SENIOR PARALEGAL

Cook County•Chicago, IL

11d

About The Position

This position performs a variety of specialized tasks as assigned by supervisory attorneys including, but not limited to, summarizing legal documents, performing records research, performing legal research, coordinating research, checking legal forms for accuracy, preparing reports and preparing correspondence. The successful candidate also may be responsible for researching, writing and investigating legal matters for briefs or arguments. The Senior Paralegal provides advanced legal support to attorneys and oversees the work of an assigned Paralegal.

Requirements

Must possess a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university in paralegal studies, English, history, political science, psychology, criminal justice, business administration, public administration, accounting, or substantially similar area from an accredited college or university; AND at least 7 years of full-time work experience as a paralegal or substantially similar position
OR a certificate of completion from an ABA-approved paralegal education program AND at least 10 years of full-time work experience as a paralegal or substantially similar position
OR a high school diploma or GED or higher AND at least 12 years of full-time work experience as a paralegal or substantially similar position
Excellent oral communication and writing skills.
Ability to clearly articulate through written documents concise analysis of assigned case material.
Ability to research and gather information from various sources.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of District information.
The ability to work with online legal resources, e-filing court systems, and e-discovery.
The ability to organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical deadlines.
Ability to support multiple attorneys.
PROOF OF EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES WILL BE REQUIRED.

Responsibilities

Assist attorneys with the contract signature process including but not limited to status updates, gathering missing information, monitoring contract lifecycle, communicating with various departments, obtaining signatures, updating notes and conducting run-through meetings.
Serve as a point of contact for questions related to contract signature status, case status, documentation requirements, and administrative processes.
Assist in developing and improving processes, templates, and organizational systems.
Maintain confidentiality and upholds all organizational, ethical, and legal standards.
Assist attorneys in trial preparation, legal research, client interview sessions, discovery conferences, investigation, witness preparation, drafting pre-trial and post-trial motions and motion hearings.
Research and prepare legal memoranda in preparation for legal briefs. Research and analyze case specific legal issues and documents.
May take written statements from clients and/or witnesses.
May act as witness/prover in court for attorney to validate statements given during investigations.
Summarize depositions, medical reports and other legal documents.
Assist with investigating facts and circumstances related to convictions found in background checks of candidates for employment.
Assist Real Estate Agent with on-line filing of tax exemptions and Certificates of Error.
May assist as needed with administration of the District’s records retention policy, including, but not limited to, updating Departments on their related responsibilities; seeking clarification, as needed, from the state archivist; and filing application update(s) and Disposal Certificates.
Assist with utilizing various legal databases to track requests and responses, i.e. Sharepoint.
Use, as directed by supervisory attorneys, on-line filing systems in various courts and administrative bodies, i.e. Illinois Worker’s Compensation Commission, Circuit Court of Cook County (Daley Center) and U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois (7th Circuit).
Assign, monitor, and review work completed by a designated Paralegal to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with department standards.
Offer guidance, training, and day-to-day direction to the supervised Paralegal on procedures, priorities, and case management.