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Entry Level Paralegal Jobs in Riverside, IL (NOW HIRING)

eFiling Clerk

Chicago, IL ยท Hybrid

$30.99 - $48.35/hr

Coordinate with attorneys and paralegals to gather necessary documents for filings. * Ensure all ... Train and supervise entry-level filing clerks. Desired Skills In-depth knowledge of court filing ...

Private Investigator

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$18/hr

Law / Paralegal / Legal Assistant * Security / Corporate Investigations * Investigative Journalism ... Equipment provided including video camera, laptop, tripod, fuel & maintenance card * Entry-level ...

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Entry Level Paralegal information

See Riverside, IL salary details

$33.7K

$49.6K

$69.9K

How much do entry level paralegal jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level paralegal in Riverside, IL is $49,611.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,200.00 and $54,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does an Entry Level Paralegal Do?

An entry-level paralegal performs research and provides legal support to attorneys. As an entry-level paralegal, your job is to assist one or more attorneys at your firm with a variety of legal research and administrative tasks. You prepare and file legal documents, handle communication with clients, and study statutes and precedents in the law. If the attorneys at the law firm you work for specialize in a particular area of the law, then you must familiarize yourself with the specifics of that legal subspecialty, such as personal injury, family law, criminal defense, corporate law, and estate and probate law.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Paralegal, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Paralegal, you need strong research, writing, and organizational skills, typically supported by a paralegal certificate or an associate degree in paralegal studies. Familiarity with legal research databases (such as Westlaw or LexisNexis), document management systems, and Microsoft Office is often required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously are vital soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure accurate legal support, efficient workflow, and effective collaboration within a law firm or legal department.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level paralegals, and how can they be effectively managed?

Entry level paralegals often encounter challenges such as managing multiple deadlines, learning to navigate legal technology platforms, and adapting to the fast-paced environment of a law firm or legal department. To manage these issues, strong organizational skills and proactive communication with supervising attorneys are essential. Seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues and taking advantage of training opportunities can also help new paralegals build confidence and improve efficiency. Over time, familiarity with case management systems and legal procedures will make these challenges more manageable.

What are entry level paralegals?

Entry level paralegals are professionals who assist attorneys with legal tasks such as drafting documents, conducting research, organizing files, and preparing for trials, typically at the beginning of their paralegal careers. They usually have completed a paralegal studies program or hold a relevant degree, but may have little to no prior legal work experience. Entry level paralegals gain on-the-job training and are often supervised closely by attorneys or senior paralegals as they learn the practical aspects of legal work.

What is the difference between Entry Level Paralegal vs Legal Assistant?

AspectEntry Level ParalegalLegal Assistant
Required CredentialsAssociate's degree or paralegal certificateHigh school diploma or associate's degree, no certification required
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agenciesLaw firms, legal departments, courts
Job ResponsibilitiesLegal research, document preparation, case organizationAdministrative support, scheduling, client communication

While both roles support legal teams, Entry Level Paralegals typically handle more substantive legal work like research and document drafting, requiring specific paralegal credentials. Legal Assistants focus more on administrative tasks and may not need formal legal training. The roles often overlap, but the paralegal position generally involves more legal responsibilities and credentials.

What are the most commonly searched types of Paralegal jobs in Riverside, IL? The most popular types of Paralegal jobs in Riverside, IL are:
What cities near Riverside, IL are hiring for Entry Level Paralegal jobs? Cities near Riverside, IL with the most Entry Level Paralegal job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Paralegal job openings in Riverside, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 49% Full Time, 47% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, and 24% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,611 per year, or $23.9 per hour.

eFiling Clerk

Dlapiper

Chicago, IL โ€ข Hybrid

$30.99 - $48.35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

DLA Piper is, at its core, bold, exceptional, collaborative and supportive. Our people are the backbone, heart and soul of our firm. Wherever you are in your professional journey, DLA Piper is a place you can engage in meaningful work and grow your career. Let's see what we can achieve. Together.

Summary

The eFiling Clerk, working in collaboration with and in support of the firm's strategic initiatives, ensures that all documents are accurately filed in a timely manner, maintains organized records, and assists attorneys and paralegals with filing-related inquiries, which include the upkeep of e-filing registrations, admission renewals and maintaining list of current login IDs and Passwords, which includes assisting the Sr. Docketing Manager with the upkeep of e-filing registrations.
Location

This position can sit in any of DLA Piper's U.S. office locations and offers a hybrid work schedule. Working hours will be eastern time zone.
Responsibilities

  • Manage the electronic filing process for multiple cases and ensure timely submissions.

  • Coordinate with attorneys and paralegals to gather necessary documents for filings.

  • Ensure all documents are accurately filed and comply with court requirements.

  • Call the Court, PACER or any e-filing vendor service to resolve any e-filing issues.

  • Review and verify the accuracy of documents before submission.

  • Stay updated on court rules and filing requirements.

  • Train and supervise entry-level filing clerks.

Desired Skills

In-depth knowledge of court filing systems and court filing procedures. Excellent communication and problem-solving skills. Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks. May require occasional overtime to meet filing deadlines.
Minimum Education

  • High School Diploma or GED.

Certificates

  • Additional legal or administrative training is a plus.

Minimum Years of Experience

  • 2 years' experience in electronic filing.


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 $30.99 - $48.35 per hour depending on the candidate's geographic market location. Non-exempt positions will be paid on an hourly basis and paid overtime in accordance with applicable laws.

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).

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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.