Paralegal (Legal)

Katten is a full-service law firm with approximately 700 attorneys in locations across the United States and in London and Shanghai. Clients seeking sophisticated, high-value legal services turn to Katten for counsel locally, nationally and internationally. The firm's core areas of practice include corporate, financial markets and funds, insolvency and restructuring, intellectual property, litigation, real estate, structured finance and securitization, transactional tax planning, private credit and private wealth. Katten represents public and private companies in numerous industries, as well as a number of government and nonprofit organizations and individuals.

Commercial Litigation Paralegal

Under the general direction of supervising attorney(s) and according to established Firm policies and procedures, the litigation paralegal is responsible for providing support and assistance to attorneys in the coordination, management, and supervision of all aspects of litigation (e.g., securities, class actions, insurance fraud, malpractice, international trade, bankruptcy, intellectual property, anti-trust, labor, white collar, environmental).  Maintains professionalism and strict confidentiality in all client and Firm matters.

Katten offers a hybrid work model, allowing the flexibility to work both on-site and remotely on a regular basis (KattenFlex).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but may not be limited to, the following.  Other duties may be requested and/or assigned.  Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of the position.  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).

1.    Document Production and Discovery

·         Work with internal teams and vendors to employ and maintain electronic database needs for large case management. 

·         Develop and maintain familiarity with key files relevant to the matter.

·         Coordinate document retrieval from clients, opposing parties, and third parties under the supervision of the supervising attorneys.

2.    Motion Practice Support

·         Draft subpoenas, notice letters and similar documents; arrange for service of process of same.

·         Assist attorneys with complex caseload research, subject and topic research, and briefing of court cases, including local rules, information and precedent related to venues

·         Prepare draft responses to pleadings, interrogatories, and requests for admissions.

•        Checks legal and fact cites for proper format, content, standing and accuracy utilizing Westlaw, LexisNexis and The Bluebook.

·         Working knowledge of Electronic Case Filing (CM/ECF) procedures is required. 

3.    Trial and hearing preparation

    ·         Provide administrative and logistical trial support, coordinating with vendors, venues, as well as internal and external teams.

    ·         Assist in the preparation of documents for trial, including maintaining trial exhibit and witness lists.

 4.    Miscellaneous support

    ·         Maintain docketing calendar to ensure timely filings, advise attorneys of status dates and changes.

    ·         Summarize depositions, arbitration transcripts, briefs, and other related documents.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

On a case-by-case basis, may supervise the work performed by Project Assistant and/or Paralegal I and II staff.  Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the Firm's policies and applicable laws.  Responsibilities include interviewing, training, and providing input into the performance appraisal process.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Bachelor's degree and five or more years progressive work experience in the litigation practice area preferably in a law firm environment; or equivalent combination of education and experience.  Legal research knowledge and ability to use law library are required.  Paralegal certificate from an ABA accredited paralegal program preferred. 
• Must have applicable knowledge of the principles of judicial and administrative processes and filing requirements, and experience working with methods of legal research, court rules and procedures, litigation terminology and documentation, docketing procedures, and bates numbering.
• Proficient in the use and maintenance of Relativity databases, including but not limited to, running and monitoring complex electronic document productions.
• Proficient with working knowledge of Westlaw and other Internet databases.
• Proficient with working in MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Exhibit high degree of initiative with excellent analytical, technical, and critical-thinking skills requiring an aptitude for detail, precision, and logic in order to analyze and research litigation-related data, process information, conduct legal research, and perform essential duties.
• Excellent organizational skills including record keeping, data collection, and system information.  Ability to compile and analyze data and furnish concise, detailed 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 decisions within scope of the position's responsibilities.   
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and oversee numerous tasks from inception to completion, and ensure work is completed within strict deadlines. 
• 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, and 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.
• Ability and availability to travel to other Firm locations when required.

The annualized salary range for this position is $72,000 to $115,000.  Actual pay will be adjusted based on experience and other job-related factors permitted by law.

Katten will consider for employment qualified Applicants with Criminal Histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of Article 9 to Chapter XVIII of the Los Angeles Municipal Code.

We offer an outstanding benefit package which includes: medical/dental/vision, 401k with employer contribution, parental leave, 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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