First Party Property Attorney - Military veterans preferred

POD Associate Position Description
March 2022

HL Law Group, P. A. (hereinafter, "HLLG") a merit-driven, client-centric insurance litigation firm, seeks a recent graduate to work as a POD Associate ("PA") with the Managing Attorney (MA). The PA will pro-actively move cases forward toward their conclusion and will be skilled at learning strategies and techniques for achieving favorable outcomes. By working smart, developing supportive work habits and partnering with others on the team, the PA will build a loyal client base and will be a positive influence on team dynamics. This will help the Firm to deliver seamless legal services to clients.

Each team will have the benefit of a case manager, scheduler and pre-litigation assistant, all of whom will provide expert services both pre and post the filing of a complaint. Once the case is in litigation, the PA will take the lead on moving towards trial or settlement, by filling appropriate motions and engaging opposing counsel as needed to move the case forward. Along with the MA, the PA will provide leadership for the team and will help to guide it toward success.

The PA will pay special attention to matters up for litigation in the first party property docket. (S)He will keep the Managing Attorney updated of the progress of each matter, and will draft motions, pleadings and discovery responses as needed to move cases towards completion. The PA will attend hearings, depositions, mediations and arbitrations as needed. If the case requires trial, the PA will be willing to step into place and to support the activities of the MA in getting prepared to prevail at trial.

This Firm needs an enthusiastic PA who pays attention to details, understands the importance of responding to court and other deadlines in a timely manner, and functions well as a key member of a high-performing team. The PA will be meticulous about drafting pleadings, responses and motions, using the Firm templates and will consistently update the Firm's records in Time Matters. On a daily basis, the PA will focus on incoming correspondence and will work diligently to respond initially to requests, questions and inquiry within 24 hours to observe the Firm's "Immediate Response Rule." Throughout the pendency of a matter, the PA will regularly update clients and will go above and beyond to ensure movement on his/her files. In this way, the PA will help the Firm to maintain, build and expand its existing client relationships, while delivering expert legal services.

The PA will play an active role in the onboarding process and will help the Managing Attorney whenever a new Legal Assistant, Law Student Intern or Associate joins the Firm. The PA will help to introduce incoming attorneys, case managers, and schedulers to the Firm's approach and process and will serve as an integral part of the Firm's team-building efforts.

Scope of the Position
The PA must be willing to learn how to manage a high-volume case load, and must demonstrate energy, diligence and reliability while gaining valuable knowledge and experience in litigation process. The PA must focus on producing high-quality work product, providing superior service and obtaining excellent results. Those who possess strong initiative and excellent writing skills will grasp how to balance the docket, while building strong relationships with peers and clients. The PA will be expected to audit his or her cases regularly and to update the MA as to the status of everything in the docket.
Key Responsibilities

The PA will, under the direction of the MA:

1. Manage large case load of property insurance claims pre-litigation and in litigation at reasonably fast pace with minimal errors
2. Draft substantive motions and pleadings and responses
3. Conduct Discovery
4. Attend Hearings. Mediations, arbitrations, Settlement Negotiations
5. Communicate regularly with clients, judicial assistants, opposing counsel and court staff
6. Provide intelligent, creative, quality service to clients and business contacts
7. Work with the attorneys and case managers to respond to clients within a 24-Hour window
8. Assist the Firm's recruiting, training and onboarding efforts by sharing information and strategies with new hires
9. Fill in and help other attorney(s) when needed
10. Provide substitute coverage at hearings and mediations
11. Demonstrate familiarity with Federal and State Rules of Civil Procedure
12. Apply the Firm's litigation processes to any and all federal and state matters.
13. Obtain and implement the specific policies and procedures of State and Federal judges during litigation
14. Have thorough knowledge of how to perform manual and electronic legal research.
15. Assist others to master the research process.
16. Utilize the federal and state e-Filing systems efficiently.
17. Understand and utilize county court case management systems across the state.
18. Know, utilize, recommend and refer the Firm's legal services
19. Ensure that Litigation Department goals are met and adhere to approved budgets
20. Manage any special projects that may arise out of his/her general responsibilities or as directed by the Firm

Skills & Qualifications
â?¢ Must be 18 years of age or older
â?¢ J.D. from accredited law school required
â?¢ Enthusiasm about learning about HLLG and the litigation process
â?¢ Prior experience working in a law office or legal setting (experience in the property damage insurance field preferred) preferably working directly with attorneys
â?¢ Willingness and ability to mentor and train others and to integrate them on the team
â?¢ Meticulous organization and time management skills; ability to multi-task, organize and coordinate calendars, filling and overall docket flow
â?¢ Good judgment, strong people skills and patience
â?¢ Respect for deadlines and impulse to take ownership of all projects
â?¢ "Can-Do" attitude toward problem-solving
â?¢ Ability to document, report and analyze the source of recurring questions or problems
â?¢ Appropriate sense of humor
â?¢ Persistence, focus and creativity about resolving process and people issues
â?¢ Excellent verbal and written communication, including exceptional proof-reading and editing skills
â?¢ Polished telephone demeanor; professionalism and courtesy
â?¢ Proficiency in using computers, the internet, Time Matters software, or any such other legal-based case management system
â?¢ Spanish language, a plus
â?¢ Microsoft suite of services: Word, Outlook PowerPoint, Excel

Compensation
HLLG offers competitive salaries, tailored to each candidate's prior earning history, credentials and HLLG role. The Firm relies on industry research and salary surveys relevant to the legal industry and has developed consistent guidelines, while retaining flexibility to address individual needs.

Benefits
HLLG fulltime employees are eligible for dental, vision and general health insurance from national providers. The Firm covers 50% of the costs associated with this coverage. The Firm has initiated the process to have a 401(k) program in place in 2022 and is exploring firm-wide program that will address child, elder and mental care needs specifically. The Firm reserves the right to withdraw, modify or amend its benefits programs, at any time, consistent with business needs.

HLLG's Culture
HLLG has developed a culture defined by high productivity standards. This Firm invites energetic, can-do professionals to join its teams. Our focus on professional excellence, health, balance and kindness reflect core values. We promote actively professional development and provide customized training, so all legal professionals have the tools they need to meet the tasks at hand. We support team members who communicate effectively, encourage others and seek to continuously improve. We seek those who will help us to build a respectful, welcoming work environment that celebrates excellent output.

We encourage positive communications, in particular our interactions with clients and work colleagues. We respond immediately to emails and telephone calls to cultivate strong, respectful relationships. Except for medical leave and court appointments, our team works on site at our state-of-the-art offices located in Oakland Park, Florida.

COVID Policies
To keep all employees safe, the Firm strongly encourages all employees to get vaccinated as soon as possible except where a valid medical or religious principle prohibits such vaccination. The Firm may require new hires to tender proof of vaccination or, in the alternative to certify the basis for non-vaccination â?? without reference to medical history or other protected health data. The uncertified unvaccinated will be required to produce negative COVID test results each week to continue working at the Firm.

While on the premises, we ask that all HLLG staff members wear masks, wash hands frequently, observe social distancing and use the kitchen and rest facilities to preserve safety. We recommend that anyone who experiences 'flu-like symptoms, respiratory distress or digestive malfunctions of any kind, will remain home until a negative COVID test result has been procured. HLLG requires those who test positively for COVID to remain home until they receive a writing from a medical practitioner indicating that COVID is not in evidence. The Firm prides itself on keeping abreast of CDC policy recommendations and governs itself accordingly.

Application Process
Kindly send your resume to KAlphonse@HLLAwGroup.com.