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Job Summary: The Litigation Paralegal provides hands-on procedural and administrative support to litigation teams in our New York office, handling complex, multijurisdictional matters. Embedded within case teams, the Paralegal is responsible for the mechanics of getting filings made correctly and on time: e-filing in federal and state courts, preparing tables of contents and tables of authorities, calendaring and tracking case deadlines, and monitoring PACER and court notifications. The Paralegal will manage multiple matters concurrently, working closely with partners, associates, assistants, and litigation support and e-discovery staff. This role is central to ensuring that filings, deadlines, and court requirements are handled accurately and consistently across jurisdictions, and to keeping each matter organized and ready for the next stage of the case. Duties for this position include, but are not limited to: Job Functions:
- E-file pleadings, motions, briefs, and other documents in federal courts and state court e-filing systems, ensuring compliance with each court's formatting, sealing, redaction, and service requirements, and confirm acceptance and distribute filed-stamped copies.
- Prepare, update, and finalize Tables of Contents and Tables of Authorities for briefs, memoranda, and appellate filings, including cite-checking authorities and confirming accuracy of pin cites and page references.
- Manage multijurisdictional litigation, tracking the procedural posture, requirements, and schedules of matters pending in different federal and state courts.
- Calendar and track case deadlines, including those derived from court rules, local rules, scheduling orders, and judicial standing orders; calculate and verify deadlines; and issue timely reminders and reports to the team.
- Monitor PACER, ECF, and state court dockets and notification emails daily; review, log, and circulate new filings and orders; and flag time-sensitive items and resulting deadlines to attorneys.
- Maintain case calendars, docket sheets, and matter-specific procedural checklists in the firm's docketing and document management systems.
- Prepare and assemble filing packages, including exhibits, appendices, declarations, proposed orders, certificates of service, and pro hac vice and attorney appearance materials.
- Draft and format pleadings and court documents using firm templates and applicable court rules.
- Research and maintain current information on federal and state court rules, local rules, and individual judges' standing orders, and share updates with litigation teams.
- Support discovery workflows, including tracking requests, responses, productions, and related deadlines, in coordination with e-discovery and litigation support teams.
- Provide hands-on support for hearings, depositions, and trials, including preparing binders and exhibits and coordinating on-site logistics, as required.
- Attend and take notes at team meetings, and communicate case status and upcoming deadlines to attorneys and clients.
- Maintain document management systems and ensure accuracy and completeness of records for all matters.
- Travel as needed to support trial teams and major litigation events.
- Bill a minimum of X hours annually.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree and/or paralegal certificate from an accredited program, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum 4 years of litigation paralegal experience in a law firm or corporate legal department, preferably including complex commercial litigation.
- Demonstrated experience e-filing in federal courts and state court e-filing systems, and with PACER searching and notification management.
- Experience preparing Tables of Contents and Tables of Authorities, using Microsoft Word features and/or tools such as Best Authority, and cite-checking using Westlaw and/or Lexis.
- Strong working knowledge of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, applicable state rules, local rules, and deadline computation.
- Proficiency with docketing and calendaring systems, document management systems, Adobe Acrobat (including redaction and bookmarking), and Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Exceptional attention to detail and a record of meeting strict filing deadlines under pressure.
- Ability to manage multiple matters and stakeholders simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
- Effective oral and written communication skills with strong knowledge of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and legal terminology.
- Flexibility and the ability to handle complex, multiple tasks for several individuals with different work styles, and to adjust quickly while maintaining organization.
- Willingness to work extended hours, including occasional evenings and weekends, to meet filing deadlines.
- Curiosity to explore and implement new technology applications as they become available.
- Reliable team player with a positive attitude and willingness to take on additional responsibilities as needed.
Work Authorization:
- Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship by the Firm (either now or in the future).
Compensation and Total Rewards Package: Choate offers a comprehensive Total Rewards package to our business professional team members. The firm also offers comprehensive health and well-being benefits, personal and professional development, career growth opportunities and a collegial and supportive culture. The anticipated pay range for this role is listed below and represents our good faith and reasonable estimate of the salary range for this specific position at the time of posting. In addition, this role is eligible for a discretionary bonus based on performance. The actual offered rate for this position will be determined based on job-related, non-discriminatory factors, including but not limited to qualifications and experience, education, external market data and consideration of internal equity. $100,000-$150,000
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