Legal Assistant/Paralegal

About the role

The Legal Assistant supports the Office of the General Counsel with contract processing, litigation support, and daily administrative operations.

Working Conditions: Office environment. Materials and Equipment: Computer, telephone, copier, and scanner.

Responsibilities

• Contract Processing: Serves as the intake point for all contracts submitted to the legal department; reviews contracts for completeness, tracks the agreement through approval and execution, and follows up with departments and counterparties to keep matters moving; maintains the contract tracking system and updates the status of contracts, affiliation agreements, and other agreements in real time; serves as the first point of contact to discuss contracts approval process and responds to questions from administrative departments.
• Litigation and Compliance Support: Tracks and manages the case docket, including court deadlines, arbitration hearings, agency filings, and cases assigned to outside counsel; drafts responses to subpoenas and coordinates the collection and production of responsive records; handles FERPA requests and other educational and employment record requests in coordination with the appropriate University offices; communicates with insurance carriers regarding claims, coverage questions, and litigation updates; prepares general correspondence, pleadings, response papers, and other legal documents under attorney supervision.
• Financial Administration: Processes and tracks outside counsel invoices and legal fees, confirms compliance with billing guidelines, and coordinates payment.
• Office Administration: Answers and directs calls, responds to inquiries, and opens and routes incoming mail; maintains the legal department filing system, both physical and electronic; manages calendars, schedules meetings, and coordinates arbitration hearings and court appearances; works regularly with departments across the University, outside counsel, insurance carriers, and vendors; performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Associate degree and at least two years of office experience. Experience in a legal environment is preferred. Paralegal certification is a plus.

Skills

• Works effectively in an extremely busy environment and manages competing priorities with strong attention to detail.
• Handles confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
• Works well as part of a team and takes initiative when working independently.