Paralegal / Legal Operations Manager

Overview

AARP Foundation works to end senior poverty by helping vulnerable people over 50 build economic opportunity. Our approach emphasizes equitable outcomes for populations that have faced systemic discrimination. We serve all people 50 plus and their families. Through vigorous legal advocacy and evidence-based solutions, and by building supportive community connections, we foster resilience, advance equity and restore hope.

The Paralegal / Legal Operations Manager performs a broad range of legal and administrative support for one or more attorneys. Performs intake for potential clients and s upports attorneys with client communications and investigative work such as gathering evidence, searching records and documents, and/or contacting potential clients and witnesses to gather information. Organizes and maintains case files. Creates and transcribes records of highly sensitive/confidential meetings and conversations and prepares correspondence and legal papers. Arranges appointments and maintains calendars, schedules, and files. Organizes and supports community outreach activities. Manages the day-to-day operations and administration of the litigating unit, AARP Foundation Litigation (AFL), by providing general support to the AFL leadership and legal staff. Coordinates and executes administrative duties and ensure the department operates efficiently. Identifies opportunities for improvement in operations across AFL and working to implement changes, as needed. Acts as a primary contact for administrative, operational, and logistical issues or questions that arise. Assists in the onboarding process for new hires, volunteers, and/or interns, including organizing orientation programs; training in office policies, procedures, and technologies; and addressing employee, intern, and volunteer queries regarding office management and facility management issues.

Responsibilities

• Organizing and managing litigation cases, including preparing trial binders, exhibits, and documents for production in response to document requests.
• Assisting in all phases of case investigation and discovery, including written discovery, depositions, and witness interviews.
• Managing electronic discovery tools to collect, store, and produce electronically stored information.
• Assisting in and attending trials and court hearings.
• Organizing and maintaining litigation and amicus case files using law practice management software.
• Preparing, editing, cite checking, and formatting correspondence, memoranda, pleadings, briefs and other legal documents.
• Communicating with clients, co-counsel, and opposing counsel to collect and assemble information.
• Supporting attorneys by: scheduling appointments, depositions, and meetings; maintaining attorneys' files and calendars; making travel arrangements; and preparing and submitting expense reports and other financial documents for payment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of litigation experience working in a law firm or legal department; paralegal certificate preferred.
• Experience performing the responsibilities of an Operations Manager or a similar role in a legal department or law firm
• Knowledge of and experience with organizational effectiveness, operations/project management, and maintaining budgets
• Familiarity with business and financial principles
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Experience with WESTLAW and the Bluebook
• Experience with Relativity and/or other e-discovery platforms
• Paralegal certification or equivalent legal training or experience
• Organizational skills

Additional Requirements

• Regular and reliable job attendance
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Exhibit respect and understanding of others to maintain professional relationships
• Independent judgement in evaluation options to make sound decisions
• In office/open office environment with the ability to work effectively surrounded by moderate noise

Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA)

AARP observes Mondays and Fridays as telecommuting workdays, except for essential functions. Remote work and telecommuting can only be done within the United States and its territories.

Compensation and Benefits

AARP offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including a 401(k); 100% company-funded pension plan; health, dental, and vision plans; life insurance; paid time off to include company and individual holidays, vacation, sick, caregiving, and parental leave; performance-based and peer-based recognition; tuition reimbursement; among others.

Equal Employment Opportunity

AARP is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. AARP does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, color, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.