Senior Paralegal & Project Support Leader (Hybrid)

Sidley Austin LLP; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 175,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus eligibility

Comprehensive benefits package

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Sidley Austin LLP in Chicago seeks a Paralegal Senior Manager to lead and unify the paralegal and project assistant department, coordinating across offices to set standards firm-wide. You will manage staffing, onboarding, and performance reviews, driving efficiency and client service.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree, 10 years in professional services, and 5 years of people management with at least 15 reports.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 10 years of experience in professional services or related field.
• 5 years managing at least 15 direct/indirect reports.
• Excellent communication skills, verbal and written.
• Ability to connect with various levels of stakeholders.
• Ability to build trust and gain buy-in from firm leadership.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day leadership and management of the Chicago paralegal and project assistant department.
• Oversee performance, productivity, and employee relations.
• Develop staffing strategies and participate in recruiting.
• Manage onboarding and training of new Project Assistant classes.
• Monitor utilization, hours and workload balance across the office.
• Ensure compliance with wage-and-hour requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

People management

Discretion

Education

Bachelor's degree

10 years professional services experience

5 years managing 15+ staff

Tools

Legal services technologies

Job description

Sidley Austin LLP in Chicago seeks a Paralegal Senior Manager to lead and unify the paralegal and project assistant department, coordinating across offices to set standards firm-wide. You will manage staffing, onboarding, and performance reviews, driving efficiency and client service.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree, 10 years in professional services, and 5 years of people management with at least 15 reports.