Chicago Lead Paralegal & Projects Manager

Sidley Austin LLP (IL LLP); Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 175,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus eligibility

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Sidley Austin LLP in Chicago seeks a Paralegal Senior Manager to lead the Chicago paralegal and project assistant department. You will oversee staffing, onboarding, performance, and compensation, collaborating with HR and practice group heads to meet firm-wide standards.

You will drive recruiting, onboarding, and staff development, ensuring high performance and client service across ~500 lawyers. This role requires strong leadership and strategic planning in a demanding environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 10 years of experience in professional services or related field.
• 5 years managing at least 15 direct/indirect reports.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).
• Ability to quickly connect with various levels of stakeholders.
• Ability to build trust and gain buy-in from firm leadership.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day leadership and management of the Chicago paralegal and project assistant department, including supervision of staff.
• Partner with managers in other offices to promote consistent policies and practices.
• Develop departmental plans to address resource and operational challenges.
• Build relationships with lawyers, paralegals, project assistants, and HR to solve problems.
• Promote a unified, collaborative team across practice groups.
• Develop staffing strategies with department leadership to address talent needs.
• Recruit, interview, and select staff.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Relationship building

Organization

Attention to detail

Judgment

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Work under pressure

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Legal services technologies

Job description

Sidley Austin LLP in Chicago seeks a Paralegal Senior Manager to lead the Chicago paralegal and project assistant department. You will oversee staffing, onboarding, performance, and compensation, collaborating with HR and practice group heads to meet firm-wide standards.

You will drive recruiting, onboarding, and staff development, ensuring high performance and client service across ~500 lawyers. This role requires strong leadership and strategic planning in a demanding environment.