Lead Litigation Paralegal

Jackson Lewis P.C.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 71,497 - 80,451; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Flexible spending account

Firm-paid holidays and vacation

Employee assistance program

Job summary

A leading law firm is seeking a Lead Litigation Paralegal in Chicago to oversee litigation teams, ensure compliance with operational processes, and provide training to paralegals. This vital role requires a minimum of 7 years of experience in litigation, strong analytical and communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively. Successful candidates will be responsible for drafting legal documents, coordinating workflows, and mentoring team members. The position includes competitive compensation and a full benefits package.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of litigation paralegal experience, including 2 years at Jackson Lewis or equivalent.
• Proven ability to handle a wide range of litigation tasks with minimal supervision.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead the team of litigation paralegals to enhance performance.
• Collaborate with the Paralegal Manager on compliance with expectations.
• Draft documents in federal and state court matters.
• Conduct legal research and serve as liaison with courts.

Skills

litigation processes

analytical abilities

communication skills

time management

problem-solving abilities

team collaboration

Job description

Focused on employment and labor law since 1958, Jackson Lewis P.C. has over 1,000 attorneys who help employers develop proactive strategies, strong policies and business‑oriented solutions to build high‑functioning workforces that are engaged, stable and that emphasize belonging and respect for every employee.

The firm is ranked in the First Tier nationally in the category of Labor and Employment Litigation, as well as in Employment Law and Labor Law on behalf of management, and is listed in the U.S. News – Best Law Firms (Best Law Firms®).

Job Summary

The Lead Litigation Paralegal plays a critical role in supporting the firm’s labor and litigation teams by leading a team of litigation paralegals—within a single office or across multiple locations—focused on team performance, professional development, and operational integration.

Key responsibilities include providing feedback on performance trends, supporting paralegals in compliance with billable hour requirements, overseeing the approval process for timecards and coordinating leave requests with the leave team, maintaining adequate team coverage, ensuring compliance with firm and office protocols and guidelines, managing workflow efficiency and cross‑office work, and helping advance firm‑wide initiatives. The team also collaborates with the Litigation Paralegal Manager and the Director of Legal Operations on strategic efforts such as interviewing, hiring and onboarding candidates, and supporting mentorship and training programs.

The position carries an annual billable expectation of 1,250 net hours, enabling continued engagement in hands‑on paralegal work.

Lead Responsibilities

• Lead the team of litigation paralegals to enhance performance with excellent work product and client service through implementation of quality assurance, standard operating processes and training.
• Timely approval of timecards and management of absence requests.
• Ensure team’s compliance with firm and local office policies.
• Collaborate with the Paralegal Manager to leverage resources across offices for optimal utilization and efficiency.
• Partner with the Paralegal Manager on compliance with billable and non‑billable hour expectations, work performance, and product, and coordinate improvement plans as needed.
• Lead onboarding for new paralegals, ensuring seamless integration and clear communication of firm policies and expectations.
• Provide training, assess competency levels, and collaborate with Learning & Professional Development to identify gaps and develop targeted resources.
• Participate in mid‑year and year‑end evaluations.
• Implement firm‑wide and practice‑group best practices to promote consistency and operational excellence.
• Drive process improvements in billing efficiency, mentorship, and workflow optimization.
• Identify challenges, skills gaps and inefficiencies to develop strategic solutions.
• Contribute to success of the paralegal program through mentorship, training initiatives and improved workflows.

Paralegal Responsibilities

• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of civil procedures and awareness of developments in relevant forums.
• Show strategic thinking and initiative with case assignments.
• Draft documents in federal, state court and agency matters and arbitration proceedings (motions, pleadings, notices, correspondence) with attention to detail.
• Analyze, review and organize discovery documents and data; prepare/coordinate document production and responses to discovery requests including review of privileged documents.
• Prepare deposition and record subpoenas per state and federal regulations; coordinate production of third‑party records, summarize, and prepare deposition outlines and summaries.
• Handle all aspects of trial and arbitration preparation, including courtroom technology and trial software.
• Conduct legal research (Lexis, PACER, basic cite‑checking).
• Serve as liaison with courts, opposing counsel and litigation vendors.
• Present case summaries and courses of action to attorneys.
• Maintain personal billable time entries and meeting billable hour requirements.
• Maintain productivity and time management.
• Maintain 1,250 personal billable hours while balancing supervisory tasks.

Qualifications / Skills Required

• Minimum 7 years of litigation paralegal experience, including 2 years at Jackson Lewis or equivalent.
• Proven ability to handle a wide range of litigation tasks with minimal supervision.
• Comprehensive knowledge of litigation processes and paralegal responsibilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly detail‑oriented with strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in leveraging firm resources to support attorneys and efficient task completion.
• Professional collaboration with the Paralegal Manager to support team goals.
• Positive leadership presence and cross‑practice group collaboration.
• Sound judgment and professionalism, especially with confidential matters.
• Proactive, self‑motivated and highly reliable.
• Exceptional time‑management and organizational skills.
• Balance high‑quality work, billable hour requirements, and lead responsibilities effectively.
• Ability to troubleshoot billing and training issues and partner with the Paralegal Manager.
• Ability to clearly organize and present ideas to various audiences.
• Works independently and as part of a team, with shared commitment to client service excellence.
• Applies understanding of firm, practice‑group and industry priorities to project execution.

Compensation & Benefits

For those applying in the city of Los Angeles, the firm will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state and local law.

For Chicago, Boston and DC metro areas, the expected salary range is $51.90–$58.40 hourly and the position is also eligible for annual bonuses.

For Los Angeles, New York and San Diego metro areas, the expected salary range is $56.50–$61.90 hourly and the position is also eligible for annual bonuses.

• Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Flexible spending & health savings account
• Firm‑paid holidays, vacation and sick time
• Employee assistance program and other firm benefits

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal‑employment‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, marital status or any other characteristics protected by law. For those applying for a position in Los Angeles, the firm will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state and local law.