Impactful Labor & Employment Litigation Paralegal – Chicago

barnes; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Barnes & Thornburg LLP in Chicago seeks an experienced Litigation Paralegal to join our Labor & Employment Litigation team. You will support attorneys through all phases of litigation, including pleadings, discovery, motions, hearings, arbitrations, and trial, while maintaining organizational systems and document management.

The role requires a 5+ year background in litigation paralegal work, preferably in labor and employment, with strong research, drafting, and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and/or paralegal certificate required.
• 5+ years of litigation paralegal experience, preferably in labor and employment.
• Familiarity with federal and state filing procedures and PACER/ECF.
• Experience supporting wage-and-hour, discrimination, and class actions.
• Strong research, drafting, and document management skills.
• Excellent communication, organization, and time management abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple matters in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Excel; class actions and PAGA experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive support to attorneys throughout all phases of labor and employment litigation.
• Prepare, organize, and file documents with federal and state courts and administrative agencies (PACER/ECF).
• Assist with wage and hour claims, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, and class actions.
• Conduct legal research and assist with drafting pleadings, correspondence, discovery requests/responses, and subpoenas.
• Finalize briefs with cite-checking and exhibits.
• Manage case files, calendars, and deadlines; ensure compliance with court rules.
• Coordinate document collection, review, and production; track discovery materials.
• Support on NLRB proceedings and arbitration-related matters.
• Assist with trial preparation, including witnesses, exhibits, and logistics.
• Communicate professionally with attorneys, clients, opposing counsel, court personnel, and vendors.

Skills

Litigation support

PAGA matters

Arbitration experience

Discovery management

Excel proficiency

Strong research

Time management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree or Paralegal Certificate

Tools

PACER/ECF

Document management software

Job description

Barnes & Thornburg LLP in Chicago seeks an experienced Litigation Paralegal to join our Labor & Employment Litigation team. You will support attorneys through all phases of litigation, including pleadings, discovery, motions, hearings, arbitrations, and trial, while maintaining organizational systems and document management.

The role requires a 5+ year background in litigation paralegal work, preferably in labor and employment, with strong research, drafting, and communication skills.