Paralegal - Property and Casualty

Hamilton Miller & Birthisel LLP

Hamilton Miller & Birthisel LLP is a premier insurance defense trial law firm with a presence spanning Florida, New York, Virginia, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and The Bahamas. We are nationally recognized for our work in insurance defense, admiralty and maritime law, transportation and trucking, personal injury, premises liability, professional malpractice defense, construction, subrogation, and products liability litigation.

The firm holds an AV Preeminent rating-the highest peer-review distinction from Martindale-Hubbell-and is consistently ranked among the most diverse law firms in South Florida. Our attorneys are known for delivering swift, lucrative results, backed by a 24/7 emergency action response team serving clients in domestic and international jurisdictions.

GENERAL SUMMARY:

This role provides comprehensive legal and administrative support to attorney(s) within the Property & Casualty Practice Group. Approximately 70-80% of assigned work relates to First-Party Property (FPP) insurance defense, with the remaining responsibilities including bad faith, premises liability, and general liability matters. This position is responsible for managing discovery, conducting legal research, assisting in trial preparation, coordinating witnesses and experts, and maintaining organized and accurate case documentation. This role requires proficiency in legal terminology and procedure, strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support attorneys through all phases of litigation, including discovery, motion practice, hearings, mediations, and trial.

• Conduct factual and legal research to support case strategy and document preparation.

• Prepare, organize, and maintain case materials, pleadings, discovery, and related correspondence.

• Manage witness and exhibit lists, coordinate communications, and assist with expert retention.

• Participate in trial meetings and assists with document preparation and trial readiness.

• Perform privilege reviews and classify materials efficiently in accordance with firm and legal standards.

• Maintain case calendars, track deadlines, and ensure timely, compliant filings.

• Provide logistical and administrative support during depositions, hearings, and trials.

• Record and review billable time in accordance with client and firm policies.

• Collaborate closely with attorneys to ensure efficiency across the practice group.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS, ABILITIES & COMPETENCIES:

• Knowledge of state and federal court rules, filing procedures, and litigation timelines.

• Proficient in legal research and databases such as Westlaw or LexisNexis.

• Strong understanding of civil litigation terminology, procedures, and discovery processes.

• Skilled in document management and trial preparation workflows.

• Ability to identify and apply rules governing privileged and non-privilege information accurately.

• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

• Strong written and verbal communication with exceptional attention to detail.

• Excellent organization and time management; able to handle multiple cases and deadlines.

• Professional, discreet, and collaborative team contributor.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Associate or bachelor's degree in paralegal studies, Legal Studies, or a related field and/or a Paralegal Certificate from an accredited program required.

• Minimum of 3-5 years of paralegal experience in insurance defense.

• Experience in Property & Casualty and First-Party Property (FPP) matters preferred.

• Trial support experience a plus.