At K&L Gates, we are looking for smart, imaginative and hard-working people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and ideas to join us. Perhaps our search for talented visionaries and your search for important and impactful work lead to the same place.
We are seeking a Mass Tort Litigation Paralegal to join the Pittsburgh office. The Mass Tort Paralegal assists lawyers and paralegals, performing a variety of information management functions and factual investigations. The individual holding this position must be a self-starter who works effectively and efficiently with paralegals and project assistants across the platform as part of a team, and performs legal tasks that require independent judgment.
KEY RELATIONSHIPS
Supervising partner(s), practice group chair(s), lawyers, Director of Administration, Firmwide Director of Paralegals, Paralegal Manager, paralegals, internal and external clients.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
• Quickly, proactively learn and master new and emerging technologies to streamline and enhance both new and existing projects and processes within MT&PL practice area
• Demonstrated agility with technology, particularly in leveraging artificial intelligence applications
• Leverage adeptness with AI programs and other firm applications, combined with mass tort knowledge, to innovate and optimize workflows
• Creatively problem-solve by thinking outside the box and developing novel solutions to recurring challenges
• Skilled in analyzing workflows to identify inefficiencies and areas for enhancement
• Adaptable to change and responsive to evolving needs or feedback, adjusting strategies as necessary
• Works well with diverse teams to gather insights and implement improvements collaboratively
• Open to exploring tools and methods that automate repetitive tasks and improve processes in alignment with organizational goals
• Prepare, file, and serve documents electronically in state and federal courts in compliance with all relevant procedural requirements
• Monitor litigation deadlines and assist in the timely submission of filings to avoid delays and sanctions
•Tracks all relevant case deadlines
•Provides support for hearings, mediations, court appearances, and depositions
• Examines, organizes, analyzes, and summarizes information relating to particular questions and organizes the communication into a logical and usable work product
• Utilizes the firm’s software and technology, specifically any practice-group driven technology
• Investigates factual issues using a variety of sources, including libraries, websites, client repositories, and other outside sources
• Maintains client-, matter-, or practice-group-specific resources in electronic format or hard copy
• Presents results of all projects in effectively written memos, emails, or another logical format
• Assists in all aspects of case including, but not limited to, drafting and proofreading documents and pleadings in accordance with court rules and deadlines, coordinating document productions, and creating and maintaining relevant databases and spreadsheets
• Maintains all the administrative standards set by the firm, including preparing and submitting daily time entries, attending administrative meetings, legal keying all client-relevant and firm information, and performing other administrative tasks as assigned
• Coordinates with vendors and service providers for outside services, following the firm’s procurement policies and client billing requirements
• Trains project assistants on project specific duties and responsibilities when necessary
• Performs legal tasks that require significant independent judgment
• Develops procedures and systems to provide effective legal services
EXPERIENCE SKILLS REQUIRED
• College degree preferred with at least 5 years of paralegal experience in the relevant subject area
• Experience in specific litigation areas, such as asbestos, mass tort, and product liability
• Demonstrates proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and specific practice group technology, including Excel, data management systems and databases
• Produces accurate results and take ownership of projects, tasks, and responsibilities delegated by the supervising lawyers or other paralegals
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with team members across the country
• Anticipates plans and prioritizes work
• Manages competing demands to meet deadlines
• Possesses excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrates the ability to meet obligations with confidentiality, integrity, and sensitivity
• Requires high attention to detail and the ability to follow up on assignments with little or no guidance from leadership
• Requires critical thinking skills sufficient to make independent decisions regarding daily work tasks
• Follows detailed instructions and handles complex work
• Brings problems, concerns, or discrepancies to the attention of the supervising lawyer
• Has working knowledge of basic accounting principles and Excel
• Maintains current knowledge of practice area industry trends and the legal profession
ADDITIONAL ABILITIES REQUIRED
• In addition to the qualities and skills discussed above, candidates for practice area specific positions require certain educational credentials and skills. These candidates are expected to have academic expertise in the practice area of interest, as well as the generic skills previously described.
• This job operates in an office setting and is largely sedentary, requiring the routine use of a computer and other standard office equipment. The ability to open file cabinets, lift files, bend and stand on a stool may also be required.
Compensation $87,000 - $146,000
The compensation salary for this position will be determined during the interview process and will vary based on multiple factors, including but not limited to prior experience, relevant expertise, current business needs, and market factors.
ABOUT THE FIRM
K&L Gates is a fully integrated global law firm with lawyers located in more than 40 offices. We have experienced dramatic growth in the past decade and now rank among the largest U.S. based law firms in the world. We take pride in constantly striving for innovation, imagination and an entrepreneurial spirit. We come up with big ideas and then roll up our sleeves to get the job done, guiding our clients through their most complex issues in a variety of industry sectors and across multiple regions of the world.
The industry recognition the firm has garnered emanates from the foundation of a global community aligned on behalf of our clients. The people at K&L Gates are committed to working together to create a legacy for each other, the firm, our clients, and the communities in which we serve. We thrive in an inclusive and socially conscious environment that embraces diversity and takes a holistic approach to the career evolution of all our professionals.
Notice: We participate in E-Verify in certain Firm locations for purposes of verifying employment eligibility.
Please be advised that this position requires successful completion of a background check. In accordance with the Washington State Fair Chance Act, Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance, San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, the California Fair Chance Act, and applicable law qualified California and Washington State applicants with criminal history records will be considered. A criminal history will not categorically exclude a candidate from employment, and the Firm will consider relevant factors before making employment decisions based on criminal history information.
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
BENEFITS
K&L Gates offers our personnel a comprehensive suite of benefits to help meet your needs now and in the future. Depending on your eligibility, options for full-time personnel include:
- Medical/Prescription Drug Coverage (including a Health Savings Account feature)
- Back-up Child/Elder Care and access to a caregiving concierge
- Pre-tax Commuting Benefits
- 401(k) Retirement Plan and Profit Sharing
- Business Travel Accident Insurance
- Short- and Long-term Disability Protection
- Life Insurance (including Basic, Supplemental, Spouse, Child, and Accidental Death and Dismemberment)
- Paid Time Off (20 days/year through first 4 years of employment; 25 days/year after 5 years of employment)
- Identity Protection/Restoration and Fraud Insurance
- Parental Leave (18 weeks of which 6 are paid; short-term disability may provide additional paid time off)
- Student loan refinancing options and access to a student loan concierge service
- Breast Milk Delivery and Lactation Support Services
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Employees also may be eligible to receive bonuses and certain expense reimbursements
- Employee Assistance Program
- Professional Development and CLE Credit Opportunities
- Employee Referral Program
- Critical Illness Insurance
- Hybrid/Remote Work Opportunities
- Hospital Indemnity Insurance
- Perks including: Technology, Entertainment, and Travel Discount Programs
- All other benefits (such as leaves of absence) required by law
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The Firm is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the Firm that employment decisions shall be based on merit, qualifications and competence. Employment practices will not be influenced or affected by virtue of a person’s race (including traits associated with race, including hair texture and protective hairstyles such as afros, braids, locks, and twists), religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, gender, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, familial status, domestic violence victim status, military and veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy governs all aspects of employment including, without limitation, recruiting, hiring, compensation, benefits, promotion, assignment, and dismissal. In addition, it is the Firm’s policy to provide an environment that is free of prohibited harassment of any kind including, without limitation, that which is based on sex, race, age, disability, ethnic background, or any other category protected by law (including the categories listed above). The Firm complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please contact [email protected].
