Paralegal - Supreme Court and Appellate

Sidley Austin•Washington, DC

4d•$89,000 - $121,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The litigation paralegal will support all aspects of large-scale, complex litigation primarily within the Supreme Court and Appellate group. The position will require overtime and may involve some travel. This role involves supporting attorneys in all phases of appellate litigation, including matters before the United States Supreme Court and federal and state appellate courts. Key responsibilities include assisting with the preparation, review, and filing of briefs, appendices, and other appellate submissions, compiling and organizing appellate records, and formatting briefs in strict compliance with applicable court rules. The paralegal will also track briefing schedules, coordinate printing, binding, service, and electronic filing, and assist with preparation for oral arguments. Additionally, the role requires performing expert-level Bluebook citation and cite-checking, verifying record citations, conducting legal research using various tools, and assisting with drafting procedural motions. Case management and document administration are crucial, involving maintaining organized tracking systems, coordinating with trial teams, and managing electronic and hard copy documents. The paralegal will also be responsible for electronic filings and maintaining databases of briefs and opinions. Collaboration with attorneys, business professionals, vendors, and court personnel is expected, as is the delegation and oversight of Project Assistants and temporary staff. Maintaining proficiency in technology relevant to appellate practice and communicating clearly are essential. The firm is an elite global law firm known for innovative strategies and powerful results, seeking talented individuals for its business professional team.

Requirements

BA/BS with strong academic credentials
At least five years of paralegal experience at a medium or large law firm, or equivalent experience in academia, including work toward and completion of an advanced degree
Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications and Adobe Professional
Strong research, analytical and written communication skills
A writing sample must be submitted with the resume
Excellent organizational skills
Excellent attention to detail and proofreading skills
Good judgment
Works harmoniously and effectively with others as part of a team
Well-developed analytical and problem-solving skills
A self-starter who shows ownership and commitment to the role
Exercises discretion and maintains confidentiality

Nice To Haves

Paralegal Certificate from an ABA accredited program
Prior experience supporting appellate or complex litigation matters
Proficient in the use of Relativity, Case Notebook and other eDiscovery software

Responsibilities

Support attorneys in all phases of appellate litigation, including matters before the United States Supreme Court and federal and state appellate courts.
Assist with preparation, review and filing of briefs, appendices, joint appendices and other appellate submissions.
Compile and organize appellate records, including trial court documents, transcripts and record excerpts.
Format briefs in strict compliance with applicable court rules, including word limits, citation format and technical requirements.
Track briefing schedules, deadlines and jurisdiction-specific procedural requirements.
Draft and distribute high-level summaries of appellate orders and opinions to the Supreme Court and Appellate group.
Coordinate printing, binding, service and electronic filing of appellate submissions.
Assist with preparation for oral arguments, including assembling moot court materials and presentation binders.
Prepare demonstratives and other presentation materials as needed.
Perform expert-level Bluebook citation and cite-checking, including proofreading briefs and other appellate filings with exceptional precision and attention to detail.
Verify record citations and confirm accuracy of quoted authorities.
Conduct legal and procedural research using Westlaw, LexisNexis, PACER, and related tools.
Assist with drafting procedural motions and preparing tables of authorities and contents.
Maintain in-depth familiarity with Supreme Court and appellate court rules and procedures.
Support complex litigation matters transitioning from trial through appeal.
Maintain organized tracking systems for filings, deadlines and case developments.
Coordinate with trial teams to obtain and organize materials relevant to appellate review.
Manage electronic and hard copy documents using Firm-specific technology.
Prepare and process electronic filings using PACER, CM/ECF and other court-specific systems.
Maintain databases of briefs, opinions and key authorities.
Coordinate with attorneys, business professionals, vendors and court personnel regarding appellate matters.
Delegate tasks to and oversee Project Assistants and temporary staff when appropriate.
Maintain proficiency in technology relevant to appellate practice.
Communicate clearly and effectively in written and verbal formats.
Perform other duties as requested or assigned.