Paralegal, School Law

Chicago Public Schools; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Plan Options

Life and Disability Insurance

Competitive paid time-off policies

Job summary

Chicago Public Schools is seeking a full-time Paralegal to support the legal department in Chicago. The role involves managing documents, assisting in mediations, and processing requests for student records. Candidates require a high school diploma, a paralegal certificate, and three years of litigation experience.

Proficiency in tools like Word, Excel, and Google Docs is essential. The position offers various benefits, including medical plans and a pension. Chicago residency is required within six months of hiring.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years of paralegal experience in a litigation practice.
• Ability to manage a large volume of files.
• Maintain confidentiality related to sensitive information.

Responsibilities

• Gather documents and prepare document productions.
• Prepare drafts of legal documents for attorney approval.
• Assist attorneys during mediations and hearings.

Skills

File management

Confidentiality

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Multi-tasking

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Time management

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Bachelor's Degree (preferred)

Paralegal certificate

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Google Docs

Google Sheets

Adobe

Job description

Job Summary

Reporting to the Deputy General Counsel, the Paralegal will support the General Counsel, Managing Deputy General Counsels, the School Law Deputy General Counsel, and the School Law Assistant Deputy General Counsel. This role is of a confidential nature and has regular access to the Law Department and other CPS Departments’ confidential information, including confidential student information. This is a full‑time, non‑exempt position that will be paid on an hourly basis.

Responsibilities

• Gather documents, including collecting and reviewing them for relevancy, preparing document productions, Bates‑numbering, redactions, and production logs.
• Prepare drafts of appearances, routine motions, response templates, Board Reports, and other legal documents for attorney approval.
• Assist attorneys during mediations and hearings, including preparing witness folders, exhibits, subpoenas, and providing technology assistance.
• Maintain and track the unit’s docket of cases, including calendar mediation dates, hearing dates, and other deadlines.
• Maintain and organize the unit’s electronic case files.
• Process requests for student records, gathering records from schools and CPS databases; review student records to ensure compliance with Federal and State law.
• Perform legal research on Westlaw and cite‑checking briefs.
• Coordinate various aspects of case management and document delivery with outside counsel and outside agencies.
• Process invoices and reimbursement requests.
• Assist the Deputy General Counsel and Assistant Deputy General Counsel with special projects related to cross‑functional work and new initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education Required
  • High School Diploma or GED required
  • Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university preferred
  • Paralegal certificate required
• Experience Required
  • Minimum of three (3) years of paralegal experience in a litigation practice
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Ability to manage a large volume of files
  • Maintain confidentiality related to sensitive information and documents
  • Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, and Adobe
  • Strong communication skills (verbal and written) and detail orientation
  • Excellent organizational skills
  • Ability to multi‑task and problem‑solve
  • Demonstrated success working in a fast‑paced, rapidly changing environment
  • Demonstrated ability to excel in a team environment
  • Excellent time management skills and the ability to prioritize work

Conditions of Employment

• Employees are required to establish and maintain Chicago residency within six months of hiring and maintain residency throughout employment; Chicago residency does not apply to temporary/part‑time positions, but all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.

Benefits

Health & Wellness

• Medical Plan Options
• Pharmacy
• Vision
• Behavioral Health & EAP
• Employee Wellness Program

Financial Security

• Basic Life Insurance
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Pension Plans
• Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Spot Pet Insurance

Work‑Life Balance

• Competitive paid time‑off policies