Trial Paralegal

Keller Postman represents a broad array of clients in class and mass actions, individual arbitrations, and multidistrict litigation matters at the trial and appellate levels in federal and state courts. Serving hundreds of thousands of clients in litigation and arbitration, we have prosecuted high-profile mass tort, antitrust, privacy, product liability, employment, and consumer-rights cases. Our firm also acts as plaintiffs’ counsel in high-stakes public-enforcement actions. Our mission is to achieve exceptional results for our clients, drive innovation in the practice of law, and pursue unparalleled excellence in everything we do. 

Job Summary: We are seeking a highly skilled and organized Trial Paralegal to join our team. The successful candidate will have fluency in all tasks required to support litigation teams from the outset of litigation through verdict and appeal, with a particular focus on trial excellence. Tasks may include: collection, production, and organization of evidence for trial; proofing, cite-checking, and filing legal documents; and running trial operations such as managing war-room setup, overseeing production of daily witness binders, and handling urgent courtroom requests.

When not traveling for the role, this position will work a hybrid schedule with three days per week in our Washington, D.C., office and two days per week remote. The salary range for this position is $130,000 - $165,000 per year.

Essential Functions:

• Document and Coordination Duties

• Assist in the collection of materials from clients, opposing parties, and third parties, including hard copies, electronic data, and physical evidence.
• Maintain the chain of custody for all collected materials to ensure their integrity and security.
• Draft routine filings such as attorney appearances, notices of filings, and notices of motions.
• Prepare first drafts of correspondence or serve as the liaison between the trial team and third parties such as witnesses, clients, vendors, and courtroom personnel, as requested.
• Proofread legal documents for contextual content, grammar, typographical, and spelling errors, hyperlinked citations and documents.
• Efficiently manage and catalog the production of hard copy and electronic client documents and data, processing documents from opposing counsel and third parties, both internally and using a document review platform (e.g., Relativity or Opus).
• Create demonstratives and prepare exhibits for depositions, hearings, etc., from electronic data.
• Prepare pretrial documents and assist with trial preparation, including organizing and indexing exhibits, preparing trial binders, and managing document-intensive files.
• Project management, including docketing deadlines and creating task lists for project completion.

• Trial Responsibilities

• Compile and track trial exhibits, appendices, and exhibits for legal documents.
• Manage the service of process, including filing with the court and serving documents on parties.
• Coordinate with local counsel to ensure compliance with jurisdictional requirements.
• E-file motions and other pleadings, including after-hours filings.
• Thrive in a team-driven environment and prioritize assignments, delegating when necessary.
• Manage trial scheduling, coordination with court clerks, preparation of witness files, page/line deposition summaries, management of exhibits, and setting up trial space.
• Utilize strong technology skills, including experience with Relativity, Trial Presentation Software, PowerPoint, and Excel.

• Substantive Research Skills

• Check legal citations for proper format, content, and accuracy using resources like Westlaw, Lexis, and the Blue Book.
• Conduct online substantive research, filing, and other administrative duties, as assigned.
• Possess strong knowledge of state and federal rules.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain confidentiality.
• Proficiency in using document management systems and other relevant software.
• Familiarity with legal research tools such as Westlaw and Lexis.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong technology experience, including Relativity, Trial Presentation Software, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Extensive knowledge of ESI protocol and e-discovery procedures.
• Trial experience, including managing logistics and aiding at trial.
• Strong knowledge of state and federal rules.

Education/Experience:

• A minimum of 5-10 years of Paralegal experience required.
• A minimum of 3 years of litigation experience strongly preferred.
• Trial experience strongly preferred.
• Experience mentoring and training junior-level legal support staff.
• Experience using the federal courts’ CM/ECF system, PACER, the Blue Book, and Westlaw.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university preferred.

Certificates/Licenses Required:

• An ABA-approved Paralegal certificate preferred.

Physical Demands:

• Office and courtroom environments.
• Required extended hours during peak periods or urgent deadlines.
• Travel required.
• Must be able to lift 25lbs.