Job Title: Senior Paralegal
Job Responsibilities:
The Senior Paralegal at the law firm is tasked with supporting the firm's practice of representing a diverse range of clients in complex litigation at both trial and appellate levels. This role requires performing a variety of intricate tasks in a fast-paced and demanding environment with a focus on detail. Approximately thirty percent of the Senior Paralegal's time will be dedicated to coordinating tasks and case assignments within a specific practice area, as well as mentoring and training paralegals and legal assistants.
Key responsibilities include:
- Coordinating and assigning tasks to paralegals and legal assistants for cases within an assigned practice area.
- Assisting with the training and development of legal support staff through coaching and mentoring to enhance their skills and competencies.
- Administratively managing all phases of litigation, including pleadings, motion practice, discovery, and appellate procedures.
- Managing all aspects of trials and hearings by preparing pretrial documents, managing trial transcripts, and compiling and tracking trial exhibits.
- Assisting with the preparation, filing, and organization of pleadings, briefs, appeals, and other legal documents using Microsoft Word, CM/ECF, Docket Bird, and other systems.
- Conducting factual and legal research using Westlaw and other sources for attorney use.
- Cite-checking legal documents to conform citations and authorities to Bluebook standards, as well as verifying the accuracy of quoted material and cited exhibits.
- Organizing and maintaining case files, pleadings, expert materials, attorney notebooks, and other documents in both hard copy and electronic case-management systems, including NetDocuments.
- Implementing and managing organizational systems to maintain case calendars, pleadings, correspondence, and related case documents utilizing firm software.
- Communicating with courts, outside counsel, clients, experts, and vendors when necessary.
- Coordinating with other areas/departments within the firm to develop efficient procedures/communications to streamline processes.
- Performing other duties as assigned.
Required Skills and Abilities:
- Thorough understanding of litigation motion practice, discovery, arbitration, trial, and appellate procedures.
- Demonstrated proficiency in Bluebook citation formatting and legal citation practices, with meticulous attention to detail in legal writing and document preparation.
- Excellent organizational skills and high attention to detail.
- Ability to coach and train others to develop their skills and strengthen the talent of the team.
- Ability to function well in a fast-paced, high-volume, and demanding environment.
- Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Excellent time-management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines and adapt to changing priorities.
- Ability to maintain a thorough understanding of rules and procedures for various federal and state jurisdictions.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion and good judgment.
- Ability to multi-task and work independently or as part of a team.
- Skilled in managing complex litigation in multiple jurisdictions.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, specifically Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel.
Education and Experience:
- A minimum of 10 years of Paralegal experience is required.
- A minimum of 3 years of litigation experience is strongly preferred.
- Trial experience is strongly preferred.
- Experience mentoring and training junior-level legal support staff.
- Experience using the federal courts’ CM/ECF system, PACER, Bluebook, and Westlaw.
- An Associate’s or bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is preferred.
Certificates/Licenses Required:
- An ABA-approved Paralegal certificate is preferred.
Salary Information:
This is a hybrid position with three days per week in the Chicago office and two days per week remote. The compensation range for this full-time position is $50/hour to $56/hour, plus a discretionary bonus and benefits.
The law firm is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
