Senior legal assistant job description

At Northwestern Mutual, we are strong, innovative and growing. We invest in our people. We care and make a positive difference.

At Northwestern Mutual, we believe relationships are built on trust. That our lives and our work matter. These beliefs launched our company over 160 years ago. Today, they're just a few of the reasons why people choose to build careers at Northwestern Mutual.

We're strong and growing. In a company with such a long and storied history, this may be the most exciting and important time to be a part of Northwestern Mutual. We're strong, innovative and growing.

We invest in our people. We provide opportunities for employees to grow themselves, their career and in turn, our business.

We care. We make a positive difference in our communities. Nationally, thousands have benefitted from our support of research and programs to fight childhood cancer. Each year, our Foundation, employees and financial representatives donate time, talent and financial support to causes they're passionate about.
What you will do:

Responsible for serving as an integral member of the Legal Process Unit in the Law Department. Work independently on a variety of legal process work by responding to third party legal process served on Northwestern Mutual involving policy owners, Home Office employees, and the field. That legal process work includes subpoenas, legal attachments and seizures, confidentiality/privacy concerns, bankruptcy issues and other related matters. Partner and provide consultation with business partners, the field, policy owners, outside law firms and government agencies.

How you will do it:

* Review and respond to all third-party legal process served on NM and its operating subsidiaries including: case review and analysis, legal research, case assignment, selection and recommendation of solutions to individual cases
* Provide expertise and guidance on such matters as legal turnovers/attachments/seizures, restraints, privilege and privacy issues, production of company/subsidiary records earnings and commission attachments and bankruptcy issues and witness depositions
* Coordinate responses to seizures, levies, garnishment, restraining orders and bankruptcies
* Assist in the creation and maintenance of Standard Work Process and documentation
* Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of NM products, systems and services
* Perform related/similar duties and special projects as required or assigned

Bring Your Best! What this role needs:

* Bachelor's degree or a Paralegal Certificate, and a minimum of five years experience in insurance, financial services or legal industry; or a minimum of seven years of insurance, financial services or legal industry experience
* Knowledge of litigation particularly, the discovery process
* Ability to evolve and adapt enthusiastically as business needs change
* Self-directed learner with a strong customer service orientation, sense of ownership, accountability, and professionalism
* Demonstrate strong organizational skills; consistently complete projects on-time with great attention to detail. Able to prioritize well, work efficiently and effectively while prioritizing multiple tasks and deadlines
* Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to establish rapport and effectively engage with staff and clients throughout the Company, including but not limited to the Law Department attorneys and other Department professional, as well as outside counsel, government and regulatory agencies.

Benefits:

Great pay package, 401K, company sponsored retirement plan, educational assistance, performance based incentive pay, medical, dental and vision insurance, parental leave, caregiver time off….and more!

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Grow your career with a best-in-class company that puts our client's interests at the center of all we do. Get started now!

We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you work or would be working in Colorado or outside of a Corporate location, please click here for information pertaining to compensation and benefits.

Nature of Work

Provides paraprofessional legal assistance, research, and technical support functions for the attorneys in the City Attorney's Office.

Work Situation Factors:

Position involves competing demands, performing multiple tasks, working to deadlines, occasional work beyond normal business hours, and responding to customer issues. Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services. Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Las Cruces policies.

Physical Factors:

Light physical demands. Frequent to constant use of a personal computer.

Environmental Factors:

Work is performed in a standard office environment.

Current City of Las Cruces employees may be given first consideration if they meet the minimum requirements.

Meeting or exceeding the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process.

Full-time regular, non-exempt position.

This position is graded RN12. Duties and Responsibilities

* Researches and analyzes civil and criminal law sources such as statutes, recorded judicial decisions, legal articles, and legal codes to prepare draft documents related to legal questions, legal opinions, appeals, pleadings, subpoenas, interrogatories, deposition notices, resolutions, settlement agreements, contracts, seizures, and other legal documents.
* Prepares and assembles various special and recurring reports; prepares and proofs legal documents; coordinates and monitors assigned projects to assure that legal cases are ready for adjudication and filing deadlines are met.
* Researches, reads, and reviews various reports and documents to assist with case management and preparation for trials, negotiations, appeals, and hearings; organizes documents, schedules, and court filings; contacts witnesses, victims, attorneys, and others associated with cases to coordinate interviews and collect and transmit case information; acquires and organizes related reports, documents, and other background information.
* Gathers information for prosecution and litigation; routes and tracks legal documents submitted to defendants, attorneys, and courts for processing; maintains, tracks, and updates legal information and records; assists attorneys in litigation and prosecution by tracking the course and deadlines of cases; establishes and maintains files in various mediums and formats related to criminal and civil cases.
* Provides customer service, responds to questions and requests for information, explains and interprets policies, procedures, and regulations as authorized; responds to requests for information within scope of authority; refers matters requiring legal interpretation to supervisor for response and resolution.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate's degree in criminal justice, paralegal studies, or related field and three (3) years of legal office experience in the research, review, and preparation of legal documents and pleadings, which may include experience in handling prosecution cases. A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy.

Licenses/Certification(s):

Certification as a Legal Assistant or Paralegal may be preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of: principles and techniques of record keeping, case files, and records management; legal research techniques and terminology; New Mexico court processes and procedures; applicable state and Federal rules, codes and regulations; customer service and effective communication principles, standards, and methods; appropriate business English, spelling, grammar, punctuation, proofreading and editing; modern office equipment, business and personal computers, business office software applications, and report generation; City organization, operations, policies and procedures to effectively perform the required functions and duties of the position.

Ability to: perform a variety of duties and responsibilities and assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and demands to meet critical deadlines; ensure appropriate levels of customer service to achieve expectations and meet objectives; read, understand, interpret, and assure compliance with a variety of policies, procedures and regulations governing related activities, programs, and functions; research and compile applicable information and maintain accurate records; maintain confidentiality of sensitive information and data; communicate effectively in verbal and written forms; prepare and present accurate and reliable reports containing findings; review documents and extract relevant information; establish and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public; present a positive image; timely and accurately enter data using a personal computer with basic and specialized software applications in performing daily functions.

Skills in: researching and analyzing laws, regulations, technical, and administrative procedures; reading legal documents and extracting relevant information; effectively communicating in written and verbal forms; writing and completing accurate reports, documents, and correspondence; using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines; reading, interpreting, understanding, and applying policies, procedures, and applicable rules and regulations; reviewing, evaluating, and verifying documentation; updating and maintaining timely and accurate records; operating standard office equipment and a personal computer with installed generic and specialized software; preparing and presenting information in a clear and concise manner.

General Description of Position:
The Senior Legal Assistant to the Office of Public and Legal Affairs provides paralegal duties and senior-level administrative/office management support to the Office of Public and Legal Affairs team members. Responsibilities include interaction with key constituents and groups such as directors, trustees, Office of the President staff, vendors, outside counsel, and various external parties including elected and appointed officials and their team members. The Senior Legal Assistant performs paralegal duties that include research, drafting legal documents, and case management of legal matters for the College. The individual should maintain a professional office environment. Handles details of highly confidential and critical information. Must function efficiently and effectively in a fast-paced professional environment. Independently manages multiple tasks and projects with competing priorities and deadlines. The Senior Legal Assistant ensures that the quality and quantity of workflow from the office meet departmental requirements.

Major Responsibilities:

Provides senior-level administrative support for the Vice President of Public and Legal Affairs and team members. Screens correspondence and messages, maintains calendars and schedules of meetings, appointments, special events, and legal matters.

Prepares requests for reimbursement and makes travel arrangements.

Arranges in-house meetings with College staff and external agencies as directed. This includes room accommodations, pre-work and meeting documentation, guest parking, catered luncheons, audio/visual equipment, meeting refreshments, and other incidentals as required.

Reviews and monitors incoming legal documents, including pleadings, charges, and grievances for posting to the legal database and calendar.

Conducts legal research and drafts various legal documents for review.

Contacts various government agencies and opposing counsel at the direction of attorneys, regarding deadlines, extensions, and compliance with requests.

Monitors and/or carries out special projects for the Vice President of Public and Legal Affairs and team members.

Maintains legal files and case/information management systems. Keeps projects and files organized and provides typical legal and office administration services.

Prepares and gathers information to be used in reports and agendas for meetings such as the State Board of Trustees and other assigned committees, task forces, and ad hoc groups as instructed. Prepares agendas and materials for distribution.

Oversees procurement of major equipment and supplies for the department.

Provides administrative support to the Tax Intercept Appeal Panel including appeal hearing scheduling and planning; creating written and recorded records of the appeal hearings; and producing the final orders.

Coordinates with Tax Intercept Appeals/Bankruptcy Coordinator on all support matters for the Office of Legal and Public Affairs.

This is not to be construed as an exhaustive list. Other duties logically associated with this position may be assigned. All responsibilities will be conducted within the parameters of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), other applicable regulatory requirements, and professional standards.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Vice President of Public and Legal Affairs
SUPERVISION GIVEN: None

Minimum Qualifications:

A minimum of an Associate's degree in Paralegal Studies is required.

Proficiency and competency in office procedures are required, as is accuracy, ability to determine priorities, organize work effectively, maintain schedules and meet deadlines.

Proficiency with Microsoft Windows and Office software applications is essential.

Must possess professional demeanor, initiative and good judgment, be able to communicate clearly in oral and written form, work well under pressure and independently, have effective human relations and problem-solving skills, positively anticipate frequently changing priorities, and maintain strict confidentiality of administrative matters.

Knowledge of Indiana higher education system, particularly Ivy Tech, is beneficial.

Must have a willingness and ability to occasionally travel on College business.

Must demonstrate ability to promote an inclusive environment that reflects the broad diversity and backgrounds represented by our students and employees and which every individual feels respected and valued.

Preferred Qualifications:

Substantial senior-level administrative/office management experience.

Experience working in a legal office.

Other Requirements:

Work Hours:

Hiring Range:
$53,000 - $58,000 annualized

Team Ivy Referral:
N/A

Special Instructions to Applicants: