Paralegal Reports to: Risk Director Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM FLSA Status: Non‑Exempt Summary The position of In‑House Paralegal will assist the In‑House Counsel with all legal aspects of the Archdiocese to assure that it accomplishes its ministry to the people of the Catholic Church effectively and lawfully. Responsibilities General Legal Conduct comprehensive legal research and prepare memoranda on assigned legal issues. Coordinate communication with clients, witnesses, and opposing counsel. Act as liaison between attorney and outside counsel in the exchange of information. Draft correspondence to victims, clients, attorneys, governmental agencies, law enforcement agencies and the courts on a variety of legal matters. Assist with scheduling and calendar management, ensuring deadlines are met efficiently. Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date case files and databases. Maintain corporate files, schedule corporate meetings, take meeting minutes as requested. Conduct research and maintain a state‑specific masterfile pertaining to state‑specific rules and requirements, e.g., civil procedures, appeal processes, use of collateral sources, requirements to formulate damages in present value, rules regarding payment of experts, damages caps, business environment, etc. Conduct legal research in Westlaw and/or other legal platforms for legal and administrative purposes. Assist in responding to all subpoenas. Complete complex legal projects on a variety of legal questions, issues, or matters. Pre‑Litigation, Pleadings and Written Discovery Draft and edit various legal documents, such as pleadings, motions, briefs, and discovery requests. Assist attorneys in answering requests for disclosures, interrogatories, and production; interview clients and formulate answers in writing; review answers with attorneys and prepare answers in final form; obtain and organize documents responsive to production requests from clients. Obtain, review and summarize medical records at the direction of trial attorneys and have them reviewed by experts as necessary; arrange for medical examinations. Coordinate discovery to plaintiffs and co‑defendants, including drafting and calendaring of interrogatories, initial disclosures, requests for production, requests for admissions and other requests in accordance with local, state, federal and administrative and agency rules and procedures. Depositions Schedule depositions of witnesses: plaintiff, co‑defendant, independent witnesses, police officers, experts, etc.; schedule stenographer and videographer for noticed depositions; obtain copies of transcripts and videos of testimony. Assist attorney in preparing for depositions including summarizing written discovery, preparing and organizing exhibits, preparing deposition outlines and check‑lists, medical records summaries, and chronologies. Summarize depositions and identify areas of testimony that conflict with itself, written discovery, testimony of other witnesses, police reports, medical records, or other known facts. Provide defense experts with copies of medical, deposition transcripts and summaries, and plaintiff expert reports to prepare for deposition. Designation of Experts and Trial Preparation Assist in preparation of Daubert, Frye, Rule 702, and other challenges to plaintiff expert testimony and responses to challenges to defense expert testimony. Standardize and implement the process of challenges, and assertions used to manage preemptive challenges; maintain files on standard challenges and strikes for all experts. Draft and file motions to designate defense experts. Ensure designation deadlines are met. Assist attorneys in preparing pre‑trial motions, researching legal issues, interviewing witnesses preparatory to and during trials as necessary. Coordinate witness appearance in all Court proceedings. Assist attorneys in preparing documents and evidence for trial including preparing trial binders with tabs and indexes; prepare print exhibits and electronic exhibits, video deposition excerpts, etc.; review, screen, and analyze case‑related materials for assigned cases and provide summary of facts to assigned attorneys; process documents, including preparation, filing and issuance of information; obtain, index and outline histories, offense reports and all other relevant documents. Attend trial, hearings, and other court proceedings, as requested. Post‑Trial Negotiate agreed judgments and settlement agreements with plaintiff attorneys. Draft judgments, orders, payment agreements and other documents for assigned cases. Obtain drafting instructions, request payment, and mail/deliver checks to satisfy settlement agreements or judgments. General Responsibilities Adhere to safety training and protocols and take precautionary measures to ensure the safety and well‑being of self and others. Protect the confidentiality of any information or material obtained in the service with the organization, including but not limited to client names, donor names and gifts, internal and external investigations or results of any investigations, and financial information. Adhere to the Code of Conduct and the Faith and Moral Policy. Perform a solution‑oriented approach in interactions and undertakings, and be a team member that promotes collaboration and commitment to the Mission and Vision of the organization. Perform other duties as assigned. Education and Qualifications Education Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree preferred. Minimum Qualifications Minimum of 5 years’ experience in legal support with at least 2 years of experience in insurance defense and/or administrative law experience. Experience Minimum of 5 years’ experience in legal support with at least 2 years of experience in insurance defense and/or administrative law experience. License And Credentials Reliable transportation Valid driver license Valid vehicle insurance Paralegal certification preferred Minimum Knowledge And Skills Minimum of 3 years’ experience in legal support including preparing pleadings and motions, drafting legal correspondence, file management, and calendar management. Extensive working knowledge of court operation and court filings. Experience with computer software and legal database (e.g., Lexis Nexis software preferred). A solid grasp of time management and case management. Detail oriented, organized, self‑motivated, work well independently and on a team. Good written and verbal skills. Good critical thinking and problem‑solving skills. Travel Requirements Travel requirements for the position includes Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level Employment Type Full‑time Job Function Legal Industry Religious Institutions #J-18808-Ljbffr