Paralegal at Katten in Chicago, Illinois

Job Description:

Katten is a firm of first choice for clients seeking sophisticated, high-value legal services in the United States and abroad. Our nationally recognized practices include corporate, financial services, litigation, real estate, environmental, commercial finance, insolvency and restructuring, intellectual property, and trusts and estates. Our more than 700 attorneys serve public and private companies, including a third of the Fortune 100, as well as a number of government and nonprofit organizations and individuals. We provide full-service legal advice from locations across the United States and in London and Shanghai.

Litigation Paralegal

The Litigation Paralegal is responsible for providing paralegal support and assistance to supervising attorneys and paralegals in all aspects of litigation (e.g., securities, international trade, bankruptcy, intellectual property, antitrust, labor, white collar, environmental).   The Paralegal maintains professionalism and strict confidentiality in all client and Firm matters.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include, but may not be limited to, the following. Other duties may be requested and/or assigned. Essential functions are primary job duties that an individual must be able to perform successfully with or without a reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Client billable hour requirement:  1,700 hours annually (142 client billable hours average per month).

• Organize and maintain documentation to routine case management matters.


• Advise attorneys of status dates and changes.


• Monitor databases.


• Coordinate document retrieval under the supervision of the supervising attorneys and paralegals.


• Maintain familiarity with key witness files.


• Assist in the preparation of documents for trial.


• Determine and maintain database needs for case management.


• Maintain up-to-date time reports to ensure accurate client billing.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This job has minimum supervisory responsibilities.  The Paralegal may supervise project assistants and contract paralegals on a limited basis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree and one or more years related experience preferably in a law firm environment; or equivalent combination of education and experience.  Paralegal certificate from an ABA accredited paralegal program a plus.


• Computer proficient with experience and working knowledge of Westlaw and other litigation-related databases, Internet research, due diligence, Excel, Outlook, and MS Word preferred.  Applicable knowledge of court rules and procedures, litigation terminology and documentation, docketing procedures, and bates numbering is preferred.  Familiarity with Electronic Case Filing (CM/ECF) procedures is also preferred. 


• Proficient in the use and maintenance of Relativity databases, including but not limited to, running and monitoring complex electronic document productions.


• Excellent organizational skills including record keeping, data collection, and system information.  Ability to compile and analyze data and furnish information in report format, written correspondence, e‑mail or verbally.


• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.  Ability to communicate with courtesy and diplomacy, efficiently follow written and verbal instructions, provide information and maintain effective relationships with a diverse group of attorneys, clients, staff, and outside contacts.


• Analytical skills requiring an aptitude for detail and accuracy in order to analyze and research litigation-related data, process information and perform essential duties.


• Dependable team player who works collaboratively and cooperatively with others in a team-oriented environment.  Ability to act independently and make routine decisions within scope of the position’s responsibilities. 


• Ability to organize and manage multiple priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, detail-oriented work environment, adapt to changes in workflow and ensure work is completed within defined deadlines.  Proactive with excellent troubleshooting, problem resolution and follow-through skills. 


• Possess excellent knowledge of reading, writing, grammar, spelling, punctuation, proofreading and formatting in order to interpret source data, prepare litigation documents and forms, proofread material for grammatical, typographical, and spelling errors.


• Perform file maintenance.


• Ability to perform mathematical calculations and apply mathematical concepts when computing, reconciling balances and verifying numerical data on forms and documents.


• Ability to operate standard office equipment including computer, laser printer, telephone, photocopier, calculator, scanner, facsimile, etc.


• Ability to occasionally retrieve and distribute files, written documentation and copies or office supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.


• Work occasionally requires more than 37.5 hours per week to perform the essential duties of the position.


• Occasional travel to other Firm locations may be required on short notice.

We offer an outstanding benefit package which includes: medical/dental/vision, 401k with employer contribution; transportation fringe benefit program; back-up care option; generous paid time off policy; and long-term and short-term disability policies.

Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer/AA-M/F/SO/Disability/Veteran.

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