Senior Bankruptcy & Restructuring Paralegal

Dechert LLP; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 107,000; Full time

Job summary

Dechert LLP in Chicago is seeking a Senior Paralegal to support bankruptcy and restructuring matters. You will handle docketing, pleadings, and complex transactional work across engagements, coordinating with clients and advisory teams.

The role requires at least 3 years of bankruptcy paralegal experience, strong organizational and communication skills, and proficiency with PACER/CM/ECF. This is a full-time on-site position with a 1500-hour annual billing expectation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required; Paralegal Certificate a plus.
• Minimum of 3 years paralegal experience in bankruptcy, including Chapter 11.
• Ability to work independently with minimal direction.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Superior proofreading and research abilities.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to multi-task and manage time effectively.
• Detail oriented with ability to prioritize and coordinate work.
• Discretion with confidential information.
• Analytical thinking under pressure.
• Proficiency with PACER and CM/ECF.
• MS Office proficiency; Excel a plus; familiarity with Relativity.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and maintain case dockets; track deadlines and hearings.
• Prepare calendars, memos, and deadline trackers.
• Coordinate with claims/notice agents for service and dates.
• Organize electronic/physical case files; manage pleadings indexes.
• Draft and format bankruptcy pleadings and notices.
• File documents electronically in CM/ECF; ensure local rules compliance.
• Prepare hearing binders, exhibit lists, and witness materials.
• Coordinate with local counsel on procedures.
• Assist in claims reconciliation, objections, and notices.
• Support plan of reorganization, disclosure statements, and related artifacts.
• Assist with Section 363 asset sales and closing checklists.
• Mentor junior paralegals and liaise with clients and advisors.

Skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Proofreading

Research skills

Written and verbal communication

Multi-tasking

Attention to detail

Confidential information handling

Critical thinking

PACER/CM/ECF proficiency

Microsoft Office (Excel)

iManage/Worksite

Relativity

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Paralegal Certificate

Tools

PACER

CM/ECF

Relativity

iManage/Worksite

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Dechert LLP in Chicago is seeking a Senior Paralegal to support bankruptcy and restructuring matters. You will handle docketing, pleadings, and complex transactional work across engagements, coordinating with clients and advisory teams.

The role requires at least 3 years of bankruptcy paralegal experience, strong organizational and communication skills, and proficiency with PACER/CM/ECF. This is a full-time on-site position with a 1500-hour annual billing expectation.