Experienced Paralegal

Paralegal

Sterling Hughes, LLC is a rapidly growing law firm that exclusively practices family law with a fixed fee model. Leave behind the stress of tracking billable hours and toxic micromanagement to join a supportive, successful and very collaborative legal team. At Sterling Hughes, LLC we commit to making a positive impact at every touch point with clients, the community, and our team. We reduce stress and increase flexibility in your role by using modern, efficient technology and business practices. Are you ready to join our top-performing team and make a difference in people's lives?

We're looking for the right people to further expand our Paralegal team based in Illinois.

Your Compensation Plus Benefits:

• Base salary range starting at $50,000 to $61,900 commensurate with experience
• Incentive based bonus
• Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Insurance starts on the first of the month following your hire date
• Paid vacation and holidays
• 401K with Matching
• Short & Long-Term Disability

Experience: 2-3 years of family law experience but will consider motivated candidates with relevant skills and no family law experience.

Work Schedule & Location: Monday - Friday from 8:30am-5pm. This role will begin with a 90-day training period in our Arlington Heights office mainly and may include the Naperville office as well.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ability to support two Attorneys in a fast-paced environment.
• File documents initially and in existing e-filed cases, and process payments related to the same.
• E-file any/all documents for your attorneys, and update attorneys with any/all changes in e-filing requirements.
• Draft and e-file pleadings including Summons and Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, Petition to Establish Parentage, and any other required pleadings in a divorce or parentage proceeding.
• Prepare and submit prove-up documents in each county.
• Draft and e-file other documents as requested by attorneys, including but not limited to Appearance forms, Temporary Support Pleadings, Requests for Mediation/Guardian ad Litem, Motions, Rule to Show Cause and Financial Affidavits, etc.
• Prepare Interrogatories & Requests for Production of Documents.
• Prepare Answers to Interrogatories & Requests (compile all documentation; scan, categorize, tag, and draft the written responses; prepare copies per attorney instructions).
• Prepare Request for Pretrial: draft Pre-Trial Memos for attorney review; forward Pre-Trial Memos with all exhibits to judge and opposing counsel.
• Manage attorney calendars including scheduling all hearings, prove ups and continuously reviewing/reconciling electronic dockets in counties.
• Scheduling Client, opposing party and opposing counsel calls.
• Process incoming mail: scanning documents into the client file, forwarding mail to client and attorney, and determining/coordinating next steps.
• Organize and update electronic and/or physical file: Court case, participants, folders, county, judge, opposing counsel, GAL, etc.
• Filing of the attorney's in/outbox into physical files.
• Coordinate and facilitate the completion and execution of Qualified Domestic Relations Orders.
• Closeout files: confirm that the attorney sent a closing email and that our billing department has any financial information needed to complete the closing process.
• Enter and submit for reimbursement any case expenses.
• Ordering office supplies, filling paper in printers, changing printer cartridges when needed, adding funds to the postage meter, and fulfilling other office duties as necessary.
• Carry out follow-up communication with clients for case updates, incoming/outgoing mail, new hearing dates, scheduling meetings with the attorneys, etc.
• Prepare documents for Service, coordinating with the Process Server, and providing all documents; follow-up to confirm service, file Affidavit of Service, and inform the attorney/client of the same.

About Us: Sterling Lawyers, LLC exclusively practices family law with offices throughout Wisconsin and Illinois. Our strategy starts with a clear focus on clients and their needs. In addition to this, we're building new technologies to help better serve clients. Our team pursues new ways to offer clients more information in easy to consume formats.