Paralegal/Executive Assistant
Work Location: Helena, MT Preferred; other major office location in Montana may be considered
Pay range: $26.74 to $38.94 per hour
Employment Status: Regular Full-time
External candidates apply at northwesternenergy.com
Internal candidates apply through iConnect.
About this position:
The Executive Assistant/Paralegal assists the General Counsel and Vice President with their day-to-day tasks including maintaining calendar dates, scheduling travel, and ensuring documents are properly handled. In addition, legal assistance is provided to the corporate attorneys by performing a variety of tasks in support of NorthWestern Energy's mission to deliver safe, reliable and innovative energy solutions.
We offer great benefits:
NorthWestern Energy is a fully regulated electric and natural gas utility serving Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska. We employ over 1,600 amazing people and serve over 800,000 customers who are our neighbors in our communities. We are a top employer and offer competitive benefits, including:
- 401K with company match up to 4% and non-elective contribution up to 7%
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Healthcare and wellbeing programs, including dental and vision for you, your spouse and dependents, Health Savings Account (HSA), healthcare and dependent care flexible spending account (FSA)
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Employee Assistance Programs (Offering up to six free counseling sessions, per person, per issue, per year for employees, spouses and dependents to include financial health)
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Life Insurance (Company pays basic employee policy; spouse, dependent insurance also available)
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Tuition reimbursement
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Competitive pay (Scheduled performance-based wage increases and annual incentive opportunities)
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Paid company endorsed volunteer opportunities
- Paid parental leave
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Paid bereavement leave
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Paid training opportunities
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Paid time off starting on your first day, plus 11 paid holidays
Benefits may vary by position or as negotiated as part of a collective bargaining agreement.
About this job:
- Coordinate and make travel arrangements for Executive to conferences, company functions, and meetings
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Coordinate and make travel arrangements for members of the Legal Department
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Manage email and calendar for important correspondences, meeting requests, and travel arrangements
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Compile, review, proof and process documents for Executive
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Respond to business inquiries regarding Executive
- Receive, review, and respond to requests from internal business partners, including legal matters, customer disputes, and regulatory inquiries
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Screen incoming correspondence and refer matters requiring immediate attention to the appropriate personnel in the Legal Department
- Conduct legal research and prepare memos, reports, and presentations
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Provide regulatory and litigation support
- Prepare and issue legal hold notices and releases, while maintaining a list of legal holds
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Assist in preparing draft discovery responses, subpoena responses, and responses to requests for more information
- Assist in preparing the Legal Department's materials for Board of Directors meetings
- Assist in managing the Legal Department's document retention/filing system
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Process invoices through SAP
- Prepare expense reports and process credit card charges through Concur
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Assist with annual budget and monthly forecast for the Legal Department
- Manage Serengeti Legal Tracker e-billing system
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Prepare engagement letters for outside counsel
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Support legal department projects
- Complete assignments and other duties as requested by General Counsel and other Corporate Attorneys
- Provide backup support to other Executive Assistants as needed
- Travel to meetings and conferences (up to 5% of the time)
- All NorthWestern Energy employees are required to adhere to company safety standards and the Code of Business Conduct & Ethics
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Ensure all actions are consistent with NorthWestern Energy's values, mission, and strategic business objectives
Am I right for this job? Here's the success profile:
- Associate or bachelor's degree in paralegal studies or paralegal certification
- At least 3 years of related experience and/or training is preferred
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Experience with an in-house legal department or law firm is preferred
- Knowledge of Serengeti Legal Tracker, SharePoint, and SAP is desired
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Must be able to demonstrate a good safety record
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Must possess strong oral and written communication skills
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Strong basic accounting and budgeting skills
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Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
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Strong work ethic and willingness to work under rigorous deadlines
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Ability to complete multiple large and routine tasks timely with accuracy and attention to detail to manage the needs of multiple attorneys
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Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality
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Broad knowledge of research procedures, computer-based legal research programs, and principles of judicial and administrative processes
- Analytical skills necessary to incorporate business concerns into evaluation of legal issues
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Must be comfortable working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment
- Get Into Energy - Energy Industry Fundamental 2.0 certification is a plus (click the link to certify at no cost)
Requisition #4950
Posting Dates: February 11, 2026 through Open Until Filled
Department/Division: Legal
Employment Physical: Not Required
Drug Test: Required
Background Check: Required
Relocation Benefit: Negotiable
Telecommuting: Part-time negotiable within NorthWestern Energy service territory
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other protected class in accordance with applicable federal or state laws and statutes. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act, should you have a disability that requires assistance and/or reasonable accommodation with the job application process, please contact the Human Resources department at 1-800-245-6977 or at [email protected].
