Paralegal

Job Description A small, established boutique general practice law firm in Howard County is seeking an experienced Paralegal with 5+ years of experience to join its team. The firm offers flexibility for the right candidate to work fully in-office or on a hybrid schedule. This position is best suited for a seasoned, self-directed paralegal who can quickly step into an active caseload and contribute with minimal ramp-up time. The ideal candidate is a proactive self-starter who anticipates needs, stays ahead of deadlines, and is comfortable taking ownership of assignments without significant day-to-day direction. Duties Provide comprehensive paralegal and case management support across a variety of general practice matters Draft, prepare, proofread and format pleadings, motions, discovery requests and responses, agreements, correspondence and other legal documents with accuracy and attention to detail File pleadings and other court documents through Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC) Manage active case files, document review and electronic and physical records while maintaining confidentiality Manage court dates, filing deadlines, hearings, depositions, appointments and other critical deadlines Assist with discovery, including document collection, organization, review, records requests and production Conduct legal and factual research using legal research platforms Prepare and organize exhibits, case materials and supporting documentation Assist with transactional and non-litigation matters, including document preparation and client follow-up Communicate directly and professionally with clients, including gathering information and documentation necessary to move matters forward Communicate with opposing counsel, courts, government agencies and other third parties Assist attorneys with hearings, mediations, depositions, closings and trial preparation Proactively monitor matters, anticipate next steps and follow up on outstanding items and deadlines Provide additional legal and administrative support as needed in a small-firm environment Requirements 5+ years of substantive paralegal experience required Proficiency with MDEC and Maryland e-filing procedures required Strong working knowledge of Maryland courts, procedures and filing requirements Experience supporting multiple practice areas within a general practice, boutique or small-firm environment preferred Demonstrated ability to independently manage assignments, priorities and deadlines Proactive self-starter who takes initiative, anticipates needs and requires minimal supervision Ability to quickly become productive within an established practice and confidently manage day-to-day responsibilities Strong legal writing, proofreading and document preparation skills Experience conducting legal research using Westlaw, LexisNexis or comparable platforms Strong proficiency with Microsoft 365, particularly Word, Outlook and Excel Proficiency with Adobe Acrobat, PDF preparation and electronic document management Experience with legal practice, case management and/or document management systems Excellent written and verbal communication skills Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills Ability to effectively manage multiple active matters and competing deadlines Professional, dependable and comfortable communicating directly with clients Demonstrated discretion when handling confidential and sensitive information Benefits Why Join Us? This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced paralegal who enjoys the variety, autonomy and hands-on nature of a boutique general practice. You’ll work directly with attorneys and clients, handle a diverse range of matters, and have the opportunity to take meaningful ownership of your work within a collaborative firm environment. The firm offers flexibility based on the candidate’s preference. The position may be fully in-office or hybrid, with a combination of in-office and remote work. Candidates must be able to reliably commute to the firm's Howard County office when working in person. Benefits: 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Work Location: Hybrid remote in Clarksville, MD 21029