At GMKE, we know that great talent is the key to achieving the best outcomes for our clients and customers. For the last 18 years, our talented attorneys have built a distinguished reputation as unyielding advocates to insureds facing litigation and trusted partners to insurance companies seeking to responsibly manage liabilities.
We've done this by putting our mission at the center of everything we do, living our values, and taking a real approach to every case - resulting in consistently excellent outcomes in the courtroom.
Who We Are
Groth, Makarenko, Kaiser & Eidex is a premier civil defense firm in the Southeast building the future of insurance defense to ensure the best outcome for every carrier and every insured, in every case.
Our values - sincerely diligent, honorably competitive, accountability, client service, and united in collaboration - shape the way we approach each case and every relationship, acting as our guiding light in all that we do. GMKE is more than just a firm; it's a community of diverse, growth-minded people, each drawn to our dynamic environment and mission, as we expand our reach throughout the Southeast.
Your Future At GMKE
At GMKE, we're dedicated to building careers that are as fulfilling as they are impactful. Discover what you'll find at a firm with a progressive approach to fostering truly rewarding professional experiences.
- Growth: With an ambitious mission, inertia is impossible-you'll never be left behind as the firm moves forward. Whether you're new to this area of law or a seasoned veteran, you'll have ongoing opportunities to take on new tasks, responsibilities, and roles.
- Mentorship & Support: Our partners' doors have been open since day one, and that's still true today. Our partners, most experienced attorneys, and talented staff members genuinely enjoy sharing their knowledge and shaping the next generation of legal professionals.
- Keeping Work & Life Balanced: With PTO policies designed for your unique position, a variety of paid holidays, one work-from-home day each week, abbreviated workweeks, and realistic, achievable goals, work and life can harmonize seamlessly.
- Empowerment: At GMKE, everyone has true ownership over their work and the freedom to approach it in a way that makes sense to them. Diving right into your role isn't just encouraged-it's essential. That means you'll be on an accelerated growth path from Day 1.
- Journey of Learning: We continue to increase our investment in training, education, and resources to support your growth. We believe that learning is a lifelong journey, and we're committed to providing the tools you need to thrive at every stage of your career.
- Culture & Community: Friendliness, reciprocity, appreciation, great relationships, and good times are pillars of our culture. Joining us means joining a true community, where interactions are always warm and collaboration is encouraged. You're invited to regular events designed for fun and fellowship with your colleagues.
About The Role
As a Lead Litigation Paralegal, you are the key to consistency and excellence in litigation support. In addition to supporting your assigned attorneys, you will lead a group of dynamic Litigation Paralegals as a high-impact player/coach, providing mentorship, oversight, and strategic guidance. Your expertise, insights, and leadership will drive efficiency, elevate team performance, and shape the firm's future by optimizing processes and reinforcing a strong foundation for long-term success.
Responsibilities
- Lead a team of 5+ litigation paralegals, ensuring excellent case management and litigation support
- Set clear expectations, track team performance against established metrics and standards, and communicate key updates from firm leadership
- Identify inefficiencies in workflows and processes, propose improvements, and implement solutions to enhance team performance
- Handle all aspects of personnel management, including hiring, training, managing time and coverage, evaluating and improving performance, and administering disciplinary action and terminations
- Serve as a resource for litigation-related questions and procedural guidance
- Collaborate with Senior Associate Attorneys and/or HRBPs to navigate personnel conflicts and cultivate a harmonious, productive environment
- Analyze new case files to gain a thorough understanding of case details and statuses as well as determine documents required for drafting
- Draft and merge pleadings, discovery, motions, notices, and other court filings
- eFile documents in State, Superior, and Magistrate courts
- Review claim files frequently to identify non-party requests needed for cases and collaborate with Medical Records Paralegals to obtain them
- Monitor case deadlines to ensure timely completion of required tasks and submissions
- Summarize discovery responses and identify any additional non-party requests that should be obtained
- Coordinate and schedule depositions and mediations with multiple parties, including opposing counsel, clients, adjusters, and court reporters
- Prepare trial notebooks and exhibits and provide additional trial preparation support
- Maintain trial calendars and coordinate with clients, adjusters, and experts to ensure prompt trial attendance
- Close case files by obtaining necessary documents from plaintiffs' attorneys and drafting and sending settlement letters to adjusters
- Maintain an annual 1500 billable hour requirement while balancing leadership responsibilities and supporting two attorneys, including a Senior Associate Attorney
Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience as a paralegal, with at least 2 years in insurance defense
- Expert-level knowledge of the insurance defense litigation lifecycle and best practices
- Prior leadership experience is preferred but not required; candidates should be confident in their ability to lead, mentor, and support a team
- Comfortable leading and making decisions in ambiguous situations where clear guidelines may not exist
- Able to lead and address challenges in real time resiliently
- Able to recognize and solve workflow gaps and process inefficiencies
- Quick thinker, able to problem-solve on the spot as issues arise
- Comfortable with coaching, addressing performance issues, enforcing policies, and ensuring compliance with firm expectations
- A standard bearer of firm culture, embodying the firm's values and fostering a positive and collaborative work environment
- Highly organized with strong attention to detail and time management skills
- Excellent communication and professionalism
- Able to fluently move between systems and master new technology
Diversity At GMKE
GMKE is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees, fully complying with state, federal, and local laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, age, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law. We strive to build a team that reflects the diversity of the communities and clients we serve, recognizing that varied perspectives and experiences enhance both our workplace and our approach to client needs.