Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP is seeking a Senior Litigation Paralegal to be a part of our growing Chicago office. The successful candidate will assist with a wide range of litigation paralegal responsibilities, including management of all details before, during and after trial. The successful candidate will have experience managing a trial/ arbitration team from inception through completion including preparation of pre-trial and trial documents, coordinating trial site set-up, logistic of trial support vendors, and providing courtroom support of trial team.

At Willkie, we believe great people are the key to our success. As such, we are offering a highly competitive compensation package with exceptional benefits. If you are looking to work in a friendly, collaborative environment that affords unique opportunities to expand your professional development, this role is for you.

• Assists attorneys in all stages of complex litigation matters
• Creates, implements and supervises all elements of litigation case management systems, including file management (electronic and hard copy), case calendaring, discovery-related tasks and trial activities
• Oversee the document reviews (setup, coordination of hot doc binders, preparation of privilege logs, conduct searches as needed, etc.)
• Assist with trial preparation, including creating trial notebooks, identifying and organizing exhibits, coordinating with outside entities to gather information or support upcoming depositions, trials and arbitrations
• Understands mechanics of e-filing
• Assist with preparation of state and federal court filings in coordination with Managing Attorney’s Office, including coordination of service copies, delivery of documents to Court, preparation of litigation books and other specific document preparation as required by the specific Court or Judge
• Mentor, train and facilitate work assignments to junior paralegals
• Leverage experience to proactively manage workflow and communicate effectively with attorneys and senior staff
• Perform other duties as assigned

• Minimum of seven years’ experience performing traditional litigation paralegal functions
• In-person trial support and experience is required, including intake, discovery and trial as well as managing logistics for trials, arbitration and/or mediation, including negotiating workspace, setting up report space and coordinating with vendors
• Bachelor degree, or equivalent work experience in a field that develops the skills required for the functions and responsibilities of the position
• Proficiency with computerized legal research and document retention databases for performing fact and legal research and effective management of complex evidence and case files. Experience using Relativity, LiveNote and CaseMap preferred
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite applications required, as well as knowledge of Adobe Acrobat
• Proficiency using LexisNexis, Westlaw, BloombergLaw required
• Basic AI skills with a willingness to learn and utilize AI tools
• Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to work concurrently on a variety of matters and manage time and expectations
• Experience supervising junior paralegals and a team
• Strong attention to detail and accountability
• Ability to communicate with individuals of all levels within the Firm in a courteous and professional manner
• Ability to work both independently as well as part of a team
• Ability to work well under pressure and deadlines
• Must be available to work after standard business hours and travel (for trials) as needed
• Must be able to work in office a minimum of three times a week

• Ability to sit at a desk most of the working day and walk short distances
• Needs manual dexterity, speed and accuracy in handling office equipment
• Ability to work efficiently and accurately in an atmosphere of frequent interruption
• Ability to work in close proximity to other individuals
• Ability to carry light to moderate objects, e.g., files, small objects and supplies a short distance
• Must be able to lift, carry and move objects up to 20lbs

• Non-Exempt
• Hybrid

The salary range for this role represents the Firm’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be dependent upon a number of factors, including but not limited to, the candidate’s relevant experience, qualifications and location. Willkie offers a comprehensive suite of benefit programs to all eligible employees. A summary of available benefits can be found Here in the Career section of the Firm’s website.

Willkie Farr & Gallagher is an Equal Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon actual or perceived: race (including hair texture, protective hairstyles and other traits associated with race), color, age, religious creed, citizenship, citizenship status and alienage, nationality, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity or creed, disability, genetic information or medical condition, reproductive health decision making, pregnancy or maternity, paternity, marital or civil partnership status, caregiver status, gender (including gender identity, expression, nonconformity, gender reassignment or status as a transgender individual), sex, sexual orientation or preference, veteran or military status, height, weight, any other characteristic protected by law or any combination thereof. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let the hiring manager know. 

Pursuant to the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance (FCIHO) and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider qualified applicant with arrest and conviction records.