Job Description

A mid-size Chicago-based insurance defense firm is seeking an ambitious, ABA-certified Paralegal to join our team. This full-time position offers a competitive salary, outstanding benefits, and an opportunity to play a key role in our litigation practice. Along with your resume and cover letter, please include your salary requirements.

The Paralegal will provide critical support to attorneys by managing a variety of litigation-related tasks. Responsibilities include case file management, assisting attorneys with case preparation, drafting legal documents, maintaining electronic databases, and client reporting. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, highly organized, and possess strong communication and problem-solving skills.

Primary Responsibilities:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions:

1. Provide comprehensive administrative support to multiple attorneys and partners.
2. Assist with the preparation of discovery, pleadings, and motions.
3. Draft and update client reports.
4. Organize, review, summarize, and draft documents.
5. Conduct basic research on court rules and litigation trends.
6. Manage requests for medical records and communicate with physicians and facilities.
7. Analyze medical records and prepare summaries.
8. Perform electronic filing in federal and state courts.
9. Correspond with clients, opposing counsel, and court clerks.
10. Assist with all aspects of trial preparation.

Note: This list is not exhaustive; additional tasks may be assigned as needed to support firm operations.

Key Competencies:

• Superior communication skills.
• Effective time management.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Problem-solving ability.
• Excellent organizational skills.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Paralegal Certificate (ABA-accredited preferred).
• 5 – 10 years of litigation experience
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), with advanced Excel knowledge.
• Experience using court docket search databases (PACER, LexisNexis, Pohlman, Westlaw, etc.).
• Familiarity with e-discovery and trial software (NextPoint, Relativity, etc.).
• Ability to manage time efficiently and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong prioritization skills and ability to meet deadlines.
• Adaptability and ability to quickly acquire new skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience in asbestos defense litigation and/or insurance defense litigation.

Compensation and Benefits Overview: $65,000-$80,000 (DOE)

The compensation offered for this role will vary based on factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Eligible employees may also receive bonuses and other forms of compensation, contributing to a comprehensive total rewards package. Benefits offerings may vary by location.

In addition to monetary compensation, employees are provided with a robust selection of benefits, including:

• Comprehensive medical insurance plans (two PPO options, a PPO with HSA, and an HMO, all provided by BCBSIL)
• Dental insurance plans (PPO and HMO options provided by Guardian)
• Vision insurance (PPO plan provided by EyeMed)
• Retirement savings plan with employer match (100% of the first 3% of salary deferral, plus 50% of the next 2%)
• Fitness center reimbursement
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Parental leave
• Commuter benefits
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage
• Additional leave programs

Eligibility Requirements:

Participation in certain compensation programs and benefits is subject to specific eligibility criteria, which will be communicated during the hiring process.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Our firm is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or expression, military status, or veteran status.