Senior Trial Paralegal
Fort Lauderdale, Florida (In-Office)
*Please be sure to read until the bottom on this job posting, as there are special instructions for applicants to follow to be considered for the position
This Position Requires Excellence
If you're seeking a routine role with mundane tasks, this position isn't the right fit. But if you're driven by challenge, accuracy, precision, and the opportunity to make a genuine difference, then this is the place for you.
About Kelley Uustal
Kelley Uustal handles cases others won't touch. We represent individuals and families against the most powerful corporations and institutions in Florida and across the nation—cases other firms have declined because they're too complex, too risky, or deemed unwinnable. We're the firm attorneys call when they need help with their most difficult cases. We secure justice for clients who've been told they don't stand a chance. We win because we outwork the opposition, uncover what others miss, and refuse to accept anything less than excellence.
The Role
This is not traditional paralegal work. You'll be an integral part of our trial teams handling high-stakes, complex litigation. You will be working with some of the brightest minds the legal practice has ever seen. From routine case filings in State and Federal court to being an active participant in jury selection, this role has it all. This firm handles medical malpractice cases exposing systemic failures, product liability claims against Fortune 500 corporations, wrongful death litigation, and matters that often make national headlines. These are cases where lives have been changed, society protected, and justice is paramount.
The families and individuals we represent depend on our team's excellence. Every detail matters. Every document counts. You'll feel the significance of this responsibility in everything you do.
Are You the Ideal Candidate
Sense of Purpose: This work means something to you beyond a paycheck. You believe in advocating for individuals against powerful interests, and you want your professional life to contribute to meaningful outcomes.
Exceptional Attention to Detail: You naturally catch what others overlook. You notice when page 847 contradicts page 412. You create organizational systems that make complex information accessible and clear.
Performs Under Pressure: You thrive when the stakes are high. Tight deadlines sharpen your focus rather than create anxiety. When trial is approaching and perfection is required, you're at your best. In a ‘fight’ or ‘flight’ scenario, you always choose ‘fight’.
Commitment to Excellence: Good work doesn't satisfy you—you're driven to be great. You hold yourself to the highest professional standards and take pride in being someone attorneys specifically request for their most important cases. If ‘good enough’ is a standard for you, do not apply for this job.
Primary Responsibilities
- Independently manage complex cases through all phases of litigation, trial preparation, trial, and post-trial proceedings.
- Serve as a lead paralegal on assigned trials, anticipating attorney and case needs and driving trial preparation from beginning to end.
- Develop and maintain comprehensive trial preparation plans, including critical deadlines, court requirements, exhibits, witnesses, experts, and trial logistics.
- Manage complex discovery and document productions, including organizing, analyzing, and synthesizing large volumes of case materials.
- Prepare and oversee trial exhibits, exhibit and witness lists, trial binders, demonstratives, deposition designations, and other trial materials.
- Coordinate witness and expert preparation, subpoenas, records, scheduling, and courtroom logistics.
- Provide high-level drafting, filing, and organizational support for dispositive motions, pretrial filings, hearings, depositions, mediations, and trials.
- Conduct and synthesize legal and factual research to identify key evidence, inconsistencies, and information relevant to case and trial strategy.
- Provide hands-on courtroom and trial support, responding to evolving attorney needs, evidentiary issues, exhibits, witnesses, and deadlines in real time.
- Ensure compliance with court orders, scheduling orders, filing deadlines, and applicable court procedures throughout the life of the case.
- Partner closely with attorneys to identify case needs, resolve issues, and ensure the trial team is fully prepared at every stage.
- Provide leadership, guidance, and training to paralegals, legal assistants, and other support personnel assigned to matters.
- Review work products and help establish organizational systems and best practices to promote accuracy, efficiency, and consistency across trial teams.
Required Qualifications
- Paralegal certificate, bachelor’s degree, or equivalent experience.
- 5+ years of litigation paralegal experience, with significant hands-on trial experience.
- Demonstrated ability to independently manage complex cases from litigation through trial and post-trial.
- Strong knowledge of discovery, court filings, trial preparation, exhibits, witnesses, and state and federal procedures.
- Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to perform under pressure and meet critical deadlines.
- Proven leadership skills with the ability to guide and support other legal support professionals.
- Ability to adapt to evolving technology, including the responsible use of approved, secure AI tools.
- Proficiency in case management software, Microsoft Office Suite, and Adobe Acrobat
- Strong commitment to confidentiality and professional ethics
What We Provide
- Purpose-Driven Environment: Be part of victories that create real change for real people.
- Professional Development: You'll acquire skills and experience that distinguish you in this profession.
- Exceptional Colleagues: Work alongside dedicated professionals who share your commitment to excellence.
- Competitive Compensation and Benefits: We invest in talented individuals who invest in our mission - Salary will be commensurate with experience.
Required Unique Application Process:
To be considered for this position, please call 954.440.5970 and follow the recorded prompts for the next steps in the application process. Be sure to listen to the entire message and complete all instructions. Candidates who do not complete this process will not be considered. If you have made it this far, you have already demonstrated one of the qualities we value most-attention to detail. We look forward to hearing from you!