Civil Litigation Paralegal: Personal Injury & Complex Cases

Hart McLaughlin & Eldridge, LLC; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Hart McLaughlin & Eldridge, LLC in Chicago seeks an experienced Civil Litigation Paralegal to support personal injury and general litigation matters. The role emphasizes client-focused advocacy, accuracy, and efficient case management in a busy environment.

The ideal candidate has a civil litigation background, with at least 3 years in a law firm setting, and is proficient with court filings, legal research tools, and case management software.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies or a Paralegal Certificate (ABA-approved) is required.
• Minimum 3 years of experience as a litigation paralegal at a law firm.
• Experience in civil litigation, general litigation, and personal injury litigation is required.
• Background in medical malpractice, nursing home litigation, mass torts, or environmental/toxic torts is strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of litigation processes, legal terminology, and procedures.
• Extensive knowledge of Illinois state and federal court systems, rules, and filing procedures.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Outlook for calendar management and scheduling.
• Experience with legal research tools and case management software.
• Ability to manage a high volume of work in a fast-paced setting.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and time management skills.
• Discretion and professionalism with sensitive information.
• Familiarity with billing systems and attorney time tracking is preferred.
• PACER, Westlaw, Lexis experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Draft, prepare, organize, and electronically file legal documents such as pleadings, motions, discovery, and correspondence.
• File documents with courts following filing rules and deadlines.
• Conduct legal research and summarize case law, statutes, and regulations.
• Provide in-trial support and assist with hearing preparation.
• Oversee general administrative tasks, including correspondence, call management, and document organization.
• Maintain attorneys’ calendars and coordinate meetings, court appearances, depositions, and deadlines.
• Ensure clear communication between attorneys, clients, and third parties.
• Generate and manage all legal correspondence and notices.
• Maintain and organize electronic and physical case files.
• Schedule and coordinate appointments, hearings, and case-related events.
• Track deadlines and ensure timely follow-up on milestones.
• Create and maintain accurate records and databases for case files.
• Manage civil litigation personal injury cases, including intake, fact investigation, and discovery.
• Review, analyze, and summarize medical records, billing statements, and accident reports; prepare medical chronologies and damages evaluations.
• Draft and respond to discovery requests; coordinate with witnesses and expert teams.
• Assist attorneys with evaluating liability, tracking causation, and damages claims.
• Draft pleadings, motions, settlement demand letters, and court notices for review and filing.

Skills

Communication

Organization

Time management

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies or Paralegal Certificate (ABA-approved)

Minimum 3 years litigation paralegal experience

Tools

PACER

Westlaw

Lexis

Case management software

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Hart McLaughlin & Eldridge, LLC in Chicago seeks an experienced Civil Litigation Paralegal to support personal injury and general litigation matters. The role emphasizes client-focused advocacy, accuracy, and efficient case management in a busy environment.

The ideal candidate has a civil litigation background, with at least 3 years in a law firm setting, and is proficient with court filings, legal research tools, and case management software.