Position Summary:
The primary job function is to assist house counsel with various pre-trial tasks; draft responses; motions and other legal documents; conduct research projects and gather information for claim cases; and correspond with clients to investigate facts in preparation for trial.

Essential Job Functions:

Provides Paralegal Support:

• Searches for, assembles, and summarizes pertinent information from various sources for the purpose of preparing responses to propounded discovery. Discoveryincludes, but is not limited to, form interrogatories, special interrogatories, request for admissions, and demand for inspection of documents. Corresponds with clients, attorneys and claims personnel, and other related parties to discuss case status, gather additional information pertinent to the case, and respond to routine inquiries regarding legal procedures. Produces a variety of written documents utilizing varied and advanced word processing software functions; obtains extensions, when necessary, to ensure objections are preserved and responses are timely and proper; prepares legal briefs, pleadings, appeals, and motions for review and use by attorney. Draft letters and legal documents; Prepare, assemble and properly format court documents, discovery and any other pleading as directed. Files pleadings, prepares affidavits of documents and maintains digital file in case management system. Completes special assignments of a legal nature to assist in the management of the claim cases. Prepares initial drafts of administrative reports such as initial opinion, discovery summary, medical record summary, pre- and post-trial reports as directed. Ability to prioritize and reprioritize tasks to ensure prompt completion of assignments and ability to carry out day to day activities in a logical and effective manner to complete work timely.
• Assists attorney in preparation of cases for trial including, but not limited to, assembling and identifying exhibits, trial books, motions in limine, expert witness lists, statement of the case and various other required trial documents.
• Research and analyze law sources such as statutes, recorded judicial decisions, legal articles, depositions and legal codes. Investigate facts and case law to determine causes of action and to assist in preparation of case.
• Assist insured in Small Claims cases by investigating facts in order to prepare trial briefs, prepare the insured for trial, attend trials with the insured and defend the company when listed as a named party to the action. Collects and evaluates all file evidence, contacting related parties to gather information, and prepares for hearing, researches relevant statutes or case law, vehicle valuation, medical treatment, aerial maps and policy language to assist in the defense of the Small Claims action.

Education:

 Completion of 4 hours of continuing education or required hours of education in compliance with the rules of State.

Education:

Minimum: Certificate of completion of a paralegal program approved by the American Bar Association; A certificate of completion of a paralegal program at, or a degree from, a postsecondary institution that requires the successful completion of a minimum of 24 semester, or equivalent, units in law-related courses and that has been accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization or approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education; BA or an advanced degree in any subject, a minimum of one year of law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney who has been an active member of the State Bar of California for at least the preceding three years or who has practiced in the federal courts of this state for at least the preceding three years, and a written declaration from this attorney stating that the person is qualified to perform paralegal tasks; or high school diploma or general equivalency diploma, a minimum of three years of law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney who has been an active member of the State Bar of California for at least the preceding three years or who has practiced in the federal courts of this state for at least the preceding three years, and a written declaration from this attorney stating that the person is qualified to perform paralegal tasks. This experience and training shall be completed no later than December 31, 2003.

Preferred: Degree in paralegal studies and/or Paralegal Certificate with 1+ insurance defense or civil litigation experience.

Experience: 

Minimum: 0-2 years insurance defense paralegal experience and/or equivalent insurance defense litigation experience.

Preferred: 1-2+ years paralegal experience in civil litigation / insurance defense.

Skills and Abilities:

Minimum: General knowledge of legal principles, terminology and procedures; written communication skill to draft legal documents in support of and response to discovery, depositions, motions as well as proof and edit documents for accuracy.  Must possess ability to work in paperless environment; effectively correspond with clients, attorneys and other involved parties. Knowledge and proficiency in word processing and case management software in order to complete assignments.

Preferred: Excellent written and verbal communication and grammatical skills in order to draft motions, oppositions and replys; ability to carry out day to day activities in a logical and effective manner and completes work assignments promptly.   

Why choose a career at Mercury?

At Mercury, we have been guided by our purpose to help people reduce risk and overcome unexpected events for more than 60 years. We are one team with a common goal to help others. Everyone needs insurance and we can’t imagine a world without it.

Our team will encourage you to grow, make time to have fun, and work together to make great things happen. We embrace the strengths and values of each team member. We believe in having diverse perspectives where everyone is included, to serve customers from all walks of life.

We care about our people, and we mean it. We reward our talented professionals with a competitive salary, bonus potential, and a variety of benefits to help our team members reach their health, retirement, and professional goals.

Learn more about us here: https://www.mercuryinsurance.com/about/careers

We offer many great benefits, including:

• Competitive compensation
• Flexibility to work from anywhere in the United States for most positions
• Paid time off (vacation time, sick time, 9 paid Company holidays, volunteer hours)
• Incentive bonus programs (potential for holiday bonus, referral bonus, and performance-based bonus)
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and pet insurance
• 401 (k) retirement savings plan with company match
• Engaging work environment
• Promotional opportunities
• Education assistance
• Professional and personal development opportunities
• Company recognition program
• Health and wellbeing resources, including free mental wellbeing therapy/coaching sessions, child and eldercare resources, and more

Mercury Insurance is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.