Job Description

At K&L Gates, we are looking for smart, imaginative and hard-working people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and ideas to join us. Perhaps our search for talented visionaries and your search for important and impactful work lead to the same place.

We are seeking a Paralegal II to join the Boston office. The Paralegal supports lawyers across litigation and other practice areas on dispute-related and time-sensitive matters, performing a variety of functions that may include factual research, document analysis, cite checking and shepardizing, and drafting transactional documents, all as directed by the supervising lawyer. This role also includes hands-on, on-site support such as preparing exhibits, assembling filings, and ensuring accuracy and completeness of work product. The ideal candidate is a highly organized, detail-oriented, and deadline-driven team player who is resourceful, takes initiative, and is willing to step in wherever needed to support the team. .

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

Supervising partner(s), practice group chairs, and lawyers; Director of Administration; Firmwide Director of Paralegals; Paralegal Manager; paralegals, and clients

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Utilizes the firm’s software and technology, specifically any practice-group driven technology

• Examines, organizes, summarizes, and analyzes information relating to particular questions to create a logical and usable work product

• Investigates factual issues by using a variety of resources, including local libraries, web sites, client repositories, and other outside sources

• Maintains client, matter, or practice group specific libraries in hard copy or electronic format (or both)

• Presents results of all projects in effectively written memos, e-mails, or in logical discussion

• Creates and maintains spreadsheets, utilizing formulas

• Document quality control / proofreading
• Preparation of exhibits, binders, and filing materials (electronic + hard copy)
• On-site/in-office support as needed for filings or time-sensitive deliverables

• Team-oriented support (“step in as needed,” especially on urgent matters)

  
  

• Coordinates the storage of client information with the firm’s Records Department

• Maintains all administrative standards set by the firm, including the preparation and submittal of daily time entries, attendance at administrative meetings, and other administrative tasks as assigned

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

EXPERIENCE SKILLS REQUIRED

• Minimum of two (2) years’ relevant work experience in the legal field

• Working understanding of the legal terminology specific to the practice group

• Organized, deadline-driven, able to manage multiple priorities

• Demonstrates proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and the ability to be trained on specific practice group technology

• Displays the ability to express himself/herself clearly using proper grammar and appropriate vocabulary; comments are organized and precise; is able to describe a set of facts in an organized, clear, and unambiguous fashion

• Possesses excellent verbal and written communication skills

• High attention to detail and the ability to follow up on assignments in situations where there is little or no guidance, structure a system from minimal instruction, and submit a flawless work product

• Positive, flexible and committed attitude

• Ability and time management skills to work independently and meet deadlines in an atmosphere of frequent interruptions

• Critical thinking skills sufficient to make decisions regarding daily work, a willingness to follow instructions, and responsibility to bring all problems, concerns, or discrepancies to the attention of the supervising lawyer

• Remain current in practice area industry trends and in the legal profession

• Use own judgment in decision making to solve problems and achieve business outcomes

• Organize and prioritize own workload and help timekeepers with their organization

• Take the initiative in handling projects and anticipating what needs to be done

• Understand and follow specific and detailed instructions in oral and written form

ADDITIONAL ABILITIES REQUIRED

• In addition to the qualities and skills discussed above, candidates for “practice area specific” positions require certain specific educational credentials and skills. These candidates are expected to have academic expertise in the practice area of interest as well as the generic skills previously described.

• This job operates in an office setting and is largely sedentary, requiring the routine use of a computer and other standard office equipment. The ability to open file cabinets, lift files, bend, and stand on a stool may also be required.

Compensation Salary $97,116 - $161,859

The compensation salary for this position will be determined during the interview process and will vary based on multiple factors, including but not limited to prior experience, relevant expertise, current business needs, and market factors.

ABOUT THE FIRM

K&L Gates is a fully integrated global law firm with lawyers located across five continents in more than 40 offices. We have experienced dramatic growth in the past decade and now rank among the largest U.S. based law firms in the world. We take pride in constantly striving for innovation, imagination and an entrepreneurial spirit. We come up with big ideas and then roll up our sleeves to get the job done, guiding our clients through their most complex issues in a variety of industry sectors and across multiple regions of the world.

The industry recognition the firm has garnered emanates from the foundation of a global community aligned on behalf of our clients. The people at K&L Gates are committed to working together to create a legacy for each other, the firm, our clients, and the communities in which we serve. We thrive in an inclusive and socially conscious environment that embraces diversity and takes a holistic approach to the career evolution of all our professionals.

Notice: We participate in E-Verify in certain Firm locations for purposes of verifying employment eligibility.

Please be advised that this position requires successful completion of a background check. In accordance with the Washington State Fair Chance Act, Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance, San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, the California Fair Chance Act, and applicable law qualified California and Washington State applicants with criminal history records will be considered. A criminal history will not categorically exclude a candidate from employment, and the Firm will consider relevant factors before making employment decisions based on criminal history information.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

BENEFITS

K&L Gates offers our personnel a comprehensive suite of benefits to help meet your needs now and in the future. Depending on your eligibility, options for full-time personnel include:

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The Firm is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the Firm that employment decisions shall be based on merit, qualifications and competence. Employment practices will not be influenced or affected by virtue of a person’s race (including traits associated with race, including hair texture and protective hairstyles such as afros, braids, locks, and twists), religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, gender, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, familial status, domestic violence victim status, military and veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy governs all aspects of employment including, without limitation, recruiting, hiring, compensation, benefits, promotion, assignment, and dismissal. In addition, it is the Firm’s policy to provide an environment that is free of prohibited harassment of any kind including, without limitation, that which is based on sex, race, age, disability, ethnic background, or any other category protected by law (including the categories listed above). The Firm complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please contact askHR@klgates.com.