Legal Assistant (Chicago)

A mid-size Chicago law firm is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Legal Assistant to join our team. This full-time position offers a competitive salary, outstanding benefits, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to our legal practice. Along with your resume and cover letter, please include your salary requirements.

Position Overview: The Legal Assistant will work closely with attorneys in our Chicago office, providing essential support for case management and administrative functions. Responsibilities include drafting and filing court documents, proofreading motions and orders, coordinating hearing dates, and handling general case management tasks. This role demands excellent organizational skills, flexibility, and attention to detail.

Primary Responsibilities:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions:

1. Draft and prepare state and federal court filings, including notices and motions.

2. Proofread and edit attorneys’ motions, pleadings, and correspondence.

3. File legal documents electronically via state and federal court docketing systems.

4. Prepare orders for court and monitor the status of court-entered orders.

5. Coordinate and correspond with opposing counsel and court clerks regarding hearings, motions, and courtesy copies.

6. Manage electronic document conversions.

7. Track deadlines and ensure timely completion of filings, hearings, and projects.

8. Provide receptionist support as needed.

Note: This list is not exhaustive; additional tasks may be assigned as needed to support firm operations.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent law firm experience.

• Experience: Minimum of 3 years in a law firm setting.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Familiarity with legal research databases (PACER, LexisNexis, Pohlman, Westlaw).

• Strong knowledge of state and federal court rules and procedures.

• Superior written and verbal communication skills.

• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and work under pressure.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience in insurance defense or asbestos litigation.

Key Competencies:

The ideal candidate will:

• Be detail-oriented and highly organized.

• Excel at multitasking and managing competing deadlines.

• Demonstrate initiative and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

• Thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Compensation and Benefits Overview: $52,500-$65,000 (DOE)

The pay offered for this role may vary based on factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Eligible employees may also receive bonus opportunities and other forms of compensation, contributing to a comprehensive total rewards package. Benefits offerings may differ based on location.

In addition to monetary compensation, employees are provided with a robust selection of benefits, including:

• Comprehensive medical insurance plans (PPO BCO, PPO HSA (with an HSA contribution up to $2000), and HMO provided by BCBSIL)

• Dental insurance plans (PPO and HMO provided by Guardian)

• Vision insurance plans (PPO provided by EyeMed)

• Access to a retirement savings plan (We match 100% of the first 3% of salary deferral plus 50% of the next 2% of salary deferral)

• Paid time off (PTO)

• Parental leave

• Commuter benefits

• Short-term and long-term disability coverage

• Accidental death coverage

• Other leave programs

Eligibility Requirements:

Participation in certain compensation programs and benefits is subject to specific eligibility criteria, which will be communicated during the hiring process.

Our firm is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, Military status, or Veteran status.