Description:
Position Summary:Florida Personal Injury & DUI Attorneys is seeking a highly motivated and organized Pre-Litigation Attorney to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will lead a dedicated "pod" consisting of a Case Manager, Legal Assistant, and Client Satisfaction Specialist, ensuring efficient and effective management of personal injury cases during the pre-litigation phase. This role requires exceptional communication, analytical, and leadership skills to maximize case outcomes and client satisfaction.
Essential Functions:
- Pod Leadership & Collaboration:
- Manage and oversee a pod consisting of a Case Manager, Legal Assistant, and Client Satisfaction Specialist.
- Collaborate with pod members to strategize and execute case plans for all assigned files.
- Host weekly pod meetings to review case statuses, identify challenges, and drive solutions. Client Communication: Maintain consistent communication with clients, providing updates at least every 45 days to ensure transparency and address concerns.
- File Management & Review:
- Perform comprehensive file reviews every 45 days to ensure accuracy, compliance, and progression.
- Grade cases using the Pareto Point Case Grading System to assess case value and potential.
- Demand Preparation & Approval:
- Edit and approve demand letters drafted by the Case Manager to ensure they are compelling, comprehensive, and accurate.
- Case Strategy & Valuation:
- Participate in valuation committee meetings with other attorneys to discuss strategies for high-value cases.
- Work with pod members to establish strategies for all other cases, ensuring alignment with legal standards and firm objectives.
- Negotiations:
- Directly engage in negotiations with insurance companies and opposing parties to achieve favorable settlements for clients.
- Collaborate with pod members to adjust strategies based on negotiation outcomes and evolving case dynamics.
- Compliance & Quality Assurance:
- Ensure all cases comply with legal and regulatory standards, maintaining the highest levels of ethical and professional conduct.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
- Oversee and manage assigned Pod(s), which include a Case Manager, Legal Assistant, and Client Satisfaction Specialist.
- Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to team members to ensure efficient and effective case handling.
- Monitor team performance and productivity, ensuring deadlines and goals are consistently met.
- Facilitate communication and collaboration within the Pod to promote seamless workflow and case progression.
- Address team challenges, resolve conflicts, and provide solutions to improve overall performance and client satisfaction.
- Conduct regular check-ins with team members to review case statuses, set priorities, and offer feedback.
- Ensure all team members adhere to the firm's policies, procedures, and quality standards.
- Promote a culture of accountability, professionalism, and client-focused service within the Pod.
Other Duties:
Other job duties may be assigned as needed in addition to the essential functions outlined in this job description.
Competencies:
- Legal Expertise:
- Strong understanding of pre-litigation personal injury law, including case evaluation, demand preparation, and settlement negotiations.
- Client-Focused Approach:
- Ability to build trust and rapport with clients, demonstrating empathy and maintaining clear, professional communication.
- Negotiation Skills:
- Exceptional ability to negotiate settlements effectively, achieving favorable outcomes for clients.
- Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving:
- Strong analytical skills to develop case strategies, resolve challenges, and make sound decisions.
- Time Management and Organization:
- Capability to manage a high-volume caseload while meeting deadlines and maintaining accuracy.
- Communication Skills:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills to convey complex legal concepts to clients, colleagues, and external parties.
- Collaboration:
- Ability to work effectively with a team of paralegals, legal assistants, and fellow attorneys.
- Attention to detail:
- Thoroughness in reviewing documents, gathering evidence, and ensuring compliance with legal standards.
- Initiative and Adaptability:
- Quick starter with the ability to learn and adapt in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Professionalism and Integrity:
- High ethical standards, maintaining client confidentiality and acting in the best interests of the firm and its clients.
Qualifications:
Education:
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
- Active license to practice law in Florida.
Experience:
3-5 years of experience in personal injury law, preferably in pre-litigation.
Skills:
- Strong negotiation and communication skills.
- Proficiency in legal research and case management software.
- Ability to manage multiple cases and deadlines effectively.
- Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
- A client-centered approach with a commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes.
Physical Requirements:
- Communication:
- Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to speak and listen on the phone for extended periods.
- Vision:
- Ability to read and interpret documents, both in print and on a computer screen.
- Visual acuity for reviewing detailed information in client files and performing data entry.
- Hearing:
- Ability to hear and understand conversations over the phone and in-person.
- Adequate hearing to comprehend and respond to client inquiries effectively.
- Sitting:
- Ability to sit for prolonged periods, typically at a desk or workstation.
- Frequent sitting while conducting phone communications and data entry.
- Manual Dexterity:
- Ability to use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, phone, and other office equipment.
- Fine motor skills for handling documents, scanning, and organizing files.
- Mobility:
- Ability to move within the office to access file cabinets, office equipment, and other necessary work areas.
- Occasional walking and standing as needed.
- Lifting:
- Ability to lift and carry objects such as files, documents, or office supplies, typically up to 10 pounds.
- Mental and Emotional Resilience:
- Ability to handle stressful situations and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
- Capacity to maintain professionalism and composure while communicating with clients.
Work Environment:
The work environment is a standard office setting that includes a moderate level of noise from phones, conversations, and office equipment. Employees are expected to work at a desk or workstation for extended periods, using computers and other office equipment. The environment is designed to promote collaboration and communication while ensuring comfort and accessibility for all employees.