Asbestos Defense Litigation Paralegal

Partner with Aquent to make a meaningful impact at a leading organization at the forefront of managing complex legal challenges within a critical industry. In this dynamic role, you will be a vital member of a high-performing legal team, directly influencing the defense strategies and successful resolution of high-stakes litigation. Your meticulous attention to detail and expertise in litigation support will empower attorneys, streamline critical processes, and protect the organization's interests every single day.

About the Opportunity

This pivotal position offers an exciting opportunity to dive deep into intricate legal matters, providing comprehensive litigation support that is essential to robust defense strategies. You will be instrumental in managing the full lifecycle of complex litigation, from initial discovery to trial preparation, directly contributing to the successful navigation of challenging legal landscapes. Your ability to draft compelling legal documents, manage extensive document collections, and coordinate critical processes will be key to collective success and the protection of the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist attorneys with the preparation, management, and tracking of pending defense litigation matters.
• Draft, review, and prepare pleadings, discovery responses, discovery demands, motions, and good-faith deficiency letters.
• Manage extensive document collection, review, organization, and production in response to discovery requests.
• Process and manage authorizations, including tracking outstanding items and coordinating necessary follow-ups.
• Analyze documents, organize supporting materials, and catalog exhibits for litigation use.
• Maintain organized, up-to-date electronic and physical case files, and manage electronic document repositories.
• Monitor case status, litigation activity, and key deadlines across assigned matters using applicable civil practice laws and court rules.
• Calendar and monitor court deadlines, discovery obligations, and other critical dates to support timely case progression.
• Initiate and maintain legal holds through designated software and coordinate document preservation efforts.
• Prepare and submit court filings through applicable electronic filing systems.

Must-Have Qualifications

• Direct, active, hands-on experience handling asbestos or toxic tort defense litigation matters.
• Minimum of 3+ years of experience drafting discovery responses/demands, pleadings, motions, and good-faith deficiency letters in New York state and federal courts.
• Proficiency in NYSCEF (New York State Courts Electronic Filing System) and PACER.
• Strong background in New York civil litigation practices and procedures, with a working knowledge of the New York CPLR and applicable court rules.
• Demonstrated experience with discovery processes, document production, case management, and litigation deadlines.
• Proficiency with litigation support, document management systems, and the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear, accurate, and professional legal correspondence.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Paralegal Certificate and/or Associate's/Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent litigation paralegal experience).

Nice-to-Have Qualifications

• Experience with legal hold software.
• Experience with electronic document review and repository platforms.
• Legal research and cite-checking experience.
• Extensive experience processing litigation-related authorizations.