Paralegal

Segal McCambridge, a national litigation firm, is seeking an experienced General Litigation Paralegal to join our Chicago office and work alongside a busy, trial-active team of accomplished defense attorneys.

This is an exciting opportunity for a paralegal who wants more than a traditional support role. You will be directly involved in sophisticated litigation from discovery through hearings, depositions, and trial, handling substantive case and trial-related responsibilities and working closely with attorneys as cases progress toward resolution.

Our paralegals are an integral part of the litigation team. You will have the opportunity to take ownership of challenging assignments, work on complex matters, and play a hands-on role in preparing cases for trial. This is a collaborative environment where strong organization, initiative, attention to detail, and the ability to perform under pressure are highly valued.

The position is hybrid, offering a flexible mix of in-office and remote work.

What You'll Do

As a General Litigation Paralegal, you will support attorneys throughout the life cycle of complex litigation, with a particular emphasis on trial preparation and trial support.

Litigation & Case Management

• Prepare legal documents, including briefs, pleadings, motions, discovery, notices, and settlement documents, for attorney review and approval.
• Manage extensive discovery preparation and coordinate discovery-related activities.
• Investigate facts and applicable law to assist attorneys in developing case strategy and preparing matters for litigation.
• Conduct legal research and analyze statutes, judicial decisions, legal articles, treaties, constitutions, and legal codes.
• Review discovery and prepare, issue, and track subpoenas for records and depositions.
• Prepare case information and materials for expert witnesses.
• Abstract depositions and organize key case information.
• Prepare indexes and maintain comprehensive document and case files.
• Maintain accurate case databases and enter case information into NetDocs.
• Manage calendar and tickler systems to ensure timely compliance with court deadlines.
• Communicate and coordinate with courts, opposing counsel, clients, experts, vendors, and other litigation professionals.
• Work with internal and external vendors throughout the e-discovery process.
• Maintain files and information relating to experts used by both parties.

Trial Support

This is a trial-active position with significant exposure to the trial process. You will assist attorneys with the preparation and execution of trial-related work, including:

• Preparing cases for trial and handling all aspects of trial-related tasks.
• Organizing and managing trial exhibits, documents, evidence, and case materials.
• Assisting attorneys with preparation for hearings, depositions, and trials.
• Coordinating trial materials and information for attorneys and litigation teams.
• Supporting attorneys during the intense preparation leading up to trial and throughout trial proceedings.
• Taking ownership of time-sensitive assignments and helping ensure the trial team is fully prepared.
• Working closely with attorneys and other members of the litigation team in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for a highly motivated paralegal who enjoys challenging work, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and is excited by the opportunity to work closely with experienced trial attorneys on active litigation.

Required

• Bachelor's degree.
• Minimum of 5 years of defense litigation experience.
• Experience with e-discovery and ESI databases.
• Ability to work independently while functioning effectively as part of a collaborative team.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure, particularly in preparation for hearings, depositions, and trials.
• Strong attention to detail, initiative, and ability to learn quickly.
• Proficiency in legal research, including LexisNexis.
• Experience tracking and entering billable time.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Adobe, Nuance, and e-discovery platforms such as Ipro, Relativity, Concordance, or Summation.

Preferred

• Paralegal Certificate from an ABA-approved institution.
• E-discovery project management experience.
• Experience with commercial, medical malpractice, product liability, personal injury, and/or intellectual property litigation.
• Prior experience supporting attorneys through trial.

Why This Opportunity?

If you are looking to take your litigation career to the next level, this role offers the opportunity to work on sophisticated matters alongside experienced trial attorneys and to be directly involved in the work that goes into taking a case to trial.

You will have the opportunity to take ownership of high-level assignments, develop your litigation and trial skills, and become a valued member of an experienced, collaborative team. For the right candidate, this is an opportunity to build significant hands-on experience rather than simply provide administrative support.

If you are energized by litigation, enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, and want meaningful exposure to active trials, we want to hear from you.

Please apply with your resume and cover letter.

Salary: $60,000–$85,000, plus bonus opportunity.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• 401(k) with match
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

About Segal McCambridge

Segal McCambridge has built a reputation as a national law firm of accomplished trial attorneys for almost four decades. Founded in 1986, the firm has grown from a four-lawyer shop in Chicago to a national firm with offices in Austin, Boston, Detroit, Ft. Lauderdale, Houston, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, New York City, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Providence, Roseland, San Francisco, St. Louis, Tampa, and Wheeling.

The firm routinely counsels and defends clients, including Fortune 500 companies, corporations, and individuals, in complex litigation matters including asbestos, class action, construction, employment, environmental, food and beverage, insurance coverage and bad faith, life sciences, product liability, professional liability, technology and cyber risk, transportation, and warranty.

At Segal McCambridge, you'll work alongside accomplished trial attorneys and become part of a team handling sophisticated litigation from the initial stages of a case through trial.