Case Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Summary

Under the supervision of attorneys, the Case Manager manages a range of substantive and complex cases, matters, or entity-related duties. This individual prepares drafts of legal and other documents and correspondence for attorney review, compiles, analyzes, and summarizes information, and coordinates efforts between attorneys, clients, outside legal counsel, opposing legal counsel, other parties, and outside vendors.

Location

This position can sit in any of our US office locations and offers a hybrid work schedule.
Responsibilities

• Develops a knowledge of cases/matters, both factually and procedurally, to ensure that systems/operational functions are designed to properly track cases/matters.
• Leverages knowledge to streamline the execution of various tasks and to create efficiencies.
• Considers staffing needs, training needs, outside vendor needs and coordination between DLA and other firms and vendors in terms of producing the highest quality of work efficiently, without duplication, and within the budget parameters.
• Develops and manages budgets, both in terms of cases and matters and the overall client relationship and DLA parameters.
• Supervises the development, management, coordination, and upkeep of all electronic tools to manage cases/matters and client relationships, both internally and with outside counsel and vendors.
• Manages and trains case assistants, paralegals, and attorneys, delegates and supervises projects directed toward case assistants, paralegals, and attorneys; serves as the "hub" for all cases/matters and client-related activities.
• Acts as mentor and SME to associates and paralegals.
• Develops and conducts trainings for team members and business professionals in their respective practice groups.
• Interacts extensively with clients on a one-to-one basis; often the point of contact for the client.
• Demonstrates superior proficiencies with all software applications specific to practice group.
• Demonstrates "good firm citizen" characteristics.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Participates in all aspects of case management:
  • Possesses extensive knowledge of product liability, mass torts and class actions matters; possesses extensive experience preparing for and participating in document collections, witness interviews, hearings, depositions, trials, arbitrations and/or mediations; possesses advanced understanding of Federal, State, and local rules and procedures as well as court filing procedures, both electronic and hard copy; acts as lead paralegal who manages cases/matters and guides/oversees attorneys, paralegals and case assistants; develops checklists, tracking systems, and other processes to improve efficiency for the practice group.

Desired Skills

Four plus years' experience with the firm. Must have firm "hands-on" experience in order to provide critical support to the attorneys in said practice groups. Must have experience relating to clients, co-counsel, opposing counsel, etc. Must have extensive experience in setting up and running technical systems to manage cases/matters. Must be a team leader with strong interpersonal skills required to interact with business professionals, paralegals, attorneys, and clients. Encourages connection, collaboration, and collective ownership. Proven ability to work on cross-functional teams in multiple jurisdictions, across time zones. Superior verbal and written skills. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail required to handle large volumes of work associated with each case/matter. Strong analytical skills required to manage budgets and resources. Highly advanced technical skills are necessary to set-up, track and maintain cases/matters. Must demonstrate initiative, independence, and an appreciation for the business operations side of the firm. Committed to the firm's business objectives and motivates others to help attain said objectives.
Minimum Education

• Bachelor's Degree in paralegal studies, legal studies, or related field.
  

Certificates

• For California Paralegals: Must meet the California Paralegal Requirements.

Minimum Years of Experience

• 10+ years' experience as a Paralegal in a specific practice group.

Essential Job Expectations

While the specific job requirements of a DLA Piper position may vary depending upon scope of the job and area of specialty, there are certain universal requirements that are expected of all DLA Piper employees, which include but are not limited to:

• Effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, with clients, lawyers, business professionals, and third parties.
• Produce deliverables, answer phone calls, and reply to correspondence in an efficient and responsive manner.
• Provide timely, accurate, and quality work product.
• Successfully meet deadlines, expectations, and perform work duties as required.
• Foster positive work relationships.
• Comply with all firm policies and practices.
• Engage in both physical and sedentary activity, such as (a) working at a computer for extended periods of time, including on-screen reading and typing; (b) participating in digital/virtual conference calls; (c) participating in meetings as needed.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing demands in a fast-paced environment.
• Perform all other duties, tasks or projects as assigned.
  

Our employees are expected to embrace and uphold our firm values as a part of our DLA Piper culture. We are committed to excellence in how we represent our clients and develop our people.
Physical Demands

Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Work Environment

The individual selected for this position may have the opportunity for a hybrid work arrangement comprised of remote and in-office work, the requirement for which will be determined in coordination with the hiring manager or supervisor and may be modified in the firm's discretion in the future.
Disclaimer

The purpose of this job description is to provide a concise statement of the work elements and to organize and present the information in a standardized way. It is not intended to describe all the elements of the work that may be performed by every individual in this classification, nor should it serve as the sole criteria for personnel decisions and actions. The job duties, requirements, and expectations for this position may be modified at the Firm's discretion at any time. This job description does not change the at-will nature of employment.

Application Process

Applicants must apply directly online instead of sending application materials via email.

Accommodation

Reasonable accommodations may be made upon request to permit individuals with a disability to perform the essential functions and responsibilities of the position or to participate in the job selection process. If you have a request for an accommodation during the application process, please contact careers@us.dlapiper.com.

Agency applications will not be considered.

No immigration sponsorship is available for this position.
The firm's expected hiring range for this position is $70.43 - $112.00 per hour depending on the candidate's geographic market location.

The compensation offered for employment will also be dependent on other factors including the candidate's experience, skills, educational and professional background, and overall qualifications. We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k).
Applicants who are not based in thejurisdictionin whichthis position is posted and who apply for this role are doing so voluntary and are not eligible for relocationassistance. Anyrelocationbenefits,if any, are provided only where a relocation isrequiredat the firm's direction andin accordance withapplicable policy and law.

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DLA Piper is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.Job applicant poster viewing center.