Litigation Paralegal - Government

Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP, a national law firm headquartered in Chicago, seeks a Litigation Paralegal with 5+ years of civil defense litigation experience for the Chicago office. The role includes researching laws, factual investigations, and preparing documents for attorneys according to firm policies.

Responsibilities encompass case file management, discovery drafting, subpoena preparation, deposition support, expert coordination, fact development, and trial readiness.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of general civil litigation experience.
• Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
• Experience working for or with government entities is preferred.
• Must have working knowledge of internet software and proficiency with Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat Pro, LexisNexis, Pacer, Relativity, Sanction, TrialPad and iManage.
• Writes clearly and informatively; edits for spelling/grammar; adapts writing style to needs.
• Experience with trial preparation and exhibits management; familiarity with exhibit manipulation software.

Responsibilities

• Continual review and management of case files from inception through mediation/arbitration/trial/settlement.
• Prepare subpoenas for depositions and/or document productions.
• Prepare initial discovery (interrogatories, requests for production, requests for admissions).
• Prepare draft responses to discovery, including document productions and privilege logs.
• Prepare attorneys for depositions.
• Research, vet and engage with subject matter experts.
• Monitor deadlines for responses and timeliness.
• Prepare legal documents such as briefs, pleadings, and trial/motion binders.
• Investigate facts as requested by attorneys, including social media research.
• Trial preparation—notebooks, exhibit lists, witness lists, subpoenas; manage witnesses; schedule testimony; assist with presentations.
• Attend trial as necessary.

Skills

Clear writing

Analytical thinking

Organized

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Excel

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Adobe Acrobat Pro

LexisNexis

Pacer

Relativity

Sanction

TrialPad

iManage

Job description

Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP is a national law firm with over 500 attorneys across the United States. Founded in 1934 and headquartered in Chicago, we provide sophisticated legal counsel to clients in highly regulated industries, including insurance, financial services, healthcare, and professional services. We also offer strategic business and transactional advice to a wide range of for-profit and nonprofit organizations, including government agencies and educational institutions. Learn more at hinshawlaw.com.
Position Summary:
Our Chicago office is seeking a Litigation Paralegal with experience in the area of general civil defense litigation who will perform a variety of duties including researching law, investigating facts, and preparing documents for attorneys according to established policies and procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Continual review and management of case files from inception through mediation/arbitration/trial/settlement.
• Prepare subpoenas compelling depositions and/or document productions.
• Prepare initial discovery, i.e., interrogatories, request for production, request for admissions.
• Prepare draft responses to discovery, including document productions and corresponding privilege logs.
• Prepare attorneys for depositions.
• Research, vet and engage with subject matter experts.
• Monitor deadlines for responses and timeliness.
• Prepare legal documents such as briefs, pleadings, fact/medical chronologies, agreements, and/or trial and/or mediation binders for use by attorneys.
• Investigate facts as requested by attorneys, including social media research.
• Trial preparation- prepare trial notebooks, exhibit lists, witness lists, trial subpoenas; engage in witness management; schedule trial testimony; prepare and manipulate trial presentations and other trial-related tasks as necessary.
• Attend trial as necessary

Qualifications and Prior Experience:

• A minimum of five years of general civil litigation experience is required.
• Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
• Experience working for or with government entities is preferred.
• Computer Skills: Must have working knowledge of internet software and proficiency with: Excel spreadsheet software, Microsoft Word software, PowerPoint software, Adobe Acrobat Pro, LexisNexis, Pacer, Relativity, Sanction, TrialPad and iManage.
• Writes clearly and informatively; edits work for spelling and grammar; varies writing style to meet needs; able to read and interpret written information.
• Experience with trial preparation and participation/attendance, including organization of witness materials and preparation of physical and electronic exhibits; experience with exhibit manipulation software such as Sanction/Trial Director/TrialPad, Relativity and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of complex litigation.
• Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully.

Why Join Hinshaw?

At Hinshaw, we foster a collaborative and inclusive work culture. We offer competitive compensation, a flexible benefits program, and a generous 401(k) plan. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Joining our team means being part of a firm that values innovation and professional growth in its technology operations, all while maintaining a supportive environment that encourages work-life balance and career development.

Equal Opportunity Statement
We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications
As an EEO/AA employer, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant's age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran or disability status or any other factor prohibited by law.

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