Litigation Paralegal II

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

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.)

I.  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 Support group to design and implement document review systems
• Prepares privilege logs
• Manages logistics of production of documents - hard copy, images, native

II. Substantive Research

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

III. 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 cites 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

IV. Interacts with outside entities (clients, government agencies, expert witnesses, consultants, other law firms, opposing parties, court personnel, etc.)

V.  Collaborates with Litigation and Practice Support

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

VII. Manages trial and hearing preparation and support

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

OTHER FUNCTIONS (This list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented and changed as necessary. Delete if not applicable.)

• Any other functions/duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education, Work Experience, Skills

The ideal candidate will possess 8-10 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.  Bachelor’s degree required.  Flexibility to accommodate for travel and overtime is required.  Ability to lift up to 25 pounds is required.

Technologies/Software

MS Office proficiency required

Litigation Support Applications - Relativity, Textmap

E-filing tools

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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