Litigation Paralegal

Segal McCambridge•Chicago, IL

9d•$60,000 - $85,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Segal McCambridge is seeking an experienced Litigation Paralegal to join its Chicago office and work alongside a busy, trial-active team of defense attorneys. This hybrid position offers a flexible mix of in-office and remote work. The paralegal will support attorneys throughout the life cycle of complex litigation, with particular emphasis on trial preparation and trial support, and will handle substantive case and trial-related responsibilities from discovery through hearings, depositions, and trial. The role offers ownership of challenging assignments and close collaboration with attorneys and other litigation professionals in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. The position includes preparing legal documents for attorney review; managing discovery and e-discovery activities; investigating facts and law; conducting legal research; reviewing discovery and tracking subpoenas; preparing materials for experts; abstracting depositions; maintaining case files, databases, calendars, and deadlines; and coordinating with courts, counsel, clients, experts, and vendors. Trial responsibilities include organizing exhibits, evidence, documents, and case materials, assisting with hearing, deposition, and trial preparation, and supporting the team during trial proceedings. The firm seeks a candidate with a bachelor’s degree and at least three years of defense litigation experience, including experience with e-discovery and ESI databases. Candidates should be organized, detail-oriented, able to manage competing deadlines and work under pressure, and effective both independently and collaboratively. The role requires legal research skills, billable-time tracking experience, and proficiency with specified legal and office software.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
Minimum of 3 years of defense litigation experience.
Experience with e-discovery and ESI databases.
Ability to work independently and function effectively as part of a collaborative team.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize and manage multiple deadlines.
Ability to work effectively under pressure, particularly in preparation for hearings, depositions, and trials.
Strong attention to detail, initiative, and ability to learn quickly.
Proficiency in legal research, including LexisNexis.
Experience tracking and entering billable time.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Adobe, Nuance, and e-discovery platforms such as Ipro, Relativity, Concordance, or Summation.

Nice To Haves

Paralegal Certificate from an ABA-approved institution.
E-discovery project management experience.
Experience with commercial, medical malpractice, product liability, personal injury, and/or intellectual property litigation.
Prior experience supporting attorneys through trial.

Responsibilities

Prepare briefs, pleadings, motions, discovery, notices, and settlement documents for attorney review and approval.
Manage extensive discovery preparation and coordinate discovery-related activities.
Investigate facts and applicable law to assist attorneys with case strategy and litigation preparation.
Conduct legal research and analyze statutes, judicial decisions, legal articles, treaties, constitutions, and legal codes.
Review discovery and prepare, issue, and track subpoenas for records and depositions.
Prepare case information and materials for expert witnesses.
Abstract depositions and organize key case information.
Prepare indexes and maintain comprehensive document and case files.
Maintain accurate case databases and enter case information into NetDocs.
Manage calendar and tickler systems to ensure timely compliance with court deadlines.
Communicate and coordinate with courts, opposing counsel, clients, experts, vendors, and other litigation professionals.
Work with internal and external vendors throughout the e-discovery process.
Maintain files and information relating to experts used by both parties.
Prepare cases for trial and handle trial-related tasks.
Organize and manage trial exhibits, documents, evidence, and case materials.
Assist attorneys with preparation for hearings, depositions, and trials.
Coordinate trial materials and information for attorneys and litigation teams.
Support attorneys during trial preparation and throughout trial proceedings.
Take ownership of time-sensitive assignments and help ensure the trial team is prepared.
Work closely with attorneys and litigation team members in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Track and enter billable time.