Job Description: Paralegal – Litigation Section (Houston) Porter Hedges is seeking an experienced Paralegal to support our Litigation Section. A successful candidate for this position must have five or more years of experience, along with knowledge of terminology and procedures applicable to specific practice area of assigned legal personnel (i.e., demonstrate a firm understanding of the litigation case lifecycle, electronic filing of pleadings, e-discovery, docket scheduling, and trial/exhibit presentation software). This role requires an extremely organized and detail-oriented individual who is a self-starter and can work with multiple attorneys with little supervision. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Each Paralegal’s tasks differ according to the area of law to which they are assigned. Listed below are most of the daily tasks required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Maintains general contact with clients, court personnel, governmental representatives, staff, the attorney, and other legal personnel under the attorney’s supervision. Conducts legal investigations and statistical and documentary research. Drafts legal documents, correspondence, and pleadings for the attorney’s review. Authors and signs correspondence provide the paralegal status is clearly indicated, and the correspondence does not contain independent legal opinions or legal advice. Summarizes depositions, interrogatories, and testimony. Establishes, updates, and maintains databases for the organization of case documents. Organizes documents, maintains files, and coordinates electronic discovery. Attends depositions, court or administrative hearings, and trials with attorney. Operates Sanction (or other trial/exhibit presentation software), e-discovery platforms, and document management tools. Specific to the Construction Litigation Section, searches and reviews real property records and records liens. Prepares and inputs time, billing data, and text regarding all work time expended on any client or firm tasks. Other duties may be assigned. Job Requirements: Qualifications Bachelor’s degree is preferred, although the equivalent work experience of a high school diploma or equivalent and four years of work experience are acceptable. Paralegal Certificate from ABA accredited program preferred. Minimum of five years of experience in a law firm environment within a litigation practice. In-depth understanding of litigation procedures. Proficient with software, including but not limited to Relativity, Westlaw, Lexis, word processing techniques, and technology in an electronic network systems environment. Proficient in using document management software, Microsoft productivity tools (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word), and PDF software (Acrobat and Nuance). Working knowledge of e-discovery platforms and processes and the ability to operate Sanction (or other trial/exhibit presentation software). Must be reliable, a self-starter, and have a professional demeanor. Demonstrates good organizational skills, the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, provide superior client service, and be comfortable delivering under pressure in a team-focused environment. Ability to analyze administrative records, accounting reports, and business statistics and develop reports and summaries regarding those sources. Specific to the Construction Litigation Section: Ability to search and review real property records and familiarity with and ability to record liens. Ability to self-manage, anticipate, and delegate responsibilities as necessary. Ability to work well with internal and external clients, possess strong communication skills, both oral and written, and build relationships with individuals at all levels of an organization. Works daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., as well as additional hours outside of normal business hours on a frequent basis. Benefits Eligible for hybrid work schedule after working at the firm for 90 days (3 days in office, two days WFH). Robust benefits package that includes medical, dental, life, short-term and long-term disability group insurance, and paid time off and holidays. Option to participate in the Firm’s 401(k)/discretionary profit-sharing program. Central downtown location and choice of Firm-paid garage parking or Firm-paid monthly METRO bus pass. Access to the building’s gym at no additional cost. Access to the building’s amenity floor that includes virtual Topgolf, shuffleboard, pool table, etc.