Paralegal

POSITION SUMMARY

(Eligible for Hybrid/ 3 days in office, after 90-day introductory period - Alexandria, VA)

Provide support to the Office of General Counsel including preparation of legal documents, correspondence and reports; database development and maintenance, including ethics and conflicts certifications; maintenance of legal files and committee and board materials. Perform and coordinate administrative work flow within the department; manage contracting approval process, annual state business and charitable registration filings, expense and receivable review and processing. Coordinate maintenance of domestic and global trademark docket.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF POSITION

An individual must be able to perform each essential duty listed below at a satisfactory level:

• Maintain the OGC contract docket, and route contracts/agreements to the appropriate OGC personnel, prepare drafts of certain form contracts, review contracts/amendments for correct documentation prior to legal sufficiency review, and review basic contracts for legal sufficiency.
• Manage annual charitable registration renewal process, including substantively review draft filings, and route charitable solicitation filings and annual reports for multiple signatures and submission to appropriate states’ offices.
• Maintain OGC operating budget, and produce monthly, quarterly and annual budget reports.
• Maintain trademark docket, acquire trademark specimens (as needed), and assist with cancellations/renewals and cease and desist letters.
• Manage annual ethics certification for Board and staff. File hardcopy documents and update General Counsel’s file docket.
• Compose correspondence letters, memoranda, charts, tables, graphs for attorney’s review and signature as directed by the attorney and occasionally on own initiative for routine and sensitive matters. Proofreads and corrects written materials to ensure correct format, spelling, punctuation and grammar.
• Operates computer equipment in performance of daily duties. Effectively uses various software applications necessary to perform required job duties. Actively seeks out technological resource solutions to maximize efficiency.
• . Effectively manages electronic documents for easy retrieval. Sorts, reads and annotates daily incoming mail. Attaches appropriate file to facilitate action. Determines routing and required signatures; coordinates outgoing mail and/or deliveries; maintains records pertaining to all aspects of attorney’s work.
• Schedules appointments and maintains attorney’s calendar; receives and assists clients and refers them to attorney or other appropriate person as circumstances warrant; arranges business itineraries and makes travel arrangements. Independently prepares travel expense reports based on attorney’s receipts and itinerary. Maintains client and administrative files in an organized manner and in accordance with department procedures.
• Preserves and protects the confidences and privileged communications of all clients. Makes written and oral contacts as necessary to obtain information or to clarify, crosscheck or verify the information needed. Independently acts during attorney’s absence and uses initiative and judgment to see that matters requiring attention are handled to minimize the effect of the attorney’s absence.
• As requested by the Office of General Counsel, conduct legal research on relevant laws, regulations, and rules and summarize key findings from the legal research. Able to utilize effectively legal research databases (Westlaw, LexisNexis) and online resources to gather and analyze relevant legal issues. Compile research findings into clear, concise summaries or memorandums for attorneys, focusing on the most relevant information and applicable legal principles.
• Draft, review, and proofread legal documents; prepare exhibits, attachments, and other legal forms and documents. Have competency with track changes and compare functions in Microsoft Word and Adobe.
• Greets visitors, screens phone calls and refers callers to appropriate staff members in a professional and courteous manner. Exercises professionalism, poise and tact in all verbal and written correspondence with internal and external customers. Works collaboratively, with other OGC attorneys and staff. Duplicates correspondence and other printed material, sends faxes or arranges for duplicating and/or faxing to be performed; may be asked to cover reception duties.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the General Counsel.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Minimum requirements include:

• Associates degree or equivalent from a two-year college or commensurate experience;
• At least four to six years of responsible experience in a similar role;
• Ability to work with staff of all levels;
• Paralegal Certificate or a Paralegal Studies Degree preferred.

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all required duties, responsibilities and skills. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable disabled individuals to perform the essential functions of the job. You should be able to work on-site in the Alexandria, VA location; relocation assistance is not offered.

SALARY STATEMENT

The budgeted salary range for this position is $85,000 - $100,000 per year. Proffered salaries are determined by several factors including applicant’s knowledge, ­­­skills, and experience, and market considerations.

COMPETENCIES

An individual must be able to demonstrate the following competencies at a satisfactory level:

Paralegal Knowledge Base – Competent knowledge of legal terminology, document preparation, and filing procedures; proficient in legal research, using databases such as Westlaw or LexisNexis; ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.

Attention to Detail – Ensures that legal documents, such as contracts, memoranda, and filings, are free from errors in grammar, punctuation, dates, names, and terminology. Double-checks all information to ensure consistency and correctness.

Accountability/Results Orientation - Is accountable for the achievement of assigned work projects. Collaborates with others to establish work project parameters, desired results/outcomes and resource requirements. Keeps team leader(s) informed on work progress and changes in work direction. Takes ownership of work and outcomes achieved, selecting the best work approach. Protects the United Way brand, promoting its relevance and statue to the extent possible. Behaves ethically and honestly in all activities done on behalf of UWW and the movement. Demonstrates a commitment to UWW’s values, including diversity and inclusiveness.

Decision-Making/Risk-Taking - Evaluates available information and recommends a course of action. Contributes own assessment of risks and implications of decisions in team decision-making efforts. Develops and proposes effective alternative solutions. Uses judgment appropriately in decision-making. Knows when to shift decision-making upwards.

Teamwork Collaboration - Shares pertinent information and keeps team members informed on a regular basis. Ensures that processes, systems and resources are available and direct them properly to enable the team to efficiently accomplish its goals and objectives. Able to adapt quickly to changing conditions or performance expectations. Able to focus on assignments during periods of change and/or uncertainty.

Relationship Management - Utilizes rapport to build trust and collaboration with others. Identifies and shares mutual benefits/needs in working together. Is ethical in dealing with others to achieve the desired results. Interacts and communicates with diverse stakeholders effectively. Fosters and maintains working relationships across the United Way system. Formulates and communicates in an ethical and politically sensitive manner.

Communications - Expresses work issues and problems in a clear and concise manner. Communicates effectively with others up, down and across the organization to achieve expected organization results. Gives and receives constructive feedback. Seeks direct input on team effectiveness and environment.

Innovation/Creativity - Develops and implements new approaches to accomplish tasks that impact others in and outside of own team. Is able to reasonably "take risks". Assists others in developing new systems, products, processes and procedures. Strives to stay current on new or emerging trends and capitalizes on them.

ABOUT UNITED WAY WORLDWIDE

United Way Worldwide seeks diverse, qualified professionals who want to make a difference in the world. If you are passionate about your work and desire to help others achieve enhanced education, income, and health, United Way Worldwide is the place for you.

United Way Worldwide is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, disability, veteran status, marital status, age, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, and other legally protected characteristics, in accordance with applicable laws. The EEO is the Law poster is available here: http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please e-mail recruitment@uww.unitedway.org or call 703-836-7100, ext. 324 and provide the nature of your request and your contact information.

We are a charter member of Employers of National Service and encourage AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni to apply.

United Way Worldwide is located in Old Town Alexandria, VA. We offer competitive salary and excellent benefits including: health, dental, life, short-term and long-term disability, employee assistance program, 403(b) plan, tuition assistance, paid time off, family sick leave, medical appointment leave, parental/adoption leave, dress for your day, free parking, onsite gym, monthly volunteering opportunities, and more.