Clarksville
Job Description A small, established boutique general practice law firm in Howard County is seeking an experienced Paralegal with 5+ years of experience to join its team. The firm offers flexibility for the right candidate to work fully in-office or on a hybrid schedule. This position is best suited for a seasoned, self-directed paralegal who can quickly step into an active caseload and contribute with minimal ramp-up time. The ideal candidate is a proactive self-starter who anticipates needs, stays ahead of deadlines, and is comfortable taking ownership of assignments without significant day-to-day direction. Duties • Provide comprehensive paralegal and case management support across a variety of general practice matters, • Draft, prepare, proofread and format pleadings, motions, discovery requests and responses, agreements, correspondence and other legal documents with accuracy and attention to detail, • File pleadings and other court documents through Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC), • Manage active case files, document review and electronic and physical records while maintaining confidentiality, • Manage court dates, filing deadlines, hearings, depositions, appointments and other critical deadlines, • Assist with discovery, including document collection, organization, review, records requests and production, • Conduct legal and factual research using legal research platforms, • Prepare and organize exhibits, case materials and supporting documentation, • Assist with transactional and non-litigation matters, including document preparation and client follow-up, • Communicate directly and professionally with clients, including gathering information and documentation necessary to move matters forward, • Communicate with opposing counsel, courts, government agencies and other third parties, • Assist attorneys with hearings, mediations, depositions, closings and trial preparation, • Proactively monitor matters, anticipate next steps and follow up on outstanding items and deadlines, • Provide additional legal and administrative support as needed in a small-firm environment Requirements • 5+ years of substantive paralegal experience required, • Proficiency with MDEC and Maryland e-filing procedures required, • Strong working knowledge of Maryland courts, procedures and filing requirements, • Experience supporting multiple practice areas within a general practice, boutique or small-firm environment preferred, • Demonstrated ability to independently manage assignments, priorities and deadlines, • Proactive self-starter who takes initiative, anticipates needs and requires minimal supervision, • Ability to quickly become productive within an established practice and confidently manage day-to-day responsibilities, • Strong legal writing, proofreading and document preparation skills, • Experience conducting legal research using Westlaw, LexisNexis or comparable platforms, • Strong proficiency with Microsoft 365, particularly Word, Outlook and Excel, • Proficiency with Adobe Acrobat, PDF preparation and electronic document management, • Experience with legal practice, case management and/or document management systems, • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, • Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills, • Ability to effectively manage multiple active matters and competing deadlines, • Professional, dependable and comfortable communicating directly with clients, • Demonstrated discretion when handling confidential and sensitive information Benefits Why Join Us? This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced paralegal who enjoys the variety, autonomy and hands-on nature of a boutique general practice. You’ll work directly with attorneys and clients, handle a diverse range of matters, and have the opportunity to take meaningful ownership of your work within a collaborative firm environment. The firm offers flexibility based on the candidate’s preference. The position may be fully in-office or hybrid, with a combination of in-office and remote work. Candidates must be able to reliably commute to the firm's Howard County office when working in person. Benefits: • 401(k) matching, • Dental insurance, • Health insurance, • Life insurance, • Paid time off, • Vision insurance Work Location: Hybrid remote in Clarksville, MD 21029