Paralegal - Restructuring (Chapter 11)

About Kirkland & Ellis

Kirkland & Ellis LLP is a preeminent, full-service law firm with offices around the world and a staff as diverse as the practice areas we support. Our clients range from Fortune 100 companies to medium and small corporations, financial institutions, and private equity firms.  Known for our commitment to excellence, Kirkland strives to provide superior service to our clients as well as our fellow employees. From Information Technology to Human Resources, Paralegal Services to Business Development, Kirkland offers non-attorney professionals challenging careers in a variety of functional areas. Whether starting or growing your career, Kirkland can offer a performance-driven culture filled with bright and innovative teams of co-workers.

Essential Job Functions

The Paralegal II works with all of the attorneys on matters from the beginning through completion of restructuring, managing the flow of information and ensuring adherence to best practices.  The Paralegal teams are responsible for managing the central files (“case record”) including a complete set of the correspondence, memos, pleadings, and client documents in the matter. This individual will work with all restructuring department paralegals and attorneys.

Essential Functions

1. Manage Chapter 11 Bankruptcy matters

• Compiles and manages central files

1. Collects from clients, other parties
2. Organizes and tracks documents in a secure but accessible system

• Creates and manages information management systems

1. Makes relevant documents and information quickly and easily available to attorneys on the team
2. Manages databases (Concordance, Summation, Access, etc.)
3. Manages calendaring, task sharing, collaborative systems, extranets

• Coordinates logistics and preparation of materials for asset sale auctions
• Searches, reports, prepares objections to, monitors and resolves claims
  1. Prepares proofs of claim
• Prepares closing books for bankruptcy cases and debt trades
• Prepares notices of transfer
• Coordinates preparation and filing of briefs and legal documents

3. 1. Researches local rules of procedure for relevant court venues, and assures adherence thereto; obtains information on venue (e.g. judge’s bio, prior decisions and opinions); obtains precedent from other cases in the venue
   2. Drafts routine filings (attorney appearances, notices of filings, notices of motions, bankruptcy petitions, first day pleadings)
   3. Manages master task list and work flow
   4. Checks legal cites for proper format, content and standing (Westlaw, Lexis; Blue Book)
   5. Researches and checks fact cites for proper format, content and accuracy (Blue Book)
   6. Researches and integrates case precedent into motion filings
   7. Compiles appendices and exhibits
   8. Manages service of process; files with court and serves on parties; coordinates with local counsel

• Manages electronic case filings and files pleadings on the electronic case docket
• Develops and updates critical dates lists
• Manages hearing preparation and support
  1. Compiles exhibits
  2. Prepares hearing documents and binders
  3. Sets up and manages remote offices and support (e.g. remote office setup and logistics)
  4. Develops good relationship with Court Clerk, coordinating courtroom logistics with courthouse personnel
  5. Assists at hearing, anticipating needs of attorneys
  6. Communicates with and coordinates other professionals and consultants involved in hearing
  7. Maintains hearing notes and proposed orders
  8. Alters proposed orders as needed and facilitates filing with Clerk
  1. Documents results of hearing, and maintains binder of orders
• Prepares corporate debt and corporate organization charts
• Coordinates preparation of schedules and statements
• Retrieves, interprets and organizes SEC diligence
• Prepares debt priority charts
• Responds to creditor case inquiries
• Prepares preference action pleadings
• Monitors chapter 11 cases for creditors
• Performs substantive research
  1. Analyzes documents and materials
  2. Performs factual research
  3. Compiles information into charts, graphs and timelines

2. Fee Application Process

• Drafts monthly, quarterly and final fee applications
• Searches local rules pertinent to fee applications
• Tracks filing dates for fee applications and certificates of no objections
• Notifies attorneys about upcoming fee applications deadlines
• Obtains from attorneys information needed to prepare fee applications
• Manages process of drafting and revising fee applications
• Accurately processes mathematical calculations

Qualifications & Requirements

Education, Work Experience, Skills

This position requires at least 5 years of paralegal experience preferably in a law firm handling complex Chapter 11 Bankruptcy matters for large corporate clients, predominantly representing debtors.  A demonstrated history of proposing and implementing process improvements is a plus.  Additional qualifications include excellent analytical and organizational abilities, solid communication and management skills, creativity and initiative.  A successful candidate must be able to work independently as well as with a team, have an acute attention to detail, and is able to multi-task and prioritize while working in a high pressure, deadline-driven environment. Bachelor’s degree preferred, but not required.  Ability to travel and work overtime is required.

Technologies/Software

Strong technical skills are required, particularly Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and a Document Management System.   Knowledge of Carpe Diem, Westlaw, TextMap, Relativity, SharePoint, and LegalKey is a plus.

Certificates, Licensures, Registrations

Paralegal Certificate preferred but not required.

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

The www.kirkland.com job postings and recruiting mailbox are for candidates only. If you are a recruiter, search firm or employment agency, and do not have a signed contract with Kirkland & Ellis LLP ("K&E") and have not been asked specifically to submit candidates, you will not be compensated in any way for your referral of a candidate even if K&E hires the candidate. Direct contact with K&E employees in an attempt to present candidates is inappropriate and will be a factor in determining any future professional relationship with the Firm. #LI-Hybrid