Litigation Paralegal

Elrod Friedman LLP; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Elrod Friedman LLP, a Chicago-based law firm, seeks an experienced full-time Litigation Paralegal to support our litigation team focused on land use, local government, and high-stakes matters. You will manage case files, draft pleadings, and coordinate e-filing across Illinois state and federal courts.

The role requires five years of litigation paralegal experience, a Bachelor's degree and CP certification, plus strong research and writing skills and proficiency with docketing and document

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of experience as a litigation paralegal in Illinois.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and CP certification.
• Proficiency with e-filing, docketing, and document management systems.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Draft pleadings, motions, subpoenas, discovery requests and responses, and document production.
• Manage case files, docketing, and calendars across state and federal courts in Illinois.
• Prepare documents for e-filing and ensure compliance with local rules.
• Prepare for depositions, hearings, and trials, including exhibit and witness prep.
• Conduct legal research and cite-checking in support of litigation matters.
• Communicate with clients, opposing counsel, court personnel, and third parties.

Skills

Litigation paralegal experience

Strong written & oral communication

Organizational skills

Microsoft Word/Excel proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree

Certified paralegal (CP)

Tools

E-filing systems

Docketing software

Document management software

Billing software

Job description

Elrod Friedman LLP, a 17-attorney Chicago-based law firm, is seeking an experienced full-time Litigation Paralegal to support our litigation team. Our work consists primarily of land use and local government matters, and our client base consists of Illinois local governments, land owners, and real estate developers.We are frequently engaged in high-profile, high-stakes matters, including cases involving constitutional law issues, and are looking for a paralegal who is excited to take on that kind of work.

This position requires strong written, oral, interpersonal, and organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple matters across Illinois state and federal courts.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide direct litigation support to attorneys, including drafting pleadings, motions, subpoenas, discovery requests and responses, and document production;
• Manage case files, docketing, and calendars utilizing Illinois state court and federal court systems;
• Coordinate and prepare documents for e-filing and ensure compliance with local court rules and procedures;
• Prepare for depositions, hearings, and trials, including exhibit and witness preparation;
• Conduct legal research and cite-checking in support of litigation matters;
• Communicate with clients, opposing counsel, court personnel, and third partiesas needed;
• Assist attorneys in file organization, preparing documents for filing, and retrieving documents from the e-filing court systems.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of five years of experience as a litigation paralegal in Illinois
• Working familiarity and experience with the Cook County, Lake County, DuPage County, and federal court systems
• Bachelor's degree from accredited institution
• Certified paralegal from an accredited, reputable paralegal program
• Proficiency with e-filing, docketing, document discovery systems, document management software, and billing software
• Strong attention to detail and excellent organizational skills
• Self-starter with the ability to manage competing priorities independently
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• High proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel

Elrod Friedman offers a team-oriented working environment in brand-new office space in the River North neighborhood of Chicago, with a strong emphasis on collegiality and a welcoming, diverse, and accepting culture — as reflected in the Firm's Six Guiding Principles, posted on our website (check them out!). The Firm provides all employees with robust benefits, including profit sharing and cash balance plan participation.

This position requires being present in the office. At-home or remote workers should not apply.