Legal Staff Paralegal in Niles, IL

Law Firm

Niles, IL

Legal Staff Paralegal in Niles, IL

Legal Staff

No

Title: Paralegal

Position: Permanent, full-time, approximately 40 hours per week

Job Responsibilities:
The primary responsibility of the paralegal is to assist attorneys with client and case management and perform tasks necessary for case administration. While the list of tasks is not exhaustive, common responsibilities include:

- Case File and Client Portal Management
- Create file trees for clients and cases
- Add new contacts and matters to the case management database
- Identify and label contact roles
- Update contact information and case status
- Enter data for new case developments and track stages
- Maintain the attorney court calendar

- Case Administration
- Receive, sort, save, and share voluminous case-related documentation
- Draft professional correspondence and prepare forms under attorney supervision
- Prepare case asset lists, inventories, and accountings
- Draft court documents such as appearances, pleadings, petitions, motions, notices, citations, receipts, reports, subpoenas, and court orders for attorney review
- Prepare exhibits and manage discovery
- Review documents for proper format and errors
- Record, file, and retrieve documents from various agencies
- Assemble materials for meetings and court hearings
- Meet with clients as necessary
- Prepare estate plan documents
- Serve as a witness or notary if applicable
- Prepare final estate plan packages
- Travel offsite for tasks such as visiting the post office, courthouse, city hall, or recorder’s office
- Track and file unclaimed property claims
- Track and manage bond invoices

- Manage Communications
- Respond to client inquiries regarding their case
- Contact and correspond with third parties as necessary for case administration

- Time-Tracking and Billing
- Responsible for self-time tracking
- Proofread time entries
- Understand basic billing practices, create invoices, and process payments

Performance Expectations:
Candidates are expected to possess the following knowledge and abilities:

- High standard of organization and understanding of workflow and office procedures
- Proficiency in English grammar, spelling, and punctuation
- Adherence to strict confidentiality of client and office matters
- Ability to strategize objectively based on data
- Tactful communication techniques for interacting with callers, making appointments, providing information, and explaining instructions
- Understanding of legal terminology and syntax
- Ability to maintain composure during stressful situations
- Use of diplomacy and discretion in disclosing information
- Effective communication skills
- Proficiency in operating standard office, computer, and related tech equipment for tasks such as word processing, scanning, emailing, and document management
- Exercise judgment and make recommendations for improving office efficiency and economy

Education and Experience Information:
- Probate paralegal experience is prioritized
- Highly detail-oriented with strong organizational skills
- Associate degree or equivalent
- Proficient English composition skills
- Problem-solving abilities and capability to work under pressure
- Proficiency with PC computers and technology
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite

Preferences:
- Intermediate fluency in Serbian/Bosnian, Polish, or Spanish
- Paralegal Certificate
- Knowledge of Mycase and Google Workspace platform

Working Hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, 4 days a week; 3:00 pm on Fridays

Salary Information:
Compensation is commensurate with experience.

Summary of Benefits Offered:
- 10 days of unpaid Personal Time Off (PTO) during the first year of employment plus 4 paid holidays
- Paid Personal Time Off (PPTO) accrues during the first year of full-time employment and is eligible for use after the first year
- 401(k) available after 1 year, with matching after 3 years
- Medical, Dental, and Vision plans are available subject to conditions of employment and eligibility for enrollment
- Complete explanation of benefits is governed by policy provisions