Sr. Paralegal - Litigation

DLA Piper LLP (US); New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 77,000 - 102,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision insurance

401(k)

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

DLA Piper LLP (US) in New York is seeking a Senior Paralegal - Litigation to support attorneys in a range of duties from drafting documents to database management. The role collaborates across teams and coordinates with clients, outside counsel, and vendors.

A strong foundation in litigation procedures is essential. The position is based in New York with a hybrid work schedule and requires substantial paralegal experience in litigation.

Qualifications

• Word, Excel and Outlook proficiency required.
• Six years of paralegal experience in a litigation practice.
• Bachelor's degree and/or Paralegal Certificate preferred.
• Paralegal duties include drafting pleadings, document management and trial support.

Responsibilities

• Drafts simple pleadings and assists attorneys with major motions and filings.
• Performs cite-checking, fact-checking, Blue Booking, and Shepardizing.
• Assists with witness interviews, hearings, depositions, trials, arbitrations or mediation.
• Reviews and maintains document databases for case tracking, discovery and productions.
• Uses Relativity and eDiscovery tools for litigation support.
• Understands Federal, State and local rules of procedure and court filing procedures.
• E-files documents in State and Federal Courts and coordinates service of process.
• Assists in preparing pretrial motions, trial binders and exhibits; drafts motions and discovery requests.

Skills

Word proficiency

Excel proficiency

Outlook proficiency

Communication

Organization

Attention to detail

Independent judgment

Research skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree or Paralegal Certificate

Tools

Relativity

eDiscovery

Job description

DLA Piper is, at its core, bold, exceptional, collaborative and supportive. Our people are the backbone, heart and soul of our firm. Wherever you are in your professional journey, DLA Piper is a place you can engage in meaningful work and grow your career. Let’s see what we can achieve. Together.

Summary

The Senior Paralegal - Litigation works in collaboration with and in support of the firm’s strategic initiatives, under the supervision of attorneys, performs a range of substantive cases, matters or entity-related duties. Prepares drafts of legal and other documents and correspondence for attorney review. Compiles, analyzes and summarizes information. Coordinates efforts between attorneys, clients, outside legal counsel, opposing legal counsel, other parties and outside vendors.

Location

This position is located in our New York office and offers a hybrid work schedule.

Responsibilities

• Drafts simple pleadings and/or assists attorneys with major motions and filings.
• Performs cite-checking, fact-checking, Blue Booking of legal memoranda and Shepardizing cases.
• Experience with preparation related to witness interview, hearings, depositions, trials, arbitrations or mediation.
• Reviews, organizes and maintains document databases for case tracking, discovery and document productions.
• Utilizes legal software such as Relativity and litigation technology including eDiscovery and data rooms.
• Advanced understanding of Federal, State and local rules of procedure as well as court filing procedures, both electronic and hard copy.
• eFiles documents in State and Federal Courts and service of same.
• Locates and reviews information applicable to a particular case, person or subject via online research or document reviews.
• Assists in the preparation of pretrial motions, trial binders, trial exhibits, etc., and assists with drafting motions, discovery requests and responses.
• Assists attorneys at depositions, hearings, trials or arbitrations.
• Prepares subpoenas and coordinates service of process.
• Researches legal issues and prepares memoranda of findings.
• Conducts document searches and creates electronic files/folders in Relativity database.
• Creates and maintains production and privilege logs.
• Manages data rooms and matter files.

Desired Skills

• Must have strong skills in Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Position is responsible for handling substantive projects and cases under the direction of a lawyer.
• Has in-depth knowledge of practice area and generally performs with little supervision.
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills required to interact with staff, paralegals, attorneys and clients on a daily basis.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail required to handle multiple projects and assignments at once.
• Solid technical skills necessary to set-up, track and maintain matters.
• Responsibilities will include assisting attorneys in your home office and in offices across the firm.
• Must be able to work effectively in a fast paced environment.
• Must have ability and experience with conducting fact gathering and analyzing information.
• Anticipates needs of attorneys and exercises sound independent judgement.
• Possess advanced knowledge of practice area rules and procedures; Must be able to identify interrelationships among cases, statutes, regulations and other legal authorities.
• Has a complete understanding of the interdependence of the Firm’s practice groups.
• Excellent organizational skills required along with ability to handle multiple projects and assignments at once.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Mentors case assistants and junior paralegals.
• Excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills.
• Basic understanding of litigation life cycle (filing complaint, discovery, motion practice, trial and appeal); basic understanding of litigation documents (pleadings, motions and discovery requests); basic understanding of Federal, State and local rules of procedure as well as court filing procedures, electronic and hard copy.
• Proficient with Microsoft Word and Outlook.
• Proficient with numbers, Excel spreadsheets, and data manipulation.

Minimum Education

High School Diploma or GED

Preferred Education

Bachelor's degree and/or Paralegal Certificate. Paralegal Certificate preferred.

Minimum Years of Experience

6 years of Paralegal experience in a specific practice area of law.

Essential Job Expectations

While the specific job requirements of a DLA Piper position may vary depending upon scope of the job and area of specialty, there are certain universal requirements that are expected of all DLA Piper employees, which include but are not limited to:

• Business Acumen: Understand the firm’s business model, operations, and strategic goals; work with PG leadership to develop and implement their strategies and initiatives in alignment to the firm’s.
• Relationship Building: Build trust and rapport with leaders and employees at all levels.
• Problem Solving: Identify root causes of issues and develop pragmatic solutions.
• Influence & Impact: Persuade others to support initiatives, balancing stakeholder needs and organizational priorities.
• Change Leadership: Champion change and help others adapt in dynamic environments.
• Analytical Thinking: Use data to drive decisions and measure outcomes.
• Emotional Intelligence: Demonstrate self-awareness, empathy, and strong interpersonal skills.
• Results Orientation: Deliver high-quality outcomes and meet commitments.
• Collaboration: foster positive work relationships with leadership, HR and firm peers.
• Produce deliverables, answer phone calls, and reply to correspondence in an efficient and responsive manner.
• Provide timely, accurate, and quality work product.
• Successfully meet deadlines, expectations, and perform work duties as required.
• Comply with all firm policies and practices.
• Engage in both physical and sedentary activity, such as (a) working at a computer for extended periods of time, including on-screen reading and typing; (b) participating in digital/virtual conference calls; (c) participating in meetings as needed.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing demands in a fast-paced environment.
• Perform all other duties, tasks or projects as assigned.
• Our employees are expected to embrace and uphold our firm values as a part of our DLA Piper culture. We are committed to excellence in how we represent our clients and develop our people.

Physical Demands

Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Work Environment

The individual selected for this position may have the opportunity for a hybrid work arrangement comprised of remote and in-office work, the requirement for which will be determined in coordination with the hiring manager or supervisor and may be modified in the firm’s discretion in the future.

Disclaimer

The purpose of this job description is to provide a concise statement of the work elements and to organize and present the information in a standardized way. It is not intended to describe all the elements of the work that may be performed by every individual in this classification, nor should it serve as the sole criteria for personnel decisions and actions. The job duties, requirements, and expectations for this position may be modified at the Firm’s discretion at any time. This job description does not change the at-will nature of employment.

Accommodation

Reasonable accommodations may be made upon request to permit individuals with a disability to perform the essential functions and responsibilities of the position or to participate in the job selection process. If you have a request for an accommodation during the application process, please contact [e-mail]. Agency applications will not be considered.

Immigration Sponsorship

No immigration sponsorship is available for this position.

Compensation

The firm’s expected hiring range for this position is $56.08 - $74.31 per hour depending on the candidate’s geographic market location. Non-exempt positions will be paid on an hourly basis and paid overtime in accordance with applicable laws. The compensation offered for employment will also be dependent on other factors including the candidate’s experience, skills, educational and professional background, and overall qualifications.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k).

Equal Opportunity

DLA Piper is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Get to Know Us

We invite you to learn more about us. Please visit the following pages for more information about DLA Piper.

Laterals

Lateral Partners Law Students Business Professionals Recruitment Agencies: Per the terms of our agreement, all candidates must be submitted through the firm’s agency portal for consideration. If you have an agreement with the firm, please log in to the agency portal via the following link to review positions accepting agency submissions. Lawyer Positions Only: If you do not currently have an agreement with us and would like us to consider candidates, please submit a blind candidate profile to the email address listed in the applicable job posting.

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