• Job Description

  Req#: R0010810

  The Company: GIA is the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA is a global organization with headquarters located in Carlsbad, CA. GIA in Carlsbad boasts a 17-acre ocean view campus that accommodates approximately 800 of its 3,400 total employees worldwide. It offers many competitive health and commuter benefits that promote the well-being of its employees as well as that of the environment.

  The Location: This position is located in Carlsbad, California at our corporate headquarters. This is a hybrid role and will require some days to work onsite.

  What to expect:

  • We offer competitive medical, dental, vision and matching 401-K plans

  • Paid vacation, sick and holidays, tuition assistance, commuter benefits

  The Environment:

  • On-site cafe - affordable custom breakfast and lunch meals and Starbucks drinks!

  • Economic friendly services - electric vehicle charging stations on-site

  • Ergonomic assessments offered on-site and virtually

  JOB OVERVIEW

  The detail-oriented and highly organized Paralegal will assist the GIA Legal Affairs Department in all facets of the Institute’s broad range of legal needs, focusing on contract management and transaction work. This position will involve assisting with the preparation, review, and negotiation of contracts, as well as supporting the legal department in various corporate transactions and matters including commercial disputes, data privacy and data security, and intellectual property matters. Key requirements of the position include enthusiasm to learn, sound judgment, attention to detail, organizational skills, and an ability to adapt to a fast-paced, challenging work environment.

  ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  Performs multiple duties to ensure efficiency and effectiveness, with an eye toward the highest level of confidentiality, including but not limited to the following:

  • Follows the ethical requirements as set forth by the Rules of Professional Conduct of the State, and California Business & Professions Code §§ 6450, et. seq.

  • Exercises discretion and independent judgment when performing job duties and display a high degree of ethics, integrity, professionalism, teamwork, and respect.

  • Drafts, reviews, revises, and negotiates commercial global contracts such as customer and vendor agreements, purchase orders, master service agreements and statements of work, license agreements, lease agreements, revenue generating and procurement-type agreements, non-disclosure agreements, the laboratory client agreement, and other form agreements.

  • Conducts legal research on contract law, regulations, and industry-specific requirements.

  • Maintains and organizes contract databases ensuring accurate record-keeping and compliance with the Institute’s policies and requirements. Provides support in contract administration including creating and maintaining electronic, software, and paper filing system.

  • Manages the contract lifecycle from onboarding, initial negotiations, to execution and management.

  • Manages and liaises with outside legal counsel as needed for complex matters or specific legal issues while maintaining costs and budget.

  • Collaborates with internal stakeholders and coordinates the collection of information and commercial terms from various departments and stakeholders in the preparation of contracts and other legal documents.

  • Tracks deadlines, renewal dates, and other important milestones.

  • Reviews certain contracts and other legal documents to ensure necessary provisions are included.

  • Reviews and audits domestic and global signature authority on each contract and signed document.

  • Proofreads, redlines, and compares briefs, reports, contracts, other documents, etc.

  • Assists in certain litigation matters.

  • Assist in certain intellectual property matters.

  • Assists with the development and implementation of internal processes to better streamline functions.

  • Interacts professionally and effectively through verbal and written communication.

  • Communicates regularly and proactively with colleagues regarding the status of projects and client matters; ability to discuss pertinent issues and develop sound solutions.

  • Prepares accurate and complete work products.

  • Identifies relevant judicial decisions, statutes, legal articles, codes, and other pertinent material.

  • Reviews and monitors new and updated laws and regulations.

  • Trains staff regarding corporate policies and GIA Legal Affair Department’s procedures.

  • Performs administrative tasks such as photocopying, drafting correspondence, and filing with minimal direction and guidance, and collaborates with members of all departments on various projects.

  • Assists with coordinating travel, meetings, managing calendars, and expense reports.

  • Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops.

  • Performs other duties and projects as assigned.

  TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES)

  • Reasoning: Ability to recognize and solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Ability to make continuous improvements to work processes.
  • Strong attention to detail.
  • Ability to work independently, exercise good judgment, lead diverse and conflicting priorities, and complex projects in an effective manner.
  • Ability to build effective working relationships, working inclusively with stakeholders to understand their business requirements.
  • Strong organizational, project management, and multi-tasking skills with a successful track record of managing expectations, delivering results, and meeting milestones and deadlines.

  • Mastery of Microsoft Office Suite, and other software applications and websites commonly used in corporate legal practice.

  • Simplify complex problems with the ability to prioritize tasks based on business impact.
  • Ability to skillfully negotiate and identify acceptable compromises.
  • Excellent command of the English language written and verbal required.
  • Ability to present complex issues and concepts to audiences of varying expertise in the subject matter (both in writing and verbal).
  • Ability to engage in team projects and fill various roles such as team member, facilitator, or leader as needed.

  • Uncompromising discretion and ability to uphold and maintain confidentiality.

  • Ability to organize and prioritize numerous tasks and complete them under time constraints.
  • Ability to concentrate and pay close attention to detail when performing duties.
  • Ability to proofread and edit typed material for contextual, grammatical, typographical, or spelling errors.
  • Ability to prioritize and accomplish multiple tasks within established timeframes.
  • Maintain and foster sensitivity and respect for a culturally diverse work environment.
  • Display supportive behavior and communicate positively regarding department goals and objectives.

  MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Paralegal certificate from an ABA-approved program is required. Bachelor's degree preferred.
  • 3 to 5 years of relevant legal experience in a law firm or a corporate legal department; or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Working knowledge of contract, corporate, litigation, and intellectual property law.

  • Experience with a Contract Management System platform preferred.

  An Equal Opportunity Employer
  All employment decisions are made without regard to unlawful considerations of race, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.

  Disclaimer: This job description indicates in general terms, the type and level of work performed as well as the typical responsibilities of employees in this classification and it may be changed by management at any time. Other duties may also apply. Nothing in this job description changes the at-will employment relationship existing between the Company and its employees.

• About the company

  The Gemological Institute of America is a nonprofit institute dedicated to research and education in the field of gemology and the jewelry arts and based in Carlsbad, California.

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