Employment Litigation Paralegal

McDermott Will & Schulte LLP; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 72,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonuses

Job summary

McDermott Will & Schulte LLP in Chicago seeks an experienced Employment Litigation Paralegal to support attorneys through all stages of employment litigation. You will organize case files, manage discovery, and draft/transmit legal documents for court filings.

The role requires strong communication, organizational skills, and the ability to work under deadlines. Key tasks include trial prep, file management, and coordinating with IT and vendors.

Qualifications

• At least five years of related work experience in a mid-to-large size law firm or corporation.
• Understanding of employment law, labor regulations, and workplace compliance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities with staff, attorneys, clients, courts, and vendors.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal support to attorneys throughout all phases of employment litigation.
• Organize, index and maintain case files and manage discovery processes.
• Prepare and draft legal documents including transmittal letters and subpoenas.
• Prepare and file documents with federal and state courts and other bodies.
• Assist with trial preparation, exhibit and witness lists, and courtroom logistics.

Skills

PowerPoint

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Legal research

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Build your big career with the firm that does Big Law, Better. McDermott Will & Schulte is a leading global law firm that brings together more than 1,700+ lawyers and 1,400 business professionals. We celebrate excellence, collaboration, and community and have been recognized as a top workplace by USA Today, Fortune, The American Lawyer, Vault and others. We are also certified by Great Place to Work. At McDermott, we don’t just invest in your future, we accelerate your career – wherever it may lead. That includes supporting you both in and outside of the office. With us, you’ll find: A firm where everyone belongs: Our award-winning culture prioritizes warmth and authenticity — we encourage you to be yourself! Enthusiasm for all perspectives: We’re smarter and stronger when everyone has a voice and a seat at the table. We welcome unique viewpoints and ideas, and we make opportunities for you and your career to thrive. Support to feel your best and do your best: Wellness is integral to building a successful career and a rich life. That’s why our benefits program supports your physical, emotional, mental, and financial health, with an emphasis on work-life balance. Real rewards for real work: We offer generous compensation packages that recognize hard work and excellence.

Job Description: The Employment Litigation Paralegal provides legal support to attorneys throughout all phases of employment litigation within the designated practice area. This position assists with case management, prepares legal documents, and coordinates discovery and trial logistics. The Employment Paralegal works under general supervision and relies on limited experience to plan and accomplish goals.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Understanding of employment law, labor regulations, and workplace compliance requirements
• Organize, index and maintain case files
• Assist with the preparation and drafting of various legal documents including transmittal letters, subpoenas, and case summaries for attorney review
• Prepare and file documents with federal and state courts, arbitration and dispute resolution bodies, and government agencies
• Act as custodian of documents, media, and databases relevant to active cases
• Perform cite checking and Bluebooking
• Conduct legal research and manage discovery process
• Prepare for trials in federal and state court and provide trial support, including maintaining exhibit and witness lists and filing court documents
• Gather case-related materials including contracts, witness and expert files, and exhibits
• Maintain departmental docketing calendar to ensure timely filings
• Prepare trial workspaces, including coordinating with IT and outside vendors regarding war room and courtroom equipment
• Prepare and file post trial filings

Job Specifications:

• At least five (5) years of related work experience in a mid-to-large size law firm or corporation
• Understanding of employment law, labor regulations, and workplace compliance requirements
• Expert knowledge of PowerPoint
• Advanced working knowledge of current technology relevant to the practice area
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to interact effectively with staff, attorneys, clients, courts, and vendors
• Strong organizational skills
• Excellent analytical and organizational abilities, creativity, and initiative
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and prioritize responsibilities
• Ability to work flexible and/or fluctuating work hours
• Ability to handle and maintain confidential information

----- Successful candidates will be provided with outstanding career opportunities and will receive a competitive total rewards package with the opportunity to earn performance-based bonuses. Target Hiring Range $72,000 - $135,000 Please note that quoted salary ranges are not guarantees of what final salary offers may be. Base pay is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and geographic location. Base pay is only one part of the Total Rewards that MWS provides to compensate and recognize our staff professionals for their work. Full time positions are eligible for a discretionary bonus and a comprehensive benefits package.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, use hands, reach with hands and arms, stoop, talk and hear. Employee must occasionally lift up to twenty (20) pounds.

Work Environment:

Typical indoor office environment Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people within this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this job.

Build your big career with the Firm that does Big Law, Better. We don’t just invest in your future, we accelerate your career – wherever it may lead. That includes supporting you both in and outside of the office. Bringing together more than 1,700+ lawyers and 1,400 business professionals, we celebrate excellence, collaboration, and community and have been recognized as a top workplace by USA Today, Fortune, The American Lawyer, Vault and others. We are also certified by Great Place to Work.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people within this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this job. Build your big career with the Firm that does Big Law, Better. We don’t just invest in your future, we accelerate your career – wherever it may lead. That includes supporting you both in and outside of the office. Bringing together more than 1,700+ lawyers and 1,400 business professionals, we celebrate excellence, collaboration, and community and have been recognized as a top workplace by USA Today, Fortune, The American Lawyer, Vault and others. We are also certified by Great Place to Work.