Defense Litigation Paralegal

Hinshaw & Culbertson; New York (NY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP is seeking a Litigation Paralegal in our New York office with extensive experience in insurance defense and general civil litigation. You will research law, investigate facts, prepare documents for attorneys, manage case files, and support trial readiness.

The role emphasizes reviewing medical records, creating medical chronologies, drafting discovery, and coordinating with experts. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Five years of general civil litigation experience is required.
• Experience reviewing medical records and preparing medical chronologies is strongly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and litigation software is expected.

Responsibilities

• Continual review and management of case files from inception through mediation/arbitration/trial/settlement.
• Prepare subpoenas, discovery requests and responses; manage privilege logs.
• Assist attorneys with depositions, trial preparation, and witness management.
• Capture and record billable time; assist with trial notebooks, exhibits, and presentations.
• Research, vet and engage subject matter experts as needed.

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Excel

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Adobe Acrobat Pro

LexisNexis

Pacer

Relativity

Sanction

TrialPad

iManage

Job description

Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP is a national law firm with over 500 attorneys across the United States. Founded in 1934 and headquartered in Chicago, we provide sophisticated legal counsel to clients in highly regulated industries, including insurance, financial services, healthcare, and professional services. We also offer strategic business and transactional advice to a wide range of for-profit and nonprofit organizations, including government agencies and educational institutions. Learn more at hinshawlaw.com.

Position Summary

Our New York office is seeking a Litigation Paralegal with experience in the area of insurance defense and general civil litigation who will perform a variety of duties including researching law, investigating facts, and preparing documents for attorneys according to established policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Continual review and management of case files from inception through mediation/arbitration/trial/settlement;
• Prepare subpoenas compelling document productions;
• Prepare initial discovery, i.e., interrogatories, request for production, request for admissions;
• Prepare draft responses to discovery, including document productions and corresponding privilege logs;
• Review medical records and prepare corresponding medical chronologies;
• Prepare attorneys for depositions;
• Prepare depositions summaries/abstracts;
• Research, vet and engage with subject matter experts;
• Monitor deadlines for responses and timeliness;
• Prepare legal documents such as briefs, pleadings, fact chronologies, agreements, and/or trial and/or mediation binders for use by attorneys;
• Investigate facts as requested by attorneys;
• Capture and record billable time in compliance with firm policies and client guidelines;
• Trial preparation - prepare trial subpoenas, trial notebooks, exhibit lists, witness lists; engage in witness management; schedule trial testimony; prepare and manipulate trial presentations and other trial-related tasks as necessary; and
• Attend trial as necessary.

Qualifications

• A minimum of five years of general civil litigation experience.
• Experience reviewing medical records and preparing medical chronologies is strongly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
• Software skills: Must have working knowledge of internet and proficiency with: Excel, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat Pro, LexisNexis, Pacer, Relativity, Sanction, TrialPad, and iManage.
• Written communication: Writes clearly and informatively; edits work for spelling and grammar; varies writing style to meet needs; able to read and interpret written information.
• Verbal communication: Listens and obtains clarification when necessary; responds well to questions.
• Problem solving: Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully.
• Quality: Demonstrates strong organizational skills, attention to detail, accuracy and thoroughness; looks for ways to improve and promote quality.
• Dependability: Follows instructions, responds to management direction; commits to additional hours of work when necessary to reach goals.
• Analytical: Synthesizes complex or diverse information; collects and researches data.
• Initiative: Takes independent actions and calculated risks; asks for and offers help when needed.
• Teamwork: Balances team and individual responsibilities; contributes to building a positive team spirit.
• Interpersonal skills: Focuses on solving conflict; maintains confidentiality.
• Professionalism: Accepts responsibility for own actions; follows through on commitments.
• Knowledge of complex litigation.
• Experience with trial preparation and participation/attendance, including organization of witness materials and preparation of physical and electronic exhibits; experience with exhibit manipulation software such as Sanction/Trial Director/TrialPad, Relativity and PowerPoint.

Why Join Hinshaw

At Hinshaw, we foster a collaborative and inclusive work culture. We offer competitive compensation, a flexible benefits program, and a generous 401(k) plan. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Joining our team means being part of a firm that values innovation and professional growth in its technology operations, all while maintaining a supportive environment that encourages work-life balance and career development.

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications.

As an EEO/AA employer, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant’s age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran or disability status or any other factor prohibited by law.