Paralegal - Defense Litigation

Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP is a national law firm with over 500 attorneys across the United States. Founded in 1934 and headquartered in Chicago, we provide sophisticated legal counsel to clients in highly regulated industries, including insurance, financial services, healthcare, and professional services. We also offer strategic business and transactional advice to a wide range of for-profit and nonprofit organizations, including government agencies and educational institutions. Learn more at hinshawlaw.com.

Position Summary:

The Ft. Lauderdale/Miami office is seeking a Defense Litigation Paralegal with experience in the area of tort defense litigation, including matters involving transportation, particularly as it pertains to personal injury and property damage, who will perform a variety of duties including researching law, investigating facts, and preparing documents for attorneys according to established policies and procedures. 

Responsibilities:

• Continual review and management of case files from inception through mediation/arbitration/trial/settlement.
• Prepare subpoenas compelling depositions and/or document productions.
• Prepare initial discovery, i.e., interrogatories, request for production, request for admissions.
• Prepare draft responses to discovery, including document productions and corresponding privilege logs.
• Prepare attorneys for depositions.
• Research, vet and engage with subject matter experts.
• Monitor deadlines for responses and timeliness.
• Prepare legal documents such as briefs, pleadings, fact/medical chronologies, agreements, and/or trial and/or mediation binders for use by attorneys.
• Investigate facts as requested by attorneys, including social media research.
• Trial preparation - prepare trial notebooks, exhibit lists, witness lists, trial subpoenas; engage in witness management; schedule trial testimony; prepare and manipulate trial presentations and other trial-related tasks as necessary.
• Attend trial as necessary.

Qualifications:

• A minimum of five years of general civil litigation experience is required.
• Experience with expert retention and preparing medical chronologies is a must.
• Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
• Nursing home/medical malpractice defense experience is preferred.
• Computer Skills: Must have working knowledge of internet software and proficiency with: Excel spreadsheet software, Microsoft Word software, PowerPoint software, Adobe Acrobat Pro, LexisNexis, Pacer, Relativity, Sanction, TrialPad, iManage and E-filing experience in both State and Federal Court systems.
• Writes clearly and informatively; edits work for spelling and grammar; varies writing style to meet needs; able to read and interpret written information.
• Experience with trial preparation and participation/attendance, including organization of witness materials and preparation of physical and electronic exhibits; experience with exhibit manipulation software such as Sanction/Trial Director/TrialPad, Relativity and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of complex litigation.
• Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully.
• Demonstrates strong organizational skills, attention to detail, accuracy and thoroughness; looks for ways to improve and promote quality.
• Follows instructions, responds to management direction; commits to additional hours of work when necessary to reach goals.
• Balances team and individual responsibilities; contributes to building a positive team environment.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Accepts responsibility for own actions; follows through on commitments.

Why Join Hinshaw?

At Hinshaw, we foster a collaborative and inclusive work culture. We offer competitive compensation, a flexible benefits program, and a generous 401(k) plan. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Joining our team means being part of a firm that values innovation and professional growth in its technology operations, all while maintaining a supportive environment that encourages work-life balance and career development.

Equal Opportunity Statement
We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications