Senior Litigation Paralegal

Covington & Burling LLP; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 137,500; Full time

Job summary

Covington & Burling LLP is looking for an experienced litigation paralegal to lead complex cases and mentor junior staff. This role involves managing case files, drafting legal documents, and providing support throughout the litigation process.

The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience, strong communication skills, and proficiency in litigation support technologies. The position offers a hybrid work environment with a salary range of $110,000 to $137,500 based on experience and location.

Qualifications

• 5+ years work experience as a litigation paralegal in an AmLaw 100 firm or specialized law firm.
• Experience with all stages of litigation, including intake, discovery, and trial.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, using proper grammar.

Responsibilities

• Manage litigation case files, coordinating tasks with junior paralegals.
• Draft and review legal documents as requested by attorneys.
• Provide mentorship to junior paralegals and ensure compliance with firm procedures.

Skills

Litigation case management

Document organization

Legal research

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

BS/BA from an accredited college or university

Tools

Litigation support software

e-discovery databases

Microsoft Office

Job description

An experienced, career-track litigation paralegal with substantial work experience in AmLaw 100 firms or specialized boutique law firms who will contribute as lead paralegal on large, complex cases and provide instruction and informal mentorship to junior paralegals at the Firm.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Perform all elements of litigation case management, including file management, discovery, and trial activities.
• Implement case calendaring system to track filings and appropriately distribute information.
• Utilize existing systems and procedures and/or establish new procedures to facilitate the organization and retrieval of documents by and for the attorneys on the case team.
• On a case‑specific basis, coordinate and oversee the tasks of more junior paralegals and other support staff as needed on large litigation matters and/or investigations in all phases of litigation from discovery through trial/arbitration.
• Liaise between case team attorneys and support staff as needed to ensure that case‑specific paralegal services are meeting the team’s expectations. Proactively identify opportunities to improve systems and procedures, implementing new systems as appropriate.
• Interact with outside entities (e.g. courts, government agencies, expert witnesses, corporations, vendors, and other law firms) to gather information or coordinate activities as needed in support of firm activities, specifically trials and arbitrations.
• Lead discovery and witness preparation support efforts.
• Draft, review, and/or analyze routine legal documents as requested by attorneys; conduct legal research under attorney supervision.
• Provide formal and/or informal guidance and training to more junior paralegals regarding firm and litigation procedures and best practices.
• Create and maintain effective working relationships with others to facilitate a positive and productive work environment.
• Manage relationships with peers in co‑counsel or virtual law firm organizations.
• Continuously refine, develop, and expand skills in anticipation of changes in the work environment or profession.
• Adhere to Firm policies, practices, and priorities.
• Perform other duties as requested by Firm management.
• Uphold high standards of confidentiality, discretion, and integrity, particularly with respect to all sensitive and/or confidential firm and client information to which this position will have access.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years work experience as a litigation paralegal in an AmLaw 100 firm or a specialized litigation practice firm.
• Experience with all stages of litigation, including intake, discovery, and trial.
• Experience preparing for and attending trials/arbitrations/hearings.
• Experience coordinating trial/arbitration logistics, including negotiating for workspace, setting‑up remote office space, and coordinating with vendors.
• Experience developing and maintaining processes to collect, store, and maintain paper and electronic case files.
• Proficient with cite‑checking and Bluebook rules.
• Strong sense of accountability and attention to detail.
• Ability to convey information to individuals at all levels within the firm in a courteous and professional manner; strong service orientation.
• Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to work concurrently on a variety of projects with changing priorities.
• Ability to work equally well as part of a team in both a leadership and subordinate role.
• Ability to maintain stable performance under pressure with continually changing priorities; ability to integrate special assignments or projects into workflow.
• Excellent judgment demonstrated by the ability to make appropriate decisions in high‑pressure situations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including communications that are clear and concise, use proper grammar and appropriate vocabulary.
• Experience with court and administrative agency filings, including electronic or e‑filings.
• Experience using e‑discovery databases (e.g. Relativity, Nuix Discover).
• Experience using litigation support software for managing files and transcripts preferred. (e.g. LiveNote, CaseMap, etc.)
• Proficient with Microsoft Office software products including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• Proficiency using LexisNexis, Westlaw, and Adobe Acrobat in a legal setting.
• Must be available for overtime work and travel as needed.
• BS/BA from an accredited college or university is strongly preferred.

Status: Non-Exempt

Reports To: Paralegal Manager

Workplace Type: Hybrid

Salary range of $110,000-$137,500 based on geography and experience level.

Covington & Burling LLP is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any aspect of employment, including hiring, salary, promotion, discipline, termination, and benefits, on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, sexual orientation, family responsibility, disability (including physical handicap), or any other improper criterion.

Covington will consider qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records for employment in accordance with applicable laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Fair Chance Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.