Paralegal - Litigation

About the Role

Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith P.C. is seeking an experienced Litigation Paralegal to join our Litigation Practice Group. This full-time position is ideal for a highly organized legal professional with experience managing litigation files, drafting legal documents, conducting legal research, coordinating discovery, and supporting attorneys through all phases of litigation. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting attorneys on complex litigation matters through effective case management, legal research, document preparation, discovery coordination, court filings, trial preparation, and client communication.

Requirements

• Education: Associate's or Bachelor's degree, completion of an ABA-approved Paralegal program or Paralegal certificate, or an equivalent combination of applicable education and relevant experience is strongly preferred
• Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of litigation paralegal experience required; experience in civil defense litigation, insurance defense, or complex civil litigation is strongly preferred. Applicants without litigation paralegal experience will not be considered.
• Skills:
  • Strong knowledge of civil litigation procedures, court rules, and legal terminology
  • Excellent legal writing, proofreading, legal research, and document drafting skills
  • Experience managing multiple litigation matters while meeting court deadlines and attorney expectations
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, electronic court filing (eFiling), document management systems, and legal technology platforms
  • Experience with discovery, trial preparation, deposition summaries, medical record review, and case management
  • Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail
  • High level of professionalism, discretion, and commitment to outstanding client service
  • Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
  • Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with attorneys, paralegals, and support staff in a fast-paced environment

Responsibilities

• Case Management & Client Support: Manage assigned litigation files from intake through resolution; develop case plans, litigation timelines, and client status reports; serve as a primary point of contact for clients, gathering information and maintaining regular communication; review files for outstanding discovery and ensure cases are prepared for hearings, depositions, mediation, and trial
• Legal Research & Analysis: Conduct legal and factual research; prepare legal memoranda, reports, and case summaries for attorney review; assemble chronologies of key documents to support litigation strategy and trial preparation
• Legal Drafting & Document Preparation: Draft complaints, motions, discovery requests and responses, affidavits, subpoenas, correspondence, and trial preparation materials; ensure legal documents comply with court rules, filing requirements, and applicable deadlines
• Discovery & Trial Preparation: Coordinate all phases of the discovery process; draft and respond to discovery requests; prepare deposition summaries, exhibits, trial notebooks, and courtroom materials; process subpoenas for medical, employment, workers' compensation, and other records; organize, review, and summarize medical records and other case-related documents; prepare materials for expert witness review and trial presentation
• Expert Witness Coordination: Coordinate Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs) and communicate with expert witnesses regarding records, reports, scheduling, and testimony
• Court Filings & Docket Management: Prepare and electronically file pleadings and other legal documents with Michigan state and federal courts; maintain litigation calendars and accurately track court deadlines, hearings, and appearances
• Technology & Billing: Utilize Microsoft Office, document management systems, litigation support software, electronic filing platforms, and timekeeping software; accurately record billable time and assist attorneys with pre-bill review
• Professional Collaboration: Partner with attorneys, paralegals, and legal support staff to provide exceptional client service and support successful litigation outcomes; maintain a proactive, organized, and team-oriented approach to managing complex litigation matters

Benefits

• Affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Company-paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Voluntary benefit options to support your individual needs