Legal Assistant

Job Title: Legal Assistant

This role requires candidate to work in our downtown Columbus, Ohio office location (arena district). Depending on the work requirements, it could be 2-5 days a week in office.

Job Summary

The primary focus of this position is to provide general support, data entry and analysis, case and file management, service of process management, fact research and investigation, discovery coordination, preparing and making filings, and agency or other website monitoring for the lawyers in the NiSource Legal Department. Some travel and/or overtime may be required.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• A specialist para-professional (S4) requires advanced knowledge of operational procedures and tools obtained through extensive work experience and may require vocational or technical education.

• Working under limited supervision for non-routine situations and may be responsible for leading daily operations.

• Problems are typically difficult and non-routine but not complex

• Training, delegating and reviewing the work of lower-level employees.

• Ensure lawyers are prepared for appointments by proactively gathering materials.

• Manage & report on outside counsel budget spend.

• Continually improve established procedures for processing discovery, preparing drafts and making filings and distribution of all discovery and filings.

• Support time management and calendar scheduling, including day-to-day and long-term management of meetings, projects and priorities, and communicating all relevant details to participants.

• Ensure smooth functioning of case management, and document management systems. Proactively managematter status and reporting in company's matter management system.

• Recommend, create, implement and maintain improved systems, procedures and processes including electronic and paper-based filing systems.

• Balance conflicting priorities to manage workflow, ensure the completion of essential projects, and meet critical deadlines.

• Process expenses & ensure they are paid in a timely fashion.

• Work as a member of the team, willingly providing back-up support for co-workers, actively supporting team and company goals, and collecting/assembling information for presentations, projects and strategic planning.

• Handle incoming inquiries and respond appropriately while maintaining confidentiality.

• Assist in the management of service of process and other legal notices, orders and filings, routine motions & pleading under the supervision of lawyers in the Legal Department.

• Process invoices and generate payables reports.

• Provide assistance and support for lawyers & clients, maintaining a thorough knowledge of company and legal department procedures, and a working knowledge of local, state and federal regulations.

Required Qualifications for Position

• Discretion and ability to function in a highly confidential environment.

• Ability to deal with people at all levels of the Company and to interface effectively with outside law firms.

• Ability to perform research.

• Excellent organizational skills.

• Excellent oral and written communication.

• Excellent reading comprehension.

• Flexibility and a willingness to learn.

• Excellent problem solving & logic skills.

• Aptitude for attention to detail, accuracy and precision.

• Ability to work independently and on teams with strong interpersonal and collaboration skills.

• Ability to learn software programs.

• Proficiency in the Microsoft suite, in particular Excel and Power Point.

Preferred Qualifications for Position

• Paralegal or legal secretary experience in a law firm or corporate legal department

• CAP certification a plus (Certified Administrative Professional)

• Knowledge of state regulatory regulations, court procedures, terminology and documents.

• Proficiency in Lexis and other law-related databases.

Disclaimer

The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of the position

Inclusion & Diversity

Value inclusion within your day to day responsibilities by respecting others perspectives/convictions, engaging others opinions, creating a safe environment where people, ideas, and opinions are valued within your Team/Customers and external partners.

Respect and take into consideration diversity within your Team/Customers and external work partners by valuing different world views, challenges, and cultures that represent all walks of life and all backgrounds.

Treat others with respect and consideration. Actively participate in creating and contributing to a positive work environment.

Equal Employment Opportunity

NiSource is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in each of its companies to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, disability, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any protected group status as defined by law. Each employee is expected to abide by this principle.

By applying, you may be considered for other job opportunities.

Safety Statement

Promote a safe work environment by actively participating in all aspects of our employee safety program. Report any unsafe conditions and take actions to prevent personal injuries. Support our interdependent safety culture by ensuring the safety of your co-workers. Stay focused on the task at hand and promote productivity through good work habits.

Salary Range:

$65,900.00 - $99,000.00

Posting Start Date:

2024-05-14

Posting End Date (if applicable):

2024-05-20

Please note that the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

At NiSource, you'll be part of the team serving nearly four million customers throughout the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic, who count on us to energize their homes and businesses. Whether speaking with customers by phone, analyzing financial data or installing new gas lines in a neighborhood, you'll meet exciting challenges each day and make the most of your skills and talents. And you'll be part of a company that was named by Forbes magazine as one of America's Best Large Employers.

We're looking for talent from all backgrounds. We invite candidates of all abilities to come as they are and do what they love. Through our years of successful growth, we've stayed true to our roots by making a difference in the lives of millions of our customers. If you're interested in joining an inclusive, innovative company that fosters opportunity for growth, NiSource might be the place for you.