Senior Paralegal

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Year-end bonus

Health benefits

401(k) savings plan

Paid time off

Parental leave

Training and development

Job summary

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP seeks a Senior Paralegal for its Chicago or Houston offices (hybrid). The role supports advanced litigation tasks with minimal supervision, mentoring junior staff, and ensuring high-quality filings across federal and state courts.

The candidate will manage discovery, depositions, and case files, use Relativity and other tools, and coordinate with partners and teams to meet deadlines and maintain confidentiality in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• :// Qualifications include working knowledge of Federal and State court rules and procedures, including civil and criminal rules.
• Demonstrated experience with gov investigations (SEC/DOJ) and complex court filings (e-filing).
• Advanced Excel skills; ability to navigate databases and document management systems.
• Familiarity with Relativity and other discovery platforms; strong research skills.
• Knowledge of firm operations, policies, software, and confidentiality requirements.
• Strong analytical, organizational and communication abilities; detail oriented.

Responsibilities

• Leads and assists with preparation and filing of Federal and State pleadings and papers.
• Guides discovery, including document review, production and depositions.
• Assists with interviews, depositions, hearings, trials and client meetings.
• Reviews motions and prepares exhibits, ensuring proper formatting and citations.
• Prepares complex filings and coordinates deadlines and distribution of case filings.
• Collaborates with clerks and staff to manage deadlines and workflows.
• Performs searches and codes in Relativity; maintains privilege and redaction logs.
• Supports senior staff on multi-jurisdictional matters and data management projects.
• Maintains client files and follows department protocols for case management systems.

Skills

Federal & state rules

E-filing

Relativity

Everchron

Excel

Westlaw/LexisNexis

PACER

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Independent working

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Relativity

Everchron

Outlook

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

PACER

Westlaw/LexisNexis

Job description

About Us

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP has forged a reputation as one of the most prestigious law firms in the world. Relying on innovation, intellect, teamwork and tenacity, our lawyers deliver the highest quality advice and novel solutions to our clients' legal issues. We are known for handling the most complex transactions, litigation/controversy issues, and regulatory matters, as well as for the strong partnerships we build with clients and each other. Our attorneys, who reflect a broad range of experiences and perspectives, work together seamlessly across 50-plus practices and 21 offices in the world's major financial centers.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Senior Paralegal to join our Firm. This position will be based in our Chicago or Houston office (hybrid). The Senior Paralegal utilizes litigation experience and knowledge to assist with advanced, complex tasks and projects, with minimal supervision, throughout all phases and aspects of litigation work. The position provides guidance to legal practice assistants, paralegals, attorneys and other business services professionals.

Responsibilities

• Leads and assists with the preparation and filing of Federal and State Court pleadings and other court papers.
• Provides assistance and guidance throughout all phases of discovery, including document review, production and depositions.
• Assists with preparation for and during interviews, depositions, hearings, trials and/or client meetings.
• Reviews motions, briefs and other court papers prior to filing, including proofreading, cite-checking, record checking, preparing exhibits and document formatting.
• Prepares and coordinates technical, complex filings, including confidential filing procedures and large volume filings.
• Coordinates with managing law clerks and other business services professionals to arrange for deadline reminders, filings and distribution of case filings.
• Conducts complex searches, codes and pulls documents in Relativity databases.
• Prepares and finalizes privilege and redaction logs.
• Manages numerous deadlines by prioritizing tasks and delegating as necessary.
• Assists with advanced, complex projects involving data management and analysis.
• Ensures that all litigation case files are maintained within department-approved protocols and case management systems, and seeks to improve workflows regarding storage and recall of electronic files.
• Maintains the integrity of client files.
• Performs non-legal research using various research tools, including the Internet, Westlaw, LexisNexis, PACER, SEC/EDGAR and other media and financial services sites, and/or other court-related websites for case law, statutes, articles, books, etc.
• Assists partners, associates and other paralegals across offices on large, multijurisdictional matters.
• Provides guidance, mentorship and feedback to case teams and junior paralegals.
• Demonstrates effective interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills to facilitate effective work relationships with others.
• Manages Firm resources responsibly.
• Regular and reliable physical presence.
• Complies with and understands Firm operation, policies and procedures.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of Federal and State Court rules and procedures, including civil and criminal rules
• Demonstrated experience working on government investigations, including investigations by the SEC and DOJ
• Demonstrated ability with complex court filings, specifically with electronic (e‑filing) formats
• Advanced knowledge of Excel
• Ability to fluently navigate various electronic databases and document management systems
• Working knowledge of Relativity and other discovery applications such as Everchron
• Knowledge of Firm operation, policies and procedures
• Knowledge of relevant Firm computer software programs (e.g., Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), with the ability to learn new software and operating systems
• Strong research skills and proficiency in using various research tools, including the Internet, Westlaw, LexisNexis, PACER, SEC/EDGAR and other court‑related websites and/or media and financial services
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, organizational and planning skills
• Demonstrates effective interpersonal and communication skills, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to work well independently as well as effectively within a team
• Ability to assume responsibility for assigned projects and tasks
• Ability to handle sensitive matters and maintain confidentiality
• Ability to organize and prioritize work
• Ability to handle multiple projects and shifting priorities
• Ability to work well in a demanding and fast‑paced environment
• Ability to work well under pressure
• Demonstrates close attention to detail
• Flexibility to travel as required
• Flexibility to adjust hours and work the hours necessary to meet operating and business needs

Education and Experience Required

• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum of six years of experience in a paralegal position or a position requiring similar skillset, expertise and experience

Culture & Life at Skadden

What makes Skadden special is our people and the culture, community and spirit of collaboration we have created. We believe in teamwork and inspiring each other to be our best in an atmosphere that promotes professionalism and excellence in all that we do. We know that inclusion and drawing on the strength of a wide spectrum of talent only make us better and is vital to the firm's success. Our goal is for everyone at the firm to enjoy a challenging career with opportunities for development and growth and to support the well‑being of our attorneys and business services professionals.

Benefits

The overall well‑being of our team is important to us. We offer generous benefits to help you achieve wellness in all areas of your life.

• Competitive salaries and year‑end discretionary bonuses.
• Comprehensive health care (medical, dental, vision), savings plan/401(k) and voluntary benefits.
• Generous paid time off.
• Paid leave options, including parental.
• In‑classroom, remote, and on‑demand learning and professional development opportunities.
• Robust well‑being classes and programs.
• Opportunities to give back and make an impact in local communities.

For further details, please visit: https://www.skadden.com/careers/staff/employee-benefits

Salary Details

Chicago: $100,000 - $130,000; Houston: $95,000 - $125,000

EEO Statement

Skadden is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It does not discriminate against applicants or employees based on any legally impermissible factor including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, alienage or citizenship status, marital or familial status, domestic partnership status, caregiver status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, change of sex or transgender status, genetic information, medical condition, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual and reproductive health decisions, disability, any protected military or veteran status, or status as a victim of domestic or dating violence, sexual assault or offense, or stalking.

Applicants who require an accommodation during the application process should contact Alex Taylor at [phone].