Job Information
University of Southern Mississippi Paralegal – General Counsel Office Manager in Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Paralegal – General Counsel Office Manager
The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Paralegal – General Counsel Office Manager.
Position Details
Location Hattiesburg
118 College Drive
Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001
United States
Division General Counsel
Position Type Staff
Employment Status Full Time
Grant Funded No
Pay Grade
E10
Posting Close Date Open Until Filled
Job Summary
Provide legal support, office management support, and associated duties, to the Office of the General Counsel.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Manage the day-to-day operational activities of the Office of the General Counsel. These activities include, but are not be limited to: (i) creating and maintaining formal legal files on open matters, cases, controversies, and investigations; (ii) serve as the initial point of contact on new legal matters and develop required intake information and necessary details related to institutional requests for legal services; (iii) coordinate office financial matters and recordkeeping, to include the office budget, monitoring transactions and preparing reports for budget authorities, tracking expenses, identification of trends and development of forecasts related to legal expenditures, and engage with other institutional units as necessary to facilitate necessary financial transactions on behalf of the office and its personnel; (iv) manage transmission and receipt of communications on behalf of the office; (v) manage office calendars and coordinate meetings with Attorneys in the Office of the General Counsel.
Assist in the preparation, review, and execution of legal documents, including but not limited to legal memorandums, legal opinions, legal correspondence, contracts, real estate documents, affidavits, attestations, certifications, and other matters presented for legal review.
Coordinates activities of the office with the institution’s academic and other administrative units to facilitate the office’s mission.
Management of resources, applications and platforms maintained by the Office and/or for the benefit institution (e.g., electronic file management, institutional policies, training resources, communication/investigation systems), including maintenance of data, updating resources/materials, communications with application/platform vendors, and compilation and distribution of reports.
Provides direct administrative support for the Attorneys in the Office of the General Counsel in carrying out their daily responsibilities.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Graduation from an ABA approved program of study for paralegals/legal assistants or graduation from a course of study for paralegals/legal assistants which is institutionally accredited but not ABA approved, and which requires not less than the equivalent of 60 semester hours of classroom study, and five years post-graduate employment as a paralegal/legal assistant. Two additional years of in-house training and experience as a paralegal/legal assistant may be substituted for the required education.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Adept in Microsoft Office/Microsoft 365 applications, including but not limited to Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Outlook.
Adept with electronic file management systems, platforms, and processes, with demonstrated experience utilizing electronic file management in the law office environment.
Demonstrates the ability to deliver accurate, concise and quality communication (verbal and written) in a professional and timely manner, including the ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from office attorneys, institutional stakeholders, and external parties.
Ability to prepare, write, analyze and interpret legal documents, business documents, accounting/bookkeeping records, business communications and formal legal correspondence, and maintain compliance with policies, procedures and processes.
Familiarity with financial accounting principles, processes, and documents, including budgets, accounting records, accounts payable, accounts receivable, invoices, audits and reconciliations.
Ability to write reports, business and formal legal correspondence, memorandums, and procedure/process documents, and present such materials in accordance with the highest professional standards.
Ability to multi-task, schedule meetings, prioritize tasks, manage deadlines, organize records/materials for attorney review/action, interact with others, including office attorneys, staff, students, faculty, researchers, administrators, and outside counsel. Strong organizational abilities.
Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate with a diverse group of individuals.
Ability to maintain confidentiality, and exercise discretion and judgment, in dealing with sensitive issues.
Preferred Qualifications
Successful completion of the Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) examination of NALA; 10 years or more of work experience in a law firm as a paralegal/legal assistant. Financial accounting experience, and/or experience with billing, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and reimbursable expenses, in the law office environment.
About The University of Southern Mississippi
Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions.
Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.
We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.
As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer/Americans with Disabilities Act institution, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.