Medical Malpractice Paralegal

Sommers Schwartz is seeking an experienced paralegal to work on our medical malpractice litigation team in the firm’s Southfield, Michigan, office.

In this regular, full-time, non-exempt position, the paralegal will support our attorneys in their representation of clients at every stage of medical malpractice and personal injury litigation, including pre-suit investigations, discovery, pre-trial proceedings, trials, and appeals.

Job responsibilities include

• Collecting pertinent information from prospective clients during phone interviews.
• Entering information into the firm’s matter intake software and contact databases.
• Working with attorneys and professional staff to evaluate legal claims, request and review medical records, and communicate with prospective clients throughout the intake process.
• Investigating the facts surrounding the medical care and treatment rendered in medical malpractice cases, including birth injury claims.
• Preparing legal documents, including pleadings, motions, briefs, affidavits, notices of intent, discovery requests, case evaluation summaries, and demand letters.
• Researching the law and medicine associated with each case.
• Organizing and maintaining documents in paper and our electronic filing system.
• Inputting updates into our case management system.
• Analyzing and summarizing medical records, deposition transcripts, answers to interrogatories, and other material.
• Meeting with clients and other professionals to discuss details of the case.
• Communicating with clients and their families.
• Working with attorneys, other paralegals, and professional staff.
• Interviewing medical experts and witnesses.
• Attending federal and state court proceedings with attorneys.
• Preparing for trial by organizing exhibits and performing other tasks.
• Participating in firm activities, meetings, and events.
• Assist with other external marketing and administrative duties as needed.

Candidates should possess the required experience and skills:

• Paralegal or legal assistant certification from an accredited program.
• Five or more years of experience working on medical malpractice cases in a law firm setting. Experience with birth injury cases is a plus.
• Superior writing skills and competency in legal and medical literature research.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to empathize with emotional and distraught individuals seeking legal assistance.
• Familiarity with medical terminology, notations, and records; anatomical drawings; laboratory tests; medications; and the ability to explain or illustrate diagnoses of medical conditions.
• Solid organizational skills and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced litigation environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Outlook, and Excel; knowledge of Needles CMS, LawRuler, or similar intake and practice management software programs is preferred.

Business hours are 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, but additional work may be necessary. This is an office-based position in our Southfield, Michigan office, with up to two remote workdays per week. A background check, in accordance with applicable employment laws, may be required. Sommers Schwartz is an equal opportunity employer.

Interested candidates should submit a resumé and compensation requirements to Joseph H. Bourgon at ***email_hidden***.