Litigation Paralegal

Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P.•Chicago, IL

About The Position

Organizes, digests and codes in the preparation of legal documents for production, deposition or trial preparation, or other litigation and discovery projects. Prepares correspondence, memoranda, outlines for litigation and discovery projects. Drafts answers, discovery requests, responses to discovery, basic motions and similar pleadings, under the direction of an attorney. Summarizes, reviews and analyzes documents, testimony, general literature, and legislative information for litigation or discovery assignments. Compiles and summarizes pertinent medical, scientific and litigation issues and/or incorporates analyses prepared by others into case outlines, deposition outlines and/or testimony outlines, relevant chronologies and other litigation assignments. Selects documents to be used in depositions, for trial exhibits or for production. Obtains public information applicable to the litigation, as well as medical, educational and employment records on parties to litigation. Interviews witnesses and/or company employees. Updates clients and litigation teams regarding case status, litigation and discovery issues and assignments. Maintains calendar or tickler system, subject to case requirements. Keeps abreast of significant developments in areas of assigned responsibility and areas of expertise, in order to undertake assignments as appropriate. Understands the full scope of litigation and recognizes relevant information to a case when reviewing documents and/or testimony. Travels to clients' offices, vendors, trial locations and other locations with minimal notice; assists in the trials of cases. Utilizes and has an understanding of document and case management software, databases and internet sites as needed. Keeps track of time in specified intervals and turns in time records as instructed. Provides mentoring to Staff Paralegal. Uses excellent verbal, written and communication skills, and is courteous and professional at all times. Keeps supervisor abreast of current issues and potential problems as they develop; seeks advice as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from a four-year college or university and/or paralegal certificate/degree and one to two years relevant experience
OR a minimum of six years relevant experience
OR a minimum of two years at SHB as Staff Paralegal
Excellent verbal, written, and communication skills
Courteous and professional demeanor

Nice To Haves

Understanding of document and case management software, databases, and internet sites

Responsibilities

Organizes, digests and codes legal documents for production, deposition, or trial preparation.
Prepares correspondence, memoranda, and outlines for litigation and discovery projects.
Drafts answers, discovery requests, responses to discovery, basic motions, and similar pleadings under attorney direction.
Summarizes, reviews, and analyzes documents, testimony, literature, and legislative information.
Compiles and summarizes medical, scientific, and litigation issues.
Selects documents for depositions, trial exhibits, or production.
Obtains public information, medical, educational, and employment records.
Interviews witnesses and company employees.
Updates clients and litigation teams on case status and issues.
Maintains calendar or tickler system.
Stays informed of significant developments in assigned areas of responsibility and expertise.
Understands the full scope of litigation and recognizes relevant information.
Travels to various locations with minimal notice and assists in trials.
Utilizes document and case management software, databases, and internet sites.
Tracks time in specified intervals and submits time records.
Provides mentoring to Staff Paralegal.
Uses excellent verbal, written, and communication skills.
Maintains courteous and professional demeanor.
Keeps supervisor informed of current issues and potential problems.