Paralegal (Toxic Torte)

Johnson and Bell Ltd; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Short-Term Disability Insurance

Long-Term Disability Insurance

Profit Sharing

Safe Harbor Matching

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Paid Holidays

Job summary

Johnson & Bell, Trial Lawyers in Chicago seeks a full-time Litigation Paralegal to support a fast-paced defense litigation practice. The ideal candidate is organized, detail-oriented, and capable of handling multiple priorities while delivering exceptional client service.

The role supports the Toxic Tort team in our Chicago office, with a focus on intake, medical record management, and expert-witness coordination. Hybrid work arrangements may follow training and evaluation after six months.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or Paralegal Certificate required; both preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of law firm experience.
• Experience in civil litigation, including product liability, premises liability, and/or toxic tort litigation is required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word/Outlook/Excel).
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Support case intake, gather exposure histories, and identify responsible parties.
• Organize and review medical records, and prepare summaries and timelines.
• Research chemicals, products, and manufacturers; review safety data sheets.
• Locate experts, coordinate with medical consultants, and manage expert materials.
• Draft discovery, organize documents, track deadlines, and prepare deposition exhibits.
• Communicate with clients about case status and deadlines.

Skills

Attention to detail

Written communication

Verbal communication

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree or Paralegal Certificate

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Description

Johnson & Bell, Trial Lawyers, is a leading Midwest litigation firm founded in 1975 and recognized for handling landmark cases that have gained national attention. The firm represents clients in federal and state courts throughout Illinois, Indiana, and across the country, with a focus on product liability, medical malpractice, general negligence, transportation and construction accidents, and complex commercial disputes. Our attorneys are regularly recognized by Best Lawyers, Legal 500, Chambers, Super Lawyers, and other professional organizations for excellence in advocacy. Johnson & Bell is known for “always ready for trial”, with highly active litigators appearing regularly in Illinois and Indiana courtrooms.

Position Summary

Johnson & Bell seeks a full-time Litigation Paralegal to join our Chicago Office for the Toxic Tort team. This position provides litigation support to attorneys in a fast-paced defense litigation practice. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, self-motivated, and able to effectively manage multiple priorities while maintaining exceptional client service.

Keys Responsibilities

Case Intake & Investigation

• Gather detailed exposure histories from clients
• Identify where, when, and how the client was exposed
• Research employers, manufacturers, premises, products, and other potentially responsible parties
• Prepare and maintain case chronologies

Medical Record Management

• Request, organize, and review medical records
• Prepare medical record summaries, chronologies, and timelines

Exposure & Product Research

• Research chemicals, products, manufacturers, suppliers, and worksites
• Review Safety Data Sheets, product literature, government records, and historical documents
• Investigate the scientific historical evidence concerning the alleged toxic exposure

Expert Witness Support

• Locate and communicate with experts
• Coordinate with medical experts and other consultants
• Collect documents and information for expert review
• Organize expert reports, CVs, publications, supporting materials, and any prior expert deposition or trial testimony

Litigation Support

• Assist with drafting discovery
• Organize and review documents received in discovery
• Maintain discovery databases
• Draft pleadings
• Track court deadlines
• Prepare deposition exhibits and witness files
• Assist attorneys with depositions and trial preparation

Client Communication

• Communicate with clients regarding case status, document requests, and deadlines

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree or Paralegal Certificate required; both preferred
• Minimum of three (3) years of law firm experience
• Experience in civil litigation, including product liability, premises liability, and/or toxic tort litigation is required
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Outlook, and Excel
• Excellent written, verbal, organizational, and communication skills
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple deadlines
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment

Compensation

Salary Range: $60,000 - $70,000 annually

Compensation is based on qualifications, experience, and skills.

Benefits

Johnson & Bell offers comprehensive benefits packages, including:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Profit Sharing
• Safe Harbor Matching
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays

Work Location

This position is based in our Chicago office. Hybrid work arrangements may be available following training and evaluation after six (6) months.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Johnson & Bell is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and making employment decisions based on business needs, qualifications, merit, and job-related factors.