Litigation Project Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL

Husch Blackwell LLP is a full-service litigation and business law firm with multiple locations across the United States, serving clients with domestic and international operations.

At Husch Blackwell we believe that diverse, equitable and inclusive teams lead to better outcomes. Husch Blackwell is committed to retaining, recruiting, developing, and promoting talented lawyers and business professionals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We foster an engaged, diverse, and inclusive team culture of accountability and purpose that makes our Firm and our communities better.

Our firm is committed to attracting and retaining professionals who value each other and the service we provide by embracing Teamwork, Collaboration, Client Service, and Innovation.  If you are a motivated professional looking for a long-term fit where you can grow in a role, and will be valued and empowered, then we invite you to apply to our Commercial Litigation Paralegal position.  This position may be filled remotely, or in any of our locations.   

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

Seeking a Commercial Litigation Paralegal to provide assistance to attorneys in fact investigation, witness interviews, drafting pleadings and correspondence, legal research, document preparation and production, database management, docketing/case management, trial preparation and attendance and overall client service. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Provide assistance to attorneys in fact investigation, witness interviews, drafting pleadings and correspondence, legal research, document preparation and production, preparation of fact development work product such as medical records and historical chronologies, database management and conducting document analysis using document review software, docketing/case management, and overall client service.
• Learn/develop technical proficiency in e-discovery database use and management; AI software tools; internet/electronic research; and project folder/electronic file maintenance.
• Independently organize and manage files.
• Prepare materials for and assist in preparation for depositions, hearings, and trials and related proceedings, and attend same if needed.
• Pre-trial preparation and trial attendance.
• Prepare draft pleadings and discovery.
• Coordinate filing of pleadings/documents and arrange for service.
• Collect and summarize medical, corporate and/or other records.
• Assist with calendaring/docketing.
• Work with attorneys in multiple offices.
• Act as a liaison between clients, colleagues, and experts to ensure timely communication of case information and production of materials.
• Stay informed of developments in the Commercial Litigation practice areas and the Paralegal industry.
• Attend and participate in internal CLEs.
• Anticipate attorney needs.
• Serve as a mentor to a Paralegal Assistant, or more junior Paralegal, as needed.
• Familiarity and experience with adopting legal AI and ability to learn and implement new AI preferred.
• Meet annual billable hour target of 1500.
• Perform other duties as required.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum of 5 years relevant experience.
• Relativity or document review software experience.
• Trial preparation and attendance.
• California litigation experience required.
• Associate’s degree required; Bachelor’s degree or paralegal certificate preferred.
• Significant, substantive legal-related experience may be considered in lieu of formal education at the discretion of the Managing Directo

OTHER DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to interact in a professional and courteous manner with clients and employees at all times.
• Experience with Relativity and other litigation support technology.
• Ability to successfully perform position requirements with excellent organizational, time-management and prioritization skills required.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team; ability and willingness to adapt to changing business demands.
• Ability to produce acceptable amount of work efficiently and accurately; ability to produce quality final work product.
• Ability to exercise good judgment at all times by making sound and practical decisions; ability to assume responsibility for decisions and act decisively under deadlines.
• High level of professional integrity required; ability to maintain confidentiality and build trust.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize workflow and manage time.
• Strong computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel. Ability to build strong client relations by quickly responding to needs.
• Demonstrates reliability and delivers on commitments.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Proven success working in a fast-paced, continually changing environment.
• Ability to independently handle all key duties without supervision of another Paralegal or Senior Paralegal.
• Communicates messages in a clear, concise, and confident manner, adapting to the needs and preferences of others.
• Ability to deliver superior service to all internal and external customers and communicate effectively.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Employees are entitled to compensation commensurate with skill and experience. The exact compensation will vary based on skills, experience, location, and other factors permitted by law. The expected compensation ranges for this position in various states and jurisdictions are as follows:

• State of California: $86,000 - $139,000
• State of Colorado: $75,000 - $119,000
• State of Illinois: $64,000 - $125,000
• State of Maryland: $73,000 - $107,000
• State Massachusetts: $85,000 - $130,000
• State of Minnesota: $75,000 - $111,000
• Jersey City, NJ: $78,000 - $114,000
• State of New York: $66,000 - $125,000
• State of Washington: $88,000 - $134,000
• Washington, DC: $94,000 - $138,000

The above salaries do not include a discretionary bonus, however bonus opportunities are non-guaranteed, and are dependent upon individual and firm performance. Full-time employees receive benefits including: medical and dental coverage; life insurance; short-term and long-term disability insurance; pre-tax flexible spending account for certain medical and dependent care expenses; an employee assistance program; Paid Time Off; paid holidays; participation in a retirement plan program after meeting eligibility requirements; and more.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities, or requirements. The Firm will provide reasonable accommodations as necessary to allow an individual with a disability to apply for and/or perform the essential functions of a position.  Please reach out to our HR team to request an accommodation.

Please include a cover letter and resume when applying.

EOE/Minority/Female/Disabled/Vet. Principal Applicants Only.

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