Paralegal II (Litigation)

About Kirkland & Ellis

At Kirkland & Ellis, we are united in our ambition and drive to move forward. We share core values that help us achieve excellence: collaboration, talent empowerment, service, inclusion, respect and gratitude. Our people are our greatest asset, and we invest in the brightest talent and encourage a diversity of perspectives and strengths to create dynamic teams that operate at the pinnacle of their field. Our talented professionals show up every day knowing they will engage in meaningful work, continuous learning and professional development.

As one of the world’s leading law firms, we serve a broad range of clients with market-leading practices in private equity, M&A and other complex corporate transactions; investment fund formation and management; restructurings; high-stakes litigation and trials; and government, regulatory and internal investigations. We handle the most complicated and sophisticated legal matters because we don’t just meet industry standards, we create them. We bring innovation and entrepreneurialism to every engagement and, as a result, have long-standing client relationships with leading global corporations and financial sponsors. With 6,500 employees (including 3,000+ lawyers) operating from 18 offices across the United States, Europe and Asia, we are one of the largest law firms in the world and a top financial performer.

Essential Job Functions

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Litigation Paralegal II is responsible for managing all aspects of large scale complex litigation.  Including large volume of documents, assisting with depositions, managing pleadings, privilege logs and court filings. Organizing and managing electronic and hard copy document collections.  Managing and manipulating data in litigation support software.  Legal and factual cite checking.  Trial preparation and attendance.  Supervise junior paralegals and litigation teams.  Prioritize and manage multiple cases/projects. Team oriented with a collaborative focus. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (This list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented and changed as necessary.)

Manages document production processes

• Assists with the collection of material from client, opposing parties, and third parties (hard copies, electronic data, physical evidence)
• Maintains chain of custody
• Works with Litigation Practice Technology group to design and implement document review systems
• Prepares privilege logs
• Manages logistics of production of documents - hard copy, images, native

Substantive Research

• Analyzes documents and materials
• Researches prior testimony and publications of opposing experts
• Researches rules of procedure for relevant court venues

Coordinates preparation and filing of briefs and legal documents

• Researches local rules of procedure for relevant court venues, obtains information relating to venue (e.g. judge’s bio, prior decisions and opinions); obtains precedent from other cases in same venue
• Drafts routine filings (e.g. attorney appearances, notices of filings, notices of motions)
• Checks legal cites for proper format, content and standing (Westlaw, Lexis; Blue Book)
• Researches and checks fact for proper format, content and accuracy (Blue Book)
• Compiles appendices and exhibits
• Manages service of process; files with court and serves on parties; coordinates with local counsel

Interacts with outside entities

• Interact with clients, government agencies, expert witnesses, consultants, other law firms, opposing parties, court personnel, etc.

Collaborates with Litigation and Practice Technology

• Designs and manages databases in Relativity; Designs and manages calendaring, task sharing, collaborative systems and extranets

Manages trial and hearing preparation and support

• Compiles and tracks trial exhibits
• Prepares pretrial documents
• Manages trial transcripts

Other Functions

• Any other functions/duties as assigned by management

Qualifications & Requirements

Education, Work Experience, Skills

• Bachelor’s degree required. 
• The ideal candidate will possess 6-8 years of experience focusing on complex litigation cases, including managing large discovery, creating and managing databases and imaging systems, supervising teams, preparing for trial, and managing trial support. 
• Must have high-level experience with a range of litigation support applications. 
• Additional qualifications include excellent analytical and organizational abilities, solid communication and management skills, creativity, initiative and ability to work in a team environment. 
• Flexibility to accommodate for travel and overtime is required. 
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds is required.

Technologies/Software

• MS Office proficiency required. 
• Relativity and related software proficiency required.
• Proficiency with E-filing knowledge required. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and multifunction printers.

How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in Kirkland & Ellis LLP.  To complete an application and submit your resume, please click "Apply Now."

Equal Employment Opportunity

All employment decisions, including the recruiting, hiring, placement, training availability, promotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment (if necessary) are made without regard to the employee’s race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Closing Statement

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