Senior Litigation Legal Assistant (Paralegal) - Avata Partners (a Division of ZOE Holding)

The Opportunity

Our team is seeking an enthusiastic Senior Legal Assistant (Paralegal) to join our Legal Assistant Services team in the Palo Alto Office. This position utilizes experience and knowledge of case resources and methods to assist with advanced, complex tasks and projects, with minimal supervision, throughout all phases and aspects of Litigation work, while providing guidance to legal practice assistants, legal assistants, attorneys and other professional staff.

• Assists with the preparation and filing of California state court and Federal Court pleadings and other court papers.
• Prepares and handles technical, complex filings, including sealing procedures.
• Pulls cases, shepardizes briefs and assists with cite-checking.
• Provides support throughout all phases of discovery, including document review, production and depositions.
• Assists with complex tracking and data analysis projects.
• Assists with preparation for interviews, depositions, hearings, trials and/or client meetings.
• Proofreads briefs, memoranda of law, opinions and other documents.
• Assists with retrieval of rules, regulations and company profiles.
• Handles advanced, complex projects.
• Ensures that all Litigation case files are maintained within Department-approved protocols and case management systems, and seeks to improve workflows regarding storage and recall of electronic and paper files.
• Organizes and manages electronic and paper files.
• Maintains the integrity of client files.
• Performs non-legal research using various research tools, including the Internet, Westlaw, LexisNexis, PACER, SEC/EDGAR and other media and financial services sites, and/or other court-related websites for case law, statutes, articles, books, etc.
• Assists partners, associates and other legal assistants across offices, practice areas and throughout departments, as needed.
• Demonstrates effective interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills to facilitate effective work relationships with others.
• Manages Firm resources responsibly.
• Complies with and understands Firm operation, policies and procedures.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of California state court and Northern District of California rules and procedures
• Working knowledge of Federal Court rules and procedures, including civil and criminal rules
• Demonstrated experience working on trade secret and/or patent litigation cases
• Demonstrated experience working on government investigations, including investigations by the SEC and DOJ
• Demonstrated ability with complex court filings, in both paper and electronic (e-filing) formats
• Advanced knowledge of Excel
• Ability to fluently navigate various electronic databases and document management systems
• Working knowledge of Relativity and other e-discovery applications such as TextMap and CaseMap
• Knowledge of Firm operation, policies and procedures
• Knowledge of relevant firm computer software programs (e.g., Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), with the ability to learn new software and operating systems
• Strong research skills and proficiency in using various research tools, including the Internet, Westlaw, LexisNexis, PACER, SEC/EDGAR and other court-related websites and/or media and financial services
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, organizational and planning skills
• Demonstrates effective interpersonal and communication skills, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to work well independently as well as effectively within a team
• Ability to assume responsibility for assigned projects and tasks
• Ability to handle sensitive matters and maintain confidentiality
• Ability to organize and prioritize work
• Ability to handle multiple projects and shifting priorities
• Ability to work well in a demanding and fast-paced environment
• Ability to work well under pressure
• Demonstrates close attention to detail
• Flexibility to travel as required
• Flexibility to adjust hours and work the hours necessary to meet operating and business needs

Experience/Education

• Bachelor’s degree
• Must be able to meet the requirements of a California Paralegal under CA Business and Professions Code section 6450
• Minimum of five years of experience in a legal assistant position or a position requiring similar skillset, expertise and experience