The Litigation Paralegal will support attorneys in all phases of large scale, complex litigation, including research, drafting and preparing filings, trial preparation and support, and other case related tasks, primarily within the Product Liability and Mass Torts practice area team. The role requires regular overtime and will involve extended travel.

Trial Preparation and Support

• Provide trial preparation and on-site courtroom support
• Maintain trial notebooks, exhibit binders and witness materials
• Coordinate with trial support vendors including hot seat and graphic services
• Oversee equipment logistics for courtroom and war room setup and troubleshooting
• Coordinate travel, lodging and related logistics with external service providers
• Manage witness schedules, exhibit handling and other trial logistics
• Support attorneys during trial with document retrieval, exhibits and real time assistance
• Prepare demonstratives, exhibit lists, witness lists and related filings
• Assist with PowerPoint presentations including graphics, slides and media edits
• Maintain familiarity with Trial Director and other trial presentation tools

Core Litigation and Case Management

• Apply a comprehensive understanding of litigation workflows including motion practice, discovery management, trial preparation and appellate procedures
• Manage administrative tasks across all phases of a litigation matter
• Interpret and apply court rules, standing orders and filing requirements
• Bluebook, cite check and proofread briefs and other legal documents
• Prioritize and manage multiple assignments within tight deadlines

Discovery and Depositions

• Coordinate and manage large scale document collection and production
• Prepare deposition notices and subpoenas; organize, maintain and prepare deposition materials, exhibits and summaries; track deposition activity
• Support preparation for fact and expert witness depositions

Document, Research and Filing Management

• Manage electronic and hard copy documents using Firm and client specific technology
• Assist with transcript management using platforms such as Case Notebook and Opus2
• Use eDiscovery and case management tools including Relativity, Case Notebook, Trial Director and Adobe Acrobat Pro
• Conduct legal research using LexisNexis, Westlaw and online resources
• Draft, prepare and process documents for service and electronic filing in federal jurisdictions using Pacer and ECF

Collaboration, Technology and Professional Skills

• Maintain expertise in technology relevant to the position and apply current tools to enhance teamwork, client service and efficiency
• Delegate tasks to and oversee the work of Project Assistants and temporary staff
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills when interacting with clients, attorneys and staff
• Communicate clearly and effectively in written and verbal formats
• Perform other duties as requested or assigned by an Attorney or team member

Salaries vary by location and are based on numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the relevant market, skills, experience, and education of the selected candidate. If an estimated salary range for this role is available, it will be provided in our Target Salary Range section. Our compensation package also includes bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits program. Benefits information can be found at Sidley.com/Benefits.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the Duties and Responsibilities (Duties) above satisfactorily and meet the requirements below.  The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.  If you need such an accommodation, please email sidleytalentacquisition@sidley.com (current employees should contact Human Resources). 

Education and/or Experience: 

Required:

• BA/BS with strong academic credentials
• Minimum three years of paralegal experience
• Previous experience in a law firm
• Proficient at Microsoft Office applications and eDiscovery software

Preferred:

• Writing sample submitted with resume
• MDL or life sciences background
• Mass torts experience
• Experience handling medical records
• Large case management background
• Paralegal certificate from an ABA accredited program  

Other Skills and Abilities:

The following will also be required of the successful candidate:

• Strong organizational skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Good judgment
• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Able to work harmoniously and effectively with others
• Able to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretion
• Able to work under pressure
• Able to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities
• Language Skills:  Ability to read, write and comprehend instructions, correspondence and memos.  Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with lawyers, staff, managers, clients, and the public.  Ability to understand oral instructions and to ask for clarification when necessary.  Ability to accurately classify, index, file and retrieve legal documents.
• Technical Skills:  Ability to create, edit, print and save documents in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.  Ability to manage document collections in standard litigation support software.

Sidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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