Defense Litigation Paralegal - Hybrid

Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP; New Jersey; On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Flexible benefits program

Generous 401(k) plan

Job summary

Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP in New Jersey is seeking a Litigation Paralegal with five years of civil litigation experience to support defense attorneys in insurance defense and general civil matters.

You will manage case files, draft discovery and subpoenas, prepare for depositions, and track billable time in accordance with firm policies and client guidelines. The role emphasizes accuracy, deadlines, and collaborative client service.

Qualifications

• A minimum of five years of general civil litigation experience.
• Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
• Computer Skills: Must have working knowledge of internet and proficiency with Excel, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat Pro, LexisNexis, PACER, Relativity, Sanction, TrialPad, and iManage.

Responsibilities

• Continual review and management of case files from inception through mediation/arbitration/trial/settlement.
• Prepare subpoenas compelling depositions and/or document productions.
• Prepare initial discovery: interrogatories, request for production, request for admissions.
• Prepare draft responses to discovery, including document productions and privilege logs.
• Prepare attorneys for depositions; prepare depositions summaries/abstracts.

Skills

General civil litigation

Time recording

Oral communication

Written communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

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

The New Jersey 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 depositions and/or 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;
• 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/medical 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.
• Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
• Computer 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.
• Oral 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.

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.

• competitive compensation
• a flexible benefits program
• a generous 401(k) plan.

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.