Senior Paralegal (Litigation and IP)

Crowell & Moring LLP is an international law firm with offices in the United States, Europe, MENA, and Asia that represents clients in litigation and arbitration, regulatory and policy, intellectual property, and transactional and corporate matters. The firm is internationally recognized for representing Fortune 500 companies in high-stakes litigation and government-facing matters, as well as its ongoing commitment to pro bono service and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

At Crowell & Moring, exceptional client service begins with exceptional people. We are committed to delivering responsive, high-quality, and professional service to our clients and to one another, while continuously elevating standards of excellence across every aspect of our work.

Job Summary

Senior Paralegals are members of Practice Support and provide substantive support to attorneys handling state and federal court litigation from case initiation through discovery, hearings, trial, and post-trial proceedings. Under attorney supervision, they coordinate discovery and case materials, support court filings and litigation deadlines, and guide assigned paralegals and project assistants. The position has a minimum annual billing requirement of 1,600 hours.

• Job Responsibilities
• Support complex litigation in state and federal courts, including commercial, patent, and trademark disputes, as assigned
• Organize, manage, and update client files/pleadings (electronic and paper copies)
• Coordinate and provide guidance on case and project workflow for paralegals and project assistants
• Cite Check, Blue Book, and proofread pleadings, briefs and other documents as required

Prepare and coordinate filing and service of pleadings, motions, briefs, and supporting materials in electronic and paper form in state and federal courts; review submissions for compliance with applicable procedural rules, local rules, judge-specific requirements, and court orders, in coordination with attorneys and Litigation Docketing/Court Services

Review and analyze client files, data, and documents to assist in the investigation of facts and allegations involved in discovery

Coordinate document collection, review, and production with attorneys, clients, Practice Technology, and outside vendors; maintain discovery and production trackers and prepare witness files for depositions or trial

• Coordinate and prepare legal teams in client meetings, hearings, arbitrations, and/or trials
• Draft, edit, and proofread cover letters, internal and administrative memos, and Word documents
• Provide data entry support on litigation databases and Excel spreadsheets
• Perform searches in various litigation databases

Schedule and track depositions and filing deadlines; coordinate fact and expert deposition logistics, including court reporters, videographers, remote platforms, exhibits, transcripts, and errata; organize expert materials and track reports and supporting documents

Assist with the creation and maintenance of case chronologies

Index and summarize documents and depositions

Assist attorneys with preparing discovery requests and responses, deposition notices, and subpoenas; coordinate service, track responses and third-party productions, and coordinate discovery and filings with courts or government agencies

• Perform legal and factual research
• Assist with redactions, privilege logs, and document production quality control under attorney supervision
• Act as team liaison with litigation docketing to ensure that all matter deadlines are recorded and reported

Organize final transcripts and admitted exhibits, assist with assembling appellate records as assigned, and coordinate matter closeout and retention of case materials in accordance with firm procedures

• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
• Ability to provide quality client service to both internal and external contacts, regarding matters of a routine nature requiring ordinary tact and courtesy
• Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize work for members of the assigned practice groups in an organized and professional manner

Ability to apply technical knowledge or guidance, analyze and interpret data from several sources, and solve problems by applying precedent or extrapolating from previous experience

• Strong attention to detail, including superior spelling and grammar
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with others in a cooperative manner to accomplish position functions and participate in team efforts
• Demonstrated proficiency with Relativity or comparable document review platforms, including searches, document organization, redactions, and production workflows
• Ability to interact effectively and professionally with attorneys and clients
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PDF tools for preparing complex litigation submissions and managing case information; working knowledge of PowerPoint
• Records management skills

Working knowledge of state and federal civil procedure, local court rules, and judge-specific filing practices; experience with PACER/CM/ECF and applicable state electronic filing systems

• Ability to manage assigned litigation workstreams with limited day-to-day direction, identify issues requiring attorney attention, and provide task guidance to junior team members
• Demonstrated ability to handle privileged, confidential, and protected information in accordance with attorney instructions, protective orders, and firm procedures
• Ability to safely lift, move and carry boxes without assistance, weighing up to 50 pounds
• Ability to travel or work overtime as necessary

Requirements:

• Education
• Bachelor’s degree required.  ABA Paralegal Certification preferred.
• Experience
• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible litigation paralegal experience supporting state and federal court matters, including hands-on experience with court filings, discovery, document productions, deposition preparation, and hearing or trial preparation, is required. Experience supporting complex commercial and intellectual property litigation is preferred. Courtroom and trial attendance experience is preferred.
• Pay-range: $81,000 - $120,000 - Chicago
• Our Firm is committed to fair and equitable compensation practice in accordance with applicable laws. Additional compensation may include a discretionary bonus. The salary for this position may vary based on location, market data, an applicant’s skills and prior experience, certain degrees and certifications, and other factors.
• Crowell & Moring LLP offers a competitive compensation and comprehensive