Paralegal

SSP Law Co. LPA is seeking a motivated attorney to join its growing Real Estate Transactions practice in the firm's Hyde Park office in Cincinnati, Ohio. We are looking for an attorney who is eager to work closely with clients, handle sophisticated transactional matters, and play an active role in building a thriving practice.

For more than 30 years, attorneys at SSP have anticipated the needs of our clients and taken bold, strategic action on their behalf. We have earned a reputation of being business-savvy, pragmatic attorneys of integrity and aggressive advocates when our clients' interests are on the line. At SSP, we take pride in the legal services we provide and the products we produce for our clients.

JOB SUMMARY

The Paralegal completes daily processes and transactions to support attorneys to meet the needs of clients and ensures matters are moving forward as necessary including completing daily administrative processes and transactions.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Paralegal Responsibilities 85%, Imp: 5, EFS: 4.25

• • Draft and send correspondence to clients and third parties
  • Draft, revise, and file pleadings; Serve pleadings on opposing counsel
  • Correspond with clients regarding issues and/or needs for information/documents
  • Correspond with and schedule court reporters, videographers, and other vendors as necessary
  • Prepare written interrogatories and requests for document production
  • Draft, revise, format, proofread, and finalize documents including letters, agreements, pleadings, motions, and other various documents as requested by supervising attorney
  • Request necessary matter documents from other third parties including Secretary of State, attorneys or their staff, and other organizations
  • Review and organize documents produced or to be produced in discovery.
  • Research public records and laws, to locate people and/or personal information via Lexis, Internet searches, and social media
  • Prepare, organize, label, and maintain exhibits and exhibit binders for depositions, mediations, hearings, arbitrations, and trials, ensuring all supporting documents are complete, accurate, and readily accessible.
  • Search and pull documents or information on auditor and recorder websites
  • Request medical records and bills from hospitals, clinics, and other medical providers
  • Correspond with insurance companies regarding subrogation, status updates
  • Prepare medical release forms for clients
  • Correspond with opposing counsel and co-counsel
  • Create and use client document sharing folders on OneDrive and save/share documents with clients and/or third parties
  • Draft and revise estate planning and administration documents
  • Create organizational charts and lists for cases
  • Research and coordinate with process servers out of state
  • Draft disbursement letters following settlement of cases
  • Download, review, and organize documents from the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation (BWC) portal
  • Correspondence and communications with Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or Ohio Civil Rights Commission (OCRC) investigators.
  • Assist in preliminary investigations into cases, including participation in client intake interviews, preparing questionnaires, contacting third-party witnesses, and obtaining publicly available documents and information.
  • Follow up on documents that have been processed, filed, and recorded and notify all appropriate parties

2. Administrative Responsibilities 10%, Imp: 4, EFS: 0.40

• File and record documents with the recorder's office, Secretary of State, and other government offices both electronically and via hard copy
• Maintain and update physical and electronic matter files with related documents including scanning incoming mail, saving executed agreements, matter notes, correspondence, and other matter related documents
• Coordinate and maintain attorneys' calendars including scheduling meetings and conference calls, entering important deadlines and reminders, and reserving conference rooms
• Open new matters, initiate conflict checks, create new matter files, complete new matter forms, enter new matters into legal management system and send fee agreements
• Prepare fee agreements and engagement letters for all new clients and existing clients, as needed, and track return of the same
• Answer phone calls for attorneys when attorneys are not available, and coordinate with attorneys regarding responses to missed calls.
• Promptly save email correspondence in appropriate client files, label with date email was sent or received and brief description
• Promptly save email attachments in appropriate client file folders and label appropriately
• Copy, collate, and assemble various binders, exhibits, and documents as directed
• Assist attorneys by entering/reviewing/editing attorney time narratives and releasing into time management system according to deadlines
• Assist with attorney billing as directed
• Process Saba Enterprises invoices and track rents received
• Forward all bills received for BRISK to the appropriate parties
• Assist attorneys with scheduling and tracking CLEs

3. Provide Backup Support for Reception and Administration as Needed 5%, Imp: 5, EFS: 0.25

• Answer main phone line and direct incoming calls promptly and professionally
• Greet clients, visitors, and vendors with exceptional customer service and positive attitude
• Process and distribute daily mail, faxes, and UPS/Fed Ex packages
• Prepare and distribute outgoing and incoming packets for legal courier service
• Coordinate schedule to ensure main phone line is always being answered
• Process and save Conflict Check emails
• Scan and archive closed matters
• This job description is not intended to be all inclusive and the employee will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor and other management as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• Associate's degree in Paralegal Studies, Legal Studies, Business Administration, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant legal experience.
• 3+ years of experience in a law firm or legal environment as a Paralegal or Legal Assistant.
• Experience supporting attorneys in one or more of the following practice areas: Civil Litigation, Labor & Employment, Probate and Estate Administration, Commercial Transactions
• Experience drafting legal correspondence, pleadings, discovery requests and responses, agreements, and other legal documents.
• Experience coordinating document collection, records requests, filings, and matter management.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and electronic document management systems.
• Active Notary Public commission or ability to obtain within six months of hire.

Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrates professional, respectful and courteous behaviors in all interactions, communicating effectively and fostering positive relationships with colleagues and clients.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Exceptional organization and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with attorneys, clients, courts, governmental agencies, and vendors.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion in handling sensitive information.
• Experience conducting legal and public records research.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Certifications & Specialized Experience

• Certified Paralegal (CP®) credential through the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting litigation matters through trial preparation.
• Experience with employment law matters, including EEOC and state agency investigations.
• Experience with probate administration, estate planning, trusts, and fiduciary matters.
• Experience drafting and reviewing transaction documents, agreements, and business-related filings.
• Experience using LexisNexis or similar legal research platforms.
• Familiarity with Ohio court procedures, electronic filing systems, Ohio Secretary of State filings, and Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation processes.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work Environment

• This position is primarily performed in a professional office environment.
• Regular business hours are generally Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; additional hours may be required to meet business, client, court, or filing deadlines.
• This is an onsite position and requires regular in-office attendance.
• The role requires frequent interaction with attorneys, clients, courts, government agencies, vendors, and other external parties.

Tools and Equipment Used

· Work provided computer, copier, fax/scanner, phone, and other typical office equipment

Travel

· Minimal local travel may be required for court filings, client meetings, government agency visits, vendor meetings, or travel between office locations.

Physical & Mental Demands

• Frequently required to remain in a stationary position and work at a computer workstation for extended periods.
• Ability to operate a computer, telephone, copier/scanner, and other standard office equipment.
• Occasionally moves and transports files, records, office supplies, and materials weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to effectively communicate and exchange information with clients, attorneys, courts, vendors, and colleagues in person, by telephone, and through electronic communication methods.
• Ability to move throughout the office and attend meetings, court proceedings, or other work-related locations as needed, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to maintain attention to detail, prioritize competing demands, and manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced legal environment.
•  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

SSP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, Ohio, or local law. SSP is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law.