Legal Assistant

at  Hawaiian Electric Company

We recognize our competitive advantage - our people. We believe in our people, who share our vision of meeting the needs of our employees, customers, and communities and who carry out the continued success of the company.
Our employees are committed to the company’s foundational values: integrity, excellence, teamwork, environmental stewardship, and community commitment. In turn, we invest in our employees, providing opportunities for challenge and advancement and offering a competitive compensation package.

BRIEF POSTING DESCRIPTION:

The P NC LEGAL Department of the P LEGAL Division at Hawaiian Electric Company has 1 Management vacancy available. (Role: Non-Exempt)

KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (including Outlook, Word, Excel and Powerpoint), SAP Ariba, mainframe systems, related software applications, and databases, including Sharepoint and Counsellink software programs, etc.
• Thorough understanding of the rules of civil procedures and processes applicable to Hawaiʻi state and federal courts.
• Working knowledge of litigation lifecycle, including prelitigation negotiations, filing of a complaint/demand, post-filing discovery, summary judgment, mediation, trial, and post-judgment process including appeal.
• Working knowledge of legal collections process, including but not limited to, judgment enforcement, judgment liens, debtor examination, wage garnishment, and bank attachment.
• Working knowledge of state and federal laws pertaining to wage garnishment and assignment of wages.

SKILLS REQUIREMENTS

• Strong analytical, conceptual, organizational, and administrative skills to assess the demands of the job and ensure timely, accurate and efficient completion of tasks and work assignments.
• Ability to create project plans with clear goals, deadlines and to effectively use resources, recommend proper actions, and demonstrate the ability to handle multiple complex systems, projects, and programs with minimal supervision.
• Ability to handle details without losing sight of broad goals.
• Ability to handle confidential, difficult and/or sensitive issues using tact, courtesy and discretion in dealing with a wide range of people.
• Excellent written, oral, and listening communication skills.
• Ability to produce high quality work independently while remaining flexible in a demanding work environment and adapting to rapidly changing priorities.
• Exhibits good judgment, common sense, and a high degree of professionalism in asserting self and following through on projects.
• Ability to digest, understand, retrieve, and organize large amounts of information and documentation on a wide range of subjects, to pick up on technical things quickly and to learn new skills and knowledge.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Legal Assistant or Paralegal certificate or degree with a minimum of 1 year of experience in that role, OR
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a legal support role in a private law firm, in-house legal department or with a government entity.
  Role: Non-Exempt
  Number of Vacancies: 1
  Location: Honolulu – Oahu
  Hiring Range: The hiring range for the Legal Assistant [Req ID 9361] position is $63,400.00 to $67,400.00 The person selected will be placed according to his/her skills and qualifications.

ABOUT HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC COMPANIES

Hawaiian Electric Companies provide electricity and services to 95 percent of the state’s 1.4 million residents. The company is also one of the state’s leading employers and a major contributor and supporter of community and educational programs.
The demand for power that has fueled the growth of the Hawaiian Islands has been met by Hawaiian Electric Companies for well over a century. And as the next millennium unfolds, the company is committed to providing quality service and seeking clean local energy sources to power generations of Hawaii families and businesses to come. Visit us at http://hawaiianelectric.com.
Interested individuals should apply online. The application must clearly indicate the demonstrated experience/knowledge/skills/abilities the candidate possesses which specifically qualifies him/her for the position.

• With respect to non-litigation matters, drafts legal and non-legal documents and correspondence; performs legal research, evaluation and analysis of facts and issues; prepares reports and memoranda incorporating findings and recommendations. Collects information, works with databases, and develops, implements, and maintains efficient office systems (including developing and implementing efficient processes and procedures for handling executed contracts, records, files, litigation cases), forms and procedures, with minimal oversight from supervisor. Conducts training on internal database(s) and/or office systems for staff members. Legal Assistant is the subject matter expert (SME) for internal databases.
• Uses independent judgment and discretion to coordinate, monitor, analyze, prepare reports, and provide document control, analysis and recommendation, for all Company Legal Due Diligence with minimal oversight from supervisor. Proactively manages the Legal Due Diligence process to meet deadlines for SOX certifications.
• Under attorney supervision, assists in with all aspects of prosecution and defense of major litigation including but not limited to, pre-trial litigation process and documentation, filing of a complaint/demand, preparing responses to pleadings and motions, discovery, summary judgment, mediation, witness preparation, trial and post-judgment process including appeal. Assists claims adjusters (Claims Dept.) with handling of claims in Small Claims Court.
• Responds to subpoenas, summons, income assignments garnishments, levies, and other requests for Company information by contacting clients, opposing counsel, agencies, or other interested parties to obtain, coordinate and disseminate necessary information and documentation in an efficient and timely manner.
• Assists in large projects such as financing, sales, purchases or creation of businesses, real estate transactions, construction and other large capital projects by preparing, reviewing, analyzing and organizing documents, obtaining necessary certificates and government records, making required filings, manages the flow of information among various parties, preparing closing documents, memoranda and closing binders and following up on miscellaneous legal matters.
• Supports and undertakes special assignments as directed by the Supervising Legal Assistant or Director of Legal, such as participating on a task force, emergency response team, conducting internal investigations (including interviewing witnesses, preparing information requests, analyzing, and reviewing and organizing data) and preparing recommendations and reports.
• Obtains and updates relevant statutes, ordinances, resolutions, regulations and standards from government and private agencies and publications. Answers inquiries (or routes to the appropriate staff member) questions from customers, internal clients, and staff members. Processes legal hold and legal directive notices. Coordinates with Information Assurance and Information Technology departments on legal hold matters.
• Participates in Company and Legal Department emergency response activities as assigned, including any activities required to prepare for such emergency response.