Bankruptcy and Restructuring Paralegal

Dechert LLP; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 107,000; Full time

Job summary

Dechert LLP in Chicago, IL seeks a Senior Paralegal to provide sophisticated litigation and transactional support across bankruptcy matters. You will bill 1500 hours annually and handle docketing, pleadings, and court filings with precision.

Responsibilities include PACER/CM-ECF docketing, master calendars, and coordination with clients, advisors, and co-counsel. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Paralegal certificate is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and maintain case dockets in PACER and firm systems; track deadlines and hearings.
• Prepare master calendars, critical dates memos, and trackers for active matters.
• Draft, format, and file bankruptcy pleadings and related documents via CM/ECF.
• Coordinate with clients, claims agents, and co-counsel on administrative matters.
• Assist in plan of reorganization and disclosure statements; track voting deadlines.
• Support asset sale processes, including 363 assets and related closing tasks.
• Mentor junior paralegals and coordinate with team members.

Skills

Organizational skills

Written & verbal communication

Attention to detail

Time management

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's degree

Paralegal certificate

Tools

PACER

CM/ECF

Microsoft Office

iManage/Worksite

Relativity

Job description

Our team represents both debtors and creditors in the full spectrum of complex U.S. and cross-border restructuring, bankruptcy and insolvency matters. We are seeking a skilled and highly motivated Senior Paralegal to provide sophisticated litigation and transactional support across all phases of engagements. This position requires a well-organized individual who will be expected to bill 1500 hours annually.

Case Administration & Docketing

• Monitor and maintain case dockets in PACER and firm-specific docketing systems; track all filing deadlines, hearing dates, and objection periods
• Prepare and maintain master case calendars, critical dates memos, and deadline trackers for each active matter
• Coordinate with claims and noticing agents regarding service of process, claims bar dates, and noticing requirements
• Organize and maintain electronic and physical case files, including pleadings indexes and document management

Pre-Petition & Filing Support

• Assist attorneys with pre-petition planning, including preparation or review of first-day pleadings, motions, and supporting declarations
• Compile and organize schedules
• Draft, format, and finalize or review first-day orders, including motions for use of cash collateral, DIP financing, critical vendor payments, and retention applications
• Coordinate with client personnel and financial advisors to gather necessary information for petition filings

Pleadings, Motions & Court Filings

• Draft, proofread, and format a wide range of bankruptcy pleadings, including motions, applications, notices, stipulations, orders, and adversary complaints
• File documents electronically via CM/ECF in the relevant bankruptcy courts and ensure compliance with local rules regarding formatting, page limits, and service requirements
• Prepare and compile hearing binders, exhibit lists, and witness materials
• Coordinate with local counsel on filing procedures and court-specific requirements

Claims & Creditor Matters

• Assist in preparing or reviewing, analyzing, and reconciling proofs of claim
• Prepare and maintain or monitor claims registers and objection trackers
• Draft or review claims objections, proposed orders, and related notices
• Communicate with counterparties and their counsel regarding claims under attorney supervision

Plan of Reorganization & Disclosure Statement

• Support attorneys in drafting and revising or in reviewing the plan of reorganization and disclosure statement
• Prepare solicitation materials and voting ballots in coordination with the claims and solicitation agent
• Track voting deadlines and assist with plan confirmation submissions
• Coordinate the preparation of plan supplement documents and related exhibits
• Perform or review UCC, lien, judgment, and real property searches; prepare lien search summaries
• Assist with due diligence

Transactional & Asset Sale Support

• Support attorneys in connection with Section 363 asset sales, including preparation or review of sale motions, bidding procedures, stalking horse agreements, and asset purchase agreements
• Assist with closing checklists and post-closing deliverables

Team & Client Coordination

• Serve as a point of contact for client personnel, financial advisors, investment bankers, and co-counsel on administrative and procedural matters
• Coordinate logistics for key hearings, depositions, and meetings, including travel arrangements and preparation of attorney binders and materials
• Mentor and provide guidance to junior paralegals and legal assistants assigned to the matter team

QUALIFICATIONS / KSAs

• Bachelor’s Degree is required. A Paralegal Certificate is a plus.
• Minimum of [3] years of paralegal experience in a bankruptcy practice at a law firm, with significant hands-on experience in Chapter 11 cases
• Ability to work independently with minimal direction.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Superior proofreading and research skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to multi-task and to manage time effectively.
• Detail oriented and has ability to prioritize and coordinate work.
• Ability to handle and maintain confidential information.
• Ability to think critically and analytically in a pressured environment.
• Proficiency with PACER and CM/ECF electronic filing systems
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (proficiency in Excel, a plus), iManage/Worksite and familiarity with computerized litigation databases (Relativity, a plus)
• Ability to work overtime as needed.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and prioritize responsibilities.
• Ability to work flexible and/or fluctuating work hours.

At the time of this posting, the salary range for this position in Chicago, IL is between $85,000.00 – $106,500.00 annually. Actual compensation is commensurate with job related knowledge, skills, experience, and location of the position.