International Trade Paralegal Specialist

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP is a leading international law firm with more than 900 lawyers in offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. We are currently seeking a Paralegal Specialist to support the International Trade practice, working under general supervision of assigned attorneys and the Director of Practice Management - Regulatory.

The role will reside in the Washington, DC office with hybrid work capabilities and will be assigned to work primarily on specific cases/transactions, provide general assistance to a project team of attorneys, and/or to support attorneys whose practice involves specific areas of law. Paralegals may also monitor regulations, legal developments, and compliance procedures in their area of expertise. In addition, Paralegals may be asked to provide general supervision of Project Assistants and other clerical staff. Paralegals are expected to perform all responsibilities with a commitment to providing superior service to the firm’s clients, attorneys, advisors, and staff, while maintaining an atmosphere of teamwork and continuous improvement.

Key responsibilities of this position include:

• Conduct statutory, regulatory, or factual research with respect to client matters. Such research might include investigation of federal or state laws and regulations, relevant markets, corporate participants and industry standards and practices.
• Participate in due diligence, privilege and other reviews of client records and files.
• Assist with organization of client materials and attorney work product, including use of databases, imaging systems and other computer-based technology.
• Maintain pleadings files and other case or project records; circulate materials to project team, as needed. Maintain chronological records of project activity.
• Arrange filings, mailings and service list deliveries with appropriate courts, government agencies and other parties.
• Under the supervision of an attorney, draft, edit, cite-check, conform and otherwise assist in the preparation of legal documents.
• Prepare binders of completed transactions.
• Obtain services from outside contractors, including court reporters, research services, exhibit preparation services, filing services and printers. Process billing and disbursement paperwork in connection with those services.
• Act as liaison for the project team with support departments and other offices of the firm, anticipating and assuming responsibility for special staffing needs, such as overtime, clerical and/or notary assistance.
• Travel, as required by the Practice and/or client.
• As requested by the Director of Practice Management or assigned attorneys, coordinate work of other paralegals and/or project assistants or clerical team members.

Qualifications (Experience, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities):

• BA/BS degree required
• 2 to 3 years of relevant paralegal experience required
• Substantive knowledge of and familiarity with specific areas of law, as required
• Strong analytical and research skills
• Thorough knowledge of MS Office applications including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate potentially detailed and complex information to others
• Aptitude and willingness to work with complex procedures
• Strong organizational and time management skills, including the ability to organize self and others
• Demonstrated strong attention to detail
• Ability to read, comprehend and follow instructions
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adjust to changing priorities in a professional manner
• Ability to work independently and with a team
• Willingness and ability to assume new tasks and responsibilities
• Strong service orientation, and an ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with users, peers, office and firm management, and outside business partners
• Ability to work well under pressure, facilitate solutions, and meet deadlines and milestones for projects assigned
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality of client and office information and adhering to the Firm’s Core Values
• Commitment to professional growth and development

The base salary range for this position in Washington, DC is $65,000 to $85,000. Additional information about benefits and rewards can be found here.