If you're passionate about being part of a diverse organization that enables a Fortune 100 company to deliver innovative business solutions with excellence, then Nationwide's Legal team could be the place for you! At Nationwide®, “on your side” goes beyond just words. Our customers are at the center of everything we do and we’re looking for associates who are passionate about delivering extraordinary care.

This hybrid Columbus or remote position is compensation Grade F3.

Knowledge of P&C and the insurance industry is preferred but not required. The ideal candidate will possess learning agility and project managements skills as well as a willingness to learn and leverage data analytics, AI-enhanced research tools and Microsoft Power Apps such as Power BI.   They will also be comfortable attending business meetings independently and reporting back to relay key meeting details and action items.

Job Description Summary

Would you thrive in an environment where you can deliver top-quality legal services to support the goals and objectives of a Fortune 100 insurance and financial services company? If you possess the communication skills, analytical ability and paralegal skills needed to provide outstanding service, advice and counsel, we want to hear from you!

As a Paralegal Specialist, you'll provide the highest level of legal assistance, project management and general support to the legal staff in the development, research, management and resolution of legal issues. We'll count on you to draft complex legal documents, agreements and pleadings related to a wide variety of matters, including litigation, for certain legal practice areas. You may have opportunities to work independently on some matters, with latitude for making decisions and taking action.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

Provides support to attorneys in the form of legal research, drafting communications and preparing legal documents with minimal direction.

Conducts sophisticated and detailed legal research and compiles data from such references as online sources, digests and practice manuals, among others. Researches and provides analysis of statutes, regulations and court decisions. Prepares summaries and recommends resolutions to legal questions. Prepares correspondence to internal and external contacts.

Drafts contracts, patent applications, resolutions and other legal documents. Drafts detailed deposition outlines/questions, motions, pleadings, subpoenas, orders and briefs. Works with attorney on unusual or complex matters.

Conducts and supervises broad-level assignments. Evaluates matters which may have a significant impact. May assist the attorney in executing legal matters.

For litigation specialty areas, leads the analysis and evaluation of records and data for discovery. Drafts recommendations and correspondence to clients, claims attorneys, and customers with regard to discovery and legal matters. 

May develop and maintains information databases. Builds new processes for data maintenance, storage and retrieval.

May conduct and evaluate open and closed paralegal file audits, advising attorneys and management of the audit results and recommending improvements.

Demonstrates expertise in paralegal concepts and procedures. Maintains proficiency in both business and legal professional competencies.

Assists in developing and implementing policies, procedures and precedents for the paralegal area.

Coordinates workflow and mentors and trains less experienced paralegals.

Responds to requests for production of documents, responses to interrogatories and/or regulatory requests and inquiries, and coordinates pre-trial proceedings and discovery, depending on area of specialty. 

 May perform other responsibilities as assigned. 

Reporting Relationships: Reports to Counsel/Paralegal Supervisor. May have the opportunity to lead a team of up to three associates. 

Typical Skills and Experiences: 

Education: Undergraduate or post-graduate studies in business administration, insurance or other related area preferred.

License/Certification/Designation: Certification in paralegal studies preferred.

Experience: Typically, eight or more years of experience as a paralegal with demonstrated good performance.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills: Advanced knowledge of paralegal concepts, practices and procedures. Significant knowledge of the operations, practices and procedures of general counsel or civil litigation, depending on area of specialty. Proven knowledge of filing requirements of courts and agencies. Must have demonstrated knowledge in legal research and complex deposition motion practices, as well as in appellate procedures.

Sophisticated analytical, research and organizational skills. Consistent track record in setting work priorities that conform with established standards. Self-starter who is able to work with little direction. Able to handle complex projects with minimal direction. Proven ability to provide leadership and support. Ability to give presentations in both formal and informal settings. Strong verbal and written skills for contact with associates, attorneys, clients and customers. Ability to operate a computer and related legal and business software and databases.

Other criteria, including leadership skills, competencies and experiences may take precedence.

Staffing exceptions to the above must be approved by the Officer, Managing Counsel and HR Business Partner.

Values: Regularly and consistently demonstrates the Nationwide Values.

Job Conditions:

Overtime Eligibility: Eligible (Non-Exempt)

Working Conditions: Normal office environment, Occasional travel. Non-standard or extended work may be required based on project needs.

ADA: The above statements cover what are generally believed to be principal and essential functions of this job. Specific circumstances may allow or require some associates assigned to the job to performs a somewhat different combination of duties.

Credit/Background Check: Due to the fiduciary accountabilities of this job, a valid credit and/or background which will be required as part of the selection process.

#LI-JM2

We currently anticipate accepting applications until 01/17/2025. However, we encourage early submissions, as the posting may close sooner if a strong candidate slate is identified before the deadline.

Benefits

We have an array of benefits to fit your needs, including: medical/dental/vision, life insurance, short and long term disability coverage, paid time off with newly hired associates receiving a minimum of 18 days paid time off each full calendar year pro-rated quarterly based on hire date, nine paid holidays, 8 hours of Lifetime paid time off, 8 hours of Unity Day paid time off, 401(k) with company match, company-paid pension plan, business casual attire, and more. To learn more about the benefits we offer, click here.

Nationwide is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels challenged, appreciated, respected and engaged. Nationwide prohibits discrimination and harassment and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to any characteristic (or classification) protected by applicable law.

This position could be filled within any of the lower 48 U.S. states.

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Smoke-Free Iowa Statement: Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, its affiliates and subsidiaries comply with the Iowa Smokefree Air Act. Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed areas on or around company premises as well as company issued vehicles. The company offers designated smoking areas in which smoking is permitted at each individual location. The Act prohibits retaliation for reporting complaints or violations. For more information on the Iowa Smokefree Air Act, individuals may contact the Smokefree Air Act Helpline at 888-944-2247.

For NY residents please review the following state law information: Notice of Employee Rights, Protections, and Obligations LS740 (ny.gov) https://dol.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2022/02/ls740_1.pdf

Nationwide pays on a geographic-specific salary structure and placement within the actual starting salary range for this position will be determined by a number of factors including the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; the scope, complexity and location of the role as well as the cost of labor in the market; and other conditions of employment. If a Sales job, Sales Incentives, based on performance goals are possible in addition to this range.

The national salary range for Paralegal Specialist : $70,000.00-$145,500.00

The expected starting salary range for Paralegal Specialist : $78,000.00 - $117,000.00