Paralegal - Litigation

DLA Piper LLP (US); United States; Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

DLA Piper LLP (US) in Wilmington, Delaware, is seeking a Paralegal to assist attorneys with a range of litigation duties, including drafting documents and coordinating between parties. The position offers hybrid work and requires experience with discovery, pleadings, and legal research.

Strong Word, Excel, and eDiscovery skills are essential, along with excellent communication and organization. Candidates should have a High School diploma or GED; a Bachelor's degree or paralegal certificate is

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor's degree or paralegal certificate preferred.
• 1 year paralegal experience required for those with degree/certificate; five years for those without.

Responsibilities

• Prepare first drafts of discovery requests and responses.
• Draft simple pleadings and assist with major motions.
• Perform cite‑checking, fact‑checking and Bluebooking.
• Support witness interviews, hearings, depositions, trials, arbitrations, and mediations.
• Use Relativity and eDiscovery tools to manage documents and reviews.
• E-file documents in state and federal courts and coordinate service.
• Research legal issues and prepare memoranda.
• Act as lead paralegal and guide other paralegals and case assistants.

Skills

MS Word

Excel

Outlook

Verbal communication

Written communication

Organizational skills

Fast-paced environment

Education

High School diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree or Paralegal certificate

Tools

Relativity

LexisNexis

Westlaw

eDiscovery tools

Job description

Summary:

The Paralegal, under the supervision of attorneys, performs a range of substantive cases, matter or entity related duties. Prepares drafts of legal documents and correspondence for attorney review, compiles, analyzes and summarizes information, and coordinates efforts between attorneys, clients, outside legal counsel, opposing counsel, other parties and vendors.

Location:

This position is located in our Wilmington office and offers a hybrid work schedule.

Responsibilities

• Litigation
  • Prepare first drafts of discovery requests and responses.
  • Draft simple pleadings and assist with major motions.
  • Perform cite‑checking, fact‑checking and Bluebooking.
  • Support witness interviews, hearings, depositions, trials, arbitrations, and mediations.
  • Review, organize and maintain document databases and matter files; use legal software such as Relativity and eDiscovery tools.
  • Understand federal, state, and local rules of procedure and filing requirements; e‑file documents in state and federal courts and coordinate service.
  • Conduct online research and document reviews.
  • Assist in preparation of pretrial motions, trial binders and exhibits.
  • Attend and assist attorneys at depositions, hearings, trials, and arbitrations.
  • Prepare subpoenas and coordinate service of process.
  • Research legal issues and prepare memoranda.
  • Conduct document searches and create electronic files in Relativity; create and maintain production and privilege logs.
  • Act as lead paralegal and guide other paralegals and case assistants.
• Assisting attorneys in your home office and in offices across the firm; work effectively in a fast‑paced environment.

Desired Skills

• Strong skills in Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Experience with legal software such as Relativity, LexisNexis, Westlaw or similar applications.
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills to interact with staff, paralegals, attorneys and clients daily.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail to manage large volumes of work per matter.
• Must be able to work effectively in a fast‑paced environment.

Minimum Education

High School diploma or GED.

Preferred Education

Bachelor's Degree and/or a Paralegal certificate.

Minimum Years of Experience

1 year of paralegal experience for individuals with a bachelor's degree and/or paralegal certificate. Individuals without a degree or certification require five years' legal support experience in the specific practice area.

Preferred Experience

Experience with Court of Chancery, Superior Court, Supreme Court, and Federal District Court in Delaware.

Essential Job Expectations

• Effectively communicate verbally and in writing with clients, lawyers, business professionals, and third parties.
• Produce deliverables, answer phone calls, and reply to correspondence efficiently.
• Provide timely, accurate, and quality work product; meet deadlines and perform duties as required.
• Foster positive work relationships; comply with all firm policies and practices.
• Manage pressure and competing demands in a fast‑paced environment.
• Perform all other duties, tasks or projects as assigned.

Physical Demands

Sedentary work involving sitting most of the time; may occasionally lift or move up to 10 pounds.

Work Environment

Hybrid work arrangement comprised of remote and in‑office work; determined in coordination with hiring manager.

Equal Opportunity Employer

DLA Piper is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.