Paralegal Specialist

At Dow, we believe in putting people first and we’re passionate about delivering integrity, respect and safety to our customers, our employees and the planet.  

Our people are at the heart of our solutions. They reflect the communities we live in and the world where we do business. Their diversity is our strength. We’re a community of relentless problem solvers that offers the daily opportunity to contribute with your perspective, transform industries and shape the future. Our purpose is simple - to deliver a sustainable future for the world through science and collaboration. If you’re looking for a challenge and meaningful role, you’re in the right place. 

About You and This Role

Dow has an exciting opportunity for a Paralegal Specialist located in Midland, MI! In this role, you will provide paralegal support on a wide range of legal topics, across all legal practice areas (excluding Litigation), as a member of the Core Legal Practices Client Services team with emphasis on demonstrated competencies such as work ethic; interpersonal effectiveness, teamwork, communication, collaboration, and collegiality; initiative and judgment; interconnected thinking and action; and agility and continuous learning.

Responsibilities:

• Review incoming client requests, proactively assess such requests for gaps or legal risk, and apply work process standards to complete such requests. Take initiative to ask follow-up questions when requests are ambiguous or lacking key details or documents. “Know what you don’t know” and refer requests, as necessary, and/or in keeping with work process instructions. Utilize a combination of standards, context, experience, critical thinking, and judgment to achieve best outcomes.
• Adhere to established standards to drive consistency in service while identifying any areas of inefficiency, waste, or ambiguity. Make recommendations based on observations and experiences that further the customer and/or employee experience. Ensure sustainable practices by continuously monitoring and improving as applicable.
• Meet or exceed committed turnaround times and positively impact metrics for the team and department.
• Work autonomously and serve as a valued team member. Successfully balance individual success with that of the larger team. Back up team members and receive reciprocal back up. Participate actively in team discussions and team building events.
• Foster an environment of acceptance and inclusion through the many diverse perspectives, experience, expertise, education, personalities, and roles found in a global department and company.
• Increase professional development through large and varied book of work, fast pace, and high performance and productive environment that transcends all Legal department practice areas and geographies.
• Work with professional, successful, authentic, highly supportive, collegial, and fun colleagues with ‘better together’ team mindset and shared team priorities of candor, transparency, cross-training, backup support, ongoing self and team improvement, and pride in work and achievement.

Competencies:

• Work Ethic. Demonstrate dedication and commitment to individual, team, department, and Company objectives. Lead and influence with maturity and professionalism, consistent and high-quality work, including organization and attention to detail, high productivity, teamwork and cooperation, determination to succeed, a bias toward action, enthusiasm, and dedication to continuous learning. Possess owner mindset for team objectives to drive growth, development, standards, and work processes (i.e., establishing, following, sustaining, improving, etc.). Demonstrate effective teamwork and priority for team success.
• Interpersonal Effectiveness, Teamwork, Communication, Collaboration, and Collegiality. Exhibit client- and customer-focused mindset always, versatile style, and excellent interpersonal skills (verbal and non-verbal communication, listening, negotiation, problem solving, critical thinking, decision-making, and assertiveness) to interact effectively with a variety of people inside and outside of Company (i.e., up, down, and across the Company, cross-business, cross-function, cross-region, customers, external parties, etc.). Work as engaged member of cross-department and cross-functional teams. Exemplify teamwork and collegiality. Respect and foster diversity of thought and style. Contribute to culture of transparency, communication, and teamwork. Share, grow, and learn in a team environment consistent with the goals and principles that guide the Legal department and Company.
• Initiative and Judgment. Lead and influence with a service mindset and through an earned reputation of trust, respect, competence, and professionalism. Put the team first. Take an enthusiastic and energetic approach to responsi