Restructuring Paralegal - Chicago

Summary

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP is looking for a Restructuring Paralegal to support the Restructuring Department. Willkie is an elite international law firm of approximately 1,300 lawyers located in 16 offices in six countries.

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of three years' experience handling restructuring matters in a large firm. The Restructuring Paralegal will conduct legal research, manage case files, and support bankruptcy trial and hearing preparation throughout the lifecycle of debtor and committee cases. This role involves drafting bankruptcy documents, coordinating court filings, and preparing fee applications to support attorneys and ensure adherence to legal standards. Candidates should be proactive, detail-oriented, and able to balance multiple projects independently. This role requires in-office presence in the Chicago office.

At Willkie, we believe great people are the key to our success. 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.

Responsibilities

• Case Management and Administration
  • Manage and maintain case files, monitor dockets, and track critical case deadlines across multiple simultaneous matters
  • Assist with first day filing preparation and coordinate all phases of case administration
  • Prepare monthly fee statements and interim and final fee applications
  • Review time entries for compliance with U.S. Trustee guidelines
  • Manage and format documents in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Adobe PDF consistent with firm standards
• Legal Research and Citation
  • Conduct legal research using Lexis, Westlaw, and other legal databases, including precedent searches, fact research, and locating relevant cases and statutes
  • Perform cite-checking, fact-checking, and Shepardizing in accordance with the Bluebook
• Document Drafting and Filing
  • Draft standard bankruptcy documents, including hearing agendas, proofs of service, proofs of claim, notices, motions, petitions, and other pleadings for court filing
  • Prepare and file documents through CM/ECF systems and submit proofs of claim through claims agent websites
  • Coordinate service of documents in compliance with applicable rules
• Trial and Hearing Support
  • Assist with all phases of bankruptcy trial and hearing preparation, ensuring that materials are accurate, complete, and filed in a timely manner
• Perform other assigned duties

Qualifications

• Three to five years' experience in a law firm
• Familiarity with bankruptcy laws and practices and of local rules for various jurisdictions
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong technical, administrative, and multi-tasking skills
• Attention to detail and ability to work under pressure
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with attorneys and clients
• Notary certification a plus but not required
• Flexibility to work overtime required

ADA Requirements

• 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 objects, e.g., files, small objects, and supplies a short distance

Employment Status

• Non-exempt
• Hybrid

Pay Range

USD $75,000.00 - USD $90,000.00 /Yr.

Pay Range Statement

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.

EEO Statement

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.

California Applicants

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.