Litigation Paralegal (Mid-Level) (Chicago, IL)

Litigation Paralegal (Mid-Level)
Chicago, IL;

Legal Services – Apr 15, '13

About Ropes and Gray:

Ropes & Gray is a leading global law firm with offices in Boston, Chicago, Hong Kong, London, New York, San Francisco, Seoul, Shanghai, Silicon Valley, Tokyo, and Washington, DC.

Built on a foundation of over 140 years of dedication to forging strong client relationships, we represent interests across a broad spectrum of industries in corporate law and litigation matters. In addition, we offer counsel on labor and employment issues, tax and benefits, creditors' rights, and private client services. Our clients range in size from large to small companies and include financial institutions, government agencies, hospitals and health care organizations, colleges and universities, and families and individuals.

More than 1,000 lawyers and professionals strive to provide the highest-quality legal advice available. Our firm combines superior talent with a supportive environment where nothing gets in the way of solving our client's problems.

Job Description:

Participates as a team member and assists attorneys, senior paralegals and litigation technology professionals in various litigation and government investigation matters by playing a key role in the work required to support the firm's clients. This hands-on position provides support as an integral part of strategizing case file and process management through all stages of litigation and investigation practice. Manages and utilizes automated litigation support tools. Availability for overtime and flexibility for travel are required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Creates and implements paper and electronic document collection, review and production systems and tracking documents with minimal supervision.
2. Assists attorneys in reviewing documents for privilege and drafts privilege logs for production to opposing party.
3. Understands intermediate e-discovery and computer forensics concepts such as litigation holds, preservation of data and chain of custody in day-to-day work.
4. Creates and implements case file and organizational systems for electronic and paper case files and workrooms.
5. Prepares for and attends depositions, hearings (including Markman hearings), trials and arbitrations.
6. Coordinates automated litigation support projects through utilization of technology, including, but not limited to, database management software (web or in-house) and LiveNote. Demonstrates ability to manage utilization of litigation databases by case team.
7. Compiles, reviews and analyzes documents as required by attorneys specific to case issues and determines necessary information.
8. Delegates to, supervises and mentors junior paralegals, case assistants and temporary staff.
9. Performs research (factual, legal, internet, and other) to identify issues and relevant matters; prepare compilation of findings.

10. Assists with preparation of court filings including, but not limited to, cite and fact checking legal briefs, confirming proper Bluebook citation, and assembling of exhibits and appendices.
11. Understands mechanics of e-filing and e-files with courts and agencies.
12. Experience with Illinois state court system, including but not limited to, motion practice, court rules and filing procedures and practices.
13. Communicates, corresponds and interacts with clients and outside entities, such as, government entities, expert witnesses, vendors, corporations and other law firms to gather information or data.
14. Serves as factual resource on cases and demonstrates knowledge of case documents including patents and other intellectual property practice related documents.
15. Complies with department and firm administrative procedures and policies.
16. Assists with department projects as needed and performs other work-related duties as assigned by the Paralegal Manager.
17. Responsible for billing a minimum of 1600 hours of client-related projects and other credited work.

Requirements:

ESSENTIAL CAPABILITIES:
• Able to maintain strict confidentiality of the firm's internal and personnel affairs and client information. Understands ethics of position including ethical rules in regards to confidentiality, billing and client representation and advocacy.
• Collaborates effectively and professionally with clients and all levels of personnel, including attorneys, coworkers and administrators.
• Owns professional development by seeking out feedback and learning new skills.
• Prior experience with direct client interaction and communication.
• Possesses very strong oral and written communication skills to effectively communicate to attorneys and staff.
• Must be a proactive, self-starter who understands the details within a much larger context.
• Must be flexible in order to respond quickly and positively to shifting demands and opportunities from a variety of practice areas.
• Able to work under tight deadlines, handle multiple, detailed tasks simultaneously, prioritize appropriately and delegate to resources available.
• Must be able to anticipate problems and issues and exercise independent judgment to make sound, justifiable decisions and take action in solving problems while knowing when and to whom to escalate issues.
• Must be able to provide guidance and mentor on Illinois state court practice and procedures.
• Must deliver high quality work product and have the ability to follow up and follow through.
• Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as a team player, in a fast-paced environment.
• Able to work effectively in a multi-office environment and culturally and educationally diverse environment.
• Must take ownership of deliverables and be accountable.
• Able to travel nationally and internationally on short notice.

Additional Information:

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED
Bachelor's degree and, a minimum of five years solid litigation experience, experience with database management software, and medium case collection, review and production experience. The candidate must be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the litigation process and e-discovery. Solid understanding of the Illinois state court system practice and procedures and prior experience a plus. Experience with government investigations and/or IP litigation preferred. The position will have significant collaboration with lawyers, paralegals and litigation technology professionals and requires excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Incumbent is expected to work the hours necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of the position. The above job description is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities or requirements. Firm management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs.

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Posting ID: 3746028552

Posted: 2013-04-15, 8:50PM CDT

Edited: 2013-04-15, 8:50PM CDT

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