Senior Paralegal (Litigation and IP)

Crowell & Moring•Chicago, IL

5d•$81,000 - $120,000

About The Position

Crowell & Moring LLP is hiring a Senior Paralegal in Litigation and Intellectual Property. Senior Paralegals are members of Practice Support and provide substantive support to attorneys handling state and federal court litigation from case initiation through discovery, hearings, trial, and post-trial proceedings. Under attorney supervision, they coordinate discovery and case materials, support court filings and litigation deadlines, and guide assigned paralegals and project assistants. The position has a minimum annual billing requirement of 1,600 hours. The role supports complex litigation, including commercial, patent, and trademark disputes, and involves managing case files, discovery, filings, deposition and trial preparation, research, and matter closeout. The Senior Paralegal works with attorneys, clients, Practice Technology, outside vendors, and litigation docketing, and handles privileged, confidential, and protected information in accordance with attorney instructions, protective orders, and firm procedures. A bachelor’s degree and at least five years of progressively responsible litigation paralegal experience supporting state and federal court matters are required. ABA Paralegal Certification, experience in complex commercial and intellectual property litigation, and courtroom or trial attendance experience are preferred. The Chicago salary range is $81,000–$120,000; additional compensation may include a discretionary bonus. The firm offers healthcare, vision, dental, retirement, all-purpose leave, backup childcare, wellness programs, cultural events, and social activities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
At least five years of progressively responsible litigation paralegal experience supporting state and federal court matters.
Hands-on experience with court filings, discovery, document productions, deposition preparation, and hearing or trial preparation.
Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
Provide quality client service to internal and external contacts with appropriate tact and courtesy.
Organize and prioritize work for assigned practice groups professionally.
Apply technical knowledge or guidance, analyze and interpret data from several sources, and solve problems using precedent or prior experience.
Strong attention to detail, including superior spelling and grammar.
Work cooperatively with others and participate in team efforts.
Demonstrated proficiency with Relativity or comparable document review platforms, including searches, document organization, redactions, and production workflows.
Interact effectively and professionally with attorneys and clients.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PDF tools for complex litigation submissions and case information management; working knowledge of PowerPoint.
Records management skills.
Working knowledge of state and federal civil procedure, local court rules, and judge-specific filing practices; experience with PACER/CM/ECF and applicable state electronic filing systems.
Manage assigned litigation workstreams with limited day-to-day direction, identify issues requiring attorney attention, and provide task guidance to junior team members.
Handle privileged, confidential, and protected information in accordance with attorney instructions, protective orders, and firm procedures.
Safely lift, move, and carry boxes weighing up to 50 pounds without assistance.
Ability to travel or work overtime as necessary.

Nice To Haves

ABA Paralegal Certification.
Experience supporting complex commercial and intellectual property litigation.
Courtroom and trial attendance experience.

Responsibilities

Support complex litigation in state and federal courts, including commercial, patent, and trademark disputes, as assigned.
Organize, manage, and update electronic and paper client files and pleadings.
Coordinate case and project workflow for paralegals and project assistants and provide them with guidance.
Cite-check, Bluebook, and proofread pleadings, briefs, and other documents.
Prepare and coordinate electronic and paper filing and service of pleadings, motions, briefs, and supporting materials in state and federal courts; review submissions for compliance with procedural rules, local rules, judge-specific requirements, and court orders in coordination with attorneys and Litigation Docketing/Court Services.
Review and analyze client files, data, and documents to assist in investigating facts and allegations involved in discovery.
Coordinate document collection, review, and production with attorneys, clients, Practice Technology, and outside vendors; maintain discovery and production trackers and prepare witness files for depositions or trial.
Coordinate and prepare legal teams for client meetings, hearings, arbitrations, and trials.
Draft, edit, and proofread cover letters, internal and administrative memos, and Word documents.
Provide data-entry support on litigation databases and Excel spreadsheets and search litigation databases.
Schedule and track depositions and filing deadlines; coordinate fact and expert deposition logistics, including court reporters, videographers, remote platforms, exhibits, transcripts, and errata; organize expert materials and track reports and supporting documents.
Assist with creating and maintaining case chronologies.
Index and summarize documents and depositions.
Assist attorneys with discovery requests and responses, deposition notices, and subpoenas; coordinate service, track responses and third-party productions, and coordinate discovery and filings with courts or government agencies.
Perform legal and factual research.
Assist with redactions, privilege logs, and document-production quality control under attorney supervision.
Act as team liaison with litigation docketing to ensure matter deadlines are recorded and reported.
Organize final transcripts and admitted exhibits, assist with assembling appellate records as assigned, and coordinate matter closeout and retention of case materials in accordance with firm procedures.