Litigation Paralegal

About Us Sinars Slowikowski LLC is a litigation defense law firm representing clients in complex civil litigation matters, including asbestos, toxic tort, product liability, and general liability defense. With offices in Chicago, St. Louis, and Fort Worth, our firm is committed to providing high-quality legal representation while fostering a collaborative, accountable, and team-oriented work environment

Position Overview: Position Overview We are seeking an experienced, highly organized Litigation Paralegal to join our Chicago team. The ideal candidate has a strong background in insurance defense litigation, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and demonstrates the initiative, judgment, and ownership necessary to independently manage competing priorities and support multiple attorneys. This position is well-suited for someone who enjoys being actively involved in litigation, takes pride in the quality and timeliness of their work, and can anticipate case needs rather than simply respond to assigned tasks.

Primary Responsibilities:

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

• Support attorneys throughout all phases of litigation, from initial case evaluation through discovery, trial preparation, and resolution.
• Independently manage assigned caseloads, monitor deadlines, and proactively identify upcoming case needs.
• Draft and prepare discovery requests, responses, pleadings, subpoenas, correspondence, and other litigation documents.
• Review, analyze, summarize, and organize medical records, employment records, deposition transcripts, and other case materials.
• Coordinate discovery, depositions, expert witness materials, and trial preparation activities.
• Assist with document collection, review, organization, and production.
• Maintain accurate and complete electronic case files and ensure compliance with firm procedures.
• Collaborate with attorneys, legal assistants, docketing, and other paralegals to ensure efficient case progression.
• Communicate proactively regarding workload, deadlines, competing priorities, and potential issues.
• Accurately record billable time in accordance with firm and client guidelines and meet an annual billable-hour expectation of 1,440 hours.

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

Required Qualifications:

• 5+ years of litigation paralegal experience, preferably within an insurance defense practice.
• Strong knowledge of civil litigation procedures, discovery processes, and court deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage a high-volume caseload and competing deadlines.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and written and verbal communication.
• Strong judgment, accountability, and ability to follow matters through completion with minimal oversight.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic document and case management systems.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with attorneys and support staff in a team-oriented environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in asbestos, toxic tort, product liability, or other complex civil defense litigation.
• Familiarity with Illinois state and federal court procedures.
• Experience reviewing medical records, preparing case summaries, and coordinating complex discovery.
• Experience with NetDocuments or comparable document management platforms.
• Paralegal certificate or degree in paralegal studies.

What We're Looking For Beyond technical experience, we value paralegals who demonstrate:

• Ownership and initiative: Take responsibility for assigned work, anticipate next steps, and follow through without repeated reminders.
• Sound judgment: Recognize priorities, identify potential issues early, and know when to seek guidance.
• Adaptability: Remain organized and effective as deadlines, workloads, and case needs evolve.
• Collaboration: Communicate openly, support teammates, and contribute to a productive work environment.
• Commitment to quality: Produce accurate, thorough, and timely work while maintaining strong attention to detail.

Compensation and Benefits Overview: $75,000-$90,000 (DOE)

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

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

• Comprehensive medical insurance plans (two PPO options, a PPO with HSA, and an HMO, all provided by BCBSIL)
• Dental insurance plans (PPO and HMO options provided by Guardian)
• Vision insurance (PPO plan provided by EyeMed)
• Retirement savings plan with employer match (100% of the first 3% of salary deferral, plus 50% of the next 2%)
• Fitness center reimbursement
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Parental leave
• Commuter benefits
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage
• Additional 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Our firm is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or expression, military status, or veteran status.