Labor & Employment Litigation Paralegal — Chicago

Barnes & Thornburg LLP; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Barnes & Thornburg LLP in Chicago is seeking a Litigation Paralegal to support the Labor & Employment Litigation team. You will assist attorneys through all phases of litigation, including pleadings, discovery, motion practice, hearings, arbitration, and trial.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree and/or a paralegal certificate, 5+ years of experience in litigation, familiarity with PACER/ECF, and strong research, drafting, and file-management skills. Excel proficiency is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and/or Paralegal Certificate required.
• 5+ years of litigation paralegal experience.
• Working knowledge of federal and state court filing procedures and PACER/ECF.
• Experience supporting employment-related discovery, including personnel files and payroll records.
• Strong research, drafting, and document management skills.
• Excellent communication, organization, and time management abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple matters in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive support to attorneys throughout all phases of labor and employment litigation, including pleadings, discovery, motion practice, hearings, arbitrations, and trial.
• Prepare, organize, and file documents with federal and state courts and administrative agencies, including through PACER/ECF.
• Assist with employment-related matters involving wage and hour claims, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, and class and PAGA actions.
• Conduct legal research and assist with drafting pleadings, correspondence, discovery requests and responses, and subpoenas.
• Finalize legal briefs, including cite-checking, formatting, and preparing supporting exhibits.
• Manage case files, calendars, and litigation deadlines to ensure compliance with court rules and scheduling orders.
• Coordinate document collection, review, and production, including maintaining databases or spreadsheets to track discovery materials and employee records.
• Provide support on traditional labor matters, including proceedings before the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).
• Assist with arbitration-related matters, including researching arbitration panels, arbitrators, and applicable rules and procedures.
• Assist with trial, arbitration, and mediation preparation, including witness binders, exhibits, and logistics.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with attorneys, clients, opposing counsel, court personnel, and third-party vendors.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Litigation paralegal experience

PACER/ECF proficiency

Research

Drafting

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree or Paralegal Certificate

Tools

Excel

Job description

Barnes & Thornburg LLP in Chicago is seeking a Litigation Paralegal to support the Labor & Employment Litigation team. You will assist attorneys through all phases of litigation, including pleadings, discovery, motion practice, hearings, arbitration, and trial.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree and/or a paralegal certificate, 5+ years of experience in litigation, familiarity with PACER/ECF, and strong research, drafting, and file-management skills. Excel proficiency is preferred.