Litigation Paralegal

Nicolaides Fink Thorpe Michaelides Sullivan LLP is seeking a Litigation Paralegal with three to five years of complex litigation paralegal experience to join our growing Chicago office and become an integral part of the firm's administrative and legal support team.

This position performs all elements of complex litigation case management and e-discovery.
Ideal candidates are self-starters who can work independently and as part of a team, are highly organized, and detail oriented. Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe Acrobat is required.

Initially the new hire will be asked to work in the office Monday through Friday, but once the tasks and responsibilities are learned, a hybrid schedule will be possible. Three days in the office and two days remote. Our office is in downtown Chicago with access to public transportation and nearby parking facilities.

This is an exceptional opportunity to join a dynamic, stimulating, collaborative, and highly dedicated work environment built on collegiality and respect. The firm provides benefits plans, including medical, dental, vision, life, short-term and long-term disability. Employees are also eligible to enroll in the 401(K) Profit Sharing Plan, which includes employer contributions.

The anticipated salary range for this position is based on a 35-hour per week schedule as well as experience; the salary range is $41.50-$44.20/hour, with flexibility commensurate with experience.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Under the direction of attorneys, perform all elements of complex litigation case management including file management, discovery and trial activities, preparation of policy coverage charts and chronologies, researching and preparing background information on individuals, companies, judges, and attorneys;
• Manage all phases of e-discovery, including document organization, productions, privilege review, redactions and Bates labeling, ensuring accuracy and compliance with case strategy;
• Mediation, motion, and trial preparation, including preparing and maintaining exhibit lists;
• Analyze case data and develop tracking tools (e.g., spreadsheets, logs, summaries) to support litigation strategy and decision-making;
• Assist in managing assigned matters by maintaining organized case files, tracking deadlines, and proactively identifying next steps to support attorneys and case progression;
• Collaborate with attorneys and staff across multiple offices to ensure consistency in workflows, communication, and case support;
• Utilize firm technology and systems (document management, e-discovery platforms, billing software) efficiently;
• Coordination with outside entities (courts, expert witnesses, clients, vendors, other law firms, and vendors) to gather information or coordinate the transfer of information or activities;
• Responding to various attorney requests from all locations for help with spot projects;
• Accurately track and enter billable and non-billable time in accordance with firm expectations, meeting minimum billable requirements;
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Required:
 

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, PACER, ShareFile; and Westlaw;
• Advanced proficiency with a document management system;
• Advanced proficiency with an e-discovery platform;
• Experience preparing pretrial and mediation materials; managing transcripts and exhibits; assembling witness binders
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both verbally and in writing with internal and external clients;
• Excellent organizational skills including the ability to work concurrently on a variety of projects with changing priorities;
• Strong attention to detail and excellent proofreading skills;
• Ability to perform at high levels in a fast-paced work environment and successfully adapt to changing priorities and demands;
• Ability to collaborate with co-workers and work well in team environment;
• Ability to anticipate work needs and follow through with minimal direction, follow up on own initiative;
• Demonstrated professional interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively and courteously with people at all levels within and outside the organization; strong service orientation;
• Willingness to work hours necessary to get the job done, especially when important deadlines cause greater than normal time pressure;
• Ability to enter time daily into billing software;
• Ability to work in the office three days a week and the flexibility to come in more often, when necessary;
• Ability to travel to support trials, when needed;
• Willingness to learn new software;
• Familiarity with insurance companies, coverage and claims is a plus;

Education/Experience/Certifications Required:
 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required
• Paralegal certificate from ABA-approved paralegal program preferred;
• Three to five years supporting complex litigation in a law firm;
• Solid employment history.

Qualified candidates are asked to submit a resume and cover letter summarizing your work history to Litigation Paralegal Application. No phone calls or agencies, please.

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Nicolaides Fink Thorpe Michaelides Sullivan LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V. We support and encourage workforce diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, age, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability in any of our recruitment, hiring, or placement processes.

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