Sr. Paralegal - Business and Commercial

DLA Piper is, at its core, bold, exceptional, collaborative and supportive.  Our people are the backbone, heart and soul of our firm.  Wherever you are in your professional journey, DLA Piper is a place you can engage in meaningful work and grow your career.  Let’s see what we can achieve. Together.

Summary 
As a Sr. Paralegal – Business and Commercial, working in collaboration with and in support of the firm’s strategic initiatives, you will perform a range of substantive case, matter, or entity related duties under the supervision of attorneys. You will prepare drafts of legal and other documents and correspondence for attorney review. You will compile, analyze, and summarize information. You will coordinate efforts between attorneys, clients, outside legal counsel, opposing legal counsel, other parties, and outside vendors. 

Location 
This position is located in our New York office and offers a hybrid work schedule.  

Responsibilities   

• Drafts simple pleadings and/or assists attorneys with major motions and filings. 

• Performs cite-checking, fact-checking, Blue Booking of legal memoranda, and Shepardizing cases. 

• Experience with preparation related to witness interviews, hearings, depositions, trials, arbitrations, or mediation. 

• Reviews, organizes, and maintains document databases for case tracking, discovery, and document productions. 
• Understanding of and experience with discovery process.

• Utilizes legal software such as Relativity and litigation technology tools and data rooms. 

• Advanced understanding of Federal, State, and local rules of procedure as well as court filing procedures, both electronic and hard copy. 

• eFiles documents in State and Federal Courts and service of same. 

• Locates and reviews information applicable to a particular case, person or subject via online research or document reviews. 

• Assists in the preparation of pretrial motions, trial binders, trial exhibits, etc., and assists with drafting motions, discovery requests, and responses. 

• Assists attorneys at depositions, hearings, trials, or arbitrations. 

• Prepares subpoenas and coordinates service of process. 

• Researches legal issues and prepares memoranda of findings. 

• Conducts document searches and creates electronic files/folders in data rooms/databases. 

• Creates and maintains production and privilege logs. 

• Manages data rooms and matter files. 

Desired Skills    

Must have strong skills in Word, Excel, and Outlook. Position is responsible for handling substantive projects and cases under the direction of a lawyer. Has in-depth knowledge of the practice area and generally performs with little supervision. Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills required to interact with staff, paralegals, attorneys, and clients on a daily basis. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail required to handle multiple projects and assignments at once. Solid technical skills necessary to set up, track, and maintain matters. Responsibilities will include assisting attorneys in your home office and in offices across the firm. Must be able to work effectively in a fast-paced environment. Must have ability and experience with conducting fact gathering and analyzing information. Anticipates the needs of attorneys and exercises sound independent judgment. Possess advanced knowledge of practice area rules and procedures. Must be able to identify interrelationships among cases, statutes, regulations, and other legal authorities. Has a complete understanding of the interdependence of the Firm’s practice groups. Excellent organizational skills required along with the ability to handle multiple projects and assignments at once. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment. Mentors case assistants and junior paralegals. Excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills. Understanding of litigation life cycle (filing complaint, discovery, motion practice, trial and appeal); understanding of litigation documents (pleadings, motions, and discovery requests); understanding of Federal, State, and local rules of procedure as well as court filing procedures, electronic and hard copy. Proficient with numbers, Excel spreadsheets, and data manipulation. 

Minimum Education    

• High School Diploma or GED. 

Preferred Education  

•  Bachelor's Degree and/or a Paralegal certificate. 

Certificates 

• Paralegal Certificate preferred. 

Minimum Years of Experience   

• 5 years of paralegal experience in a specific practice area of law. 

Essential Job Expectations 

All DLA Piper employees are expected to demonstrate excellence in how we serve our clients and develop our people, upholding our firm values as part of our culture. Specific expectations include: 

• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with clients, lawyers, business professionals, and external audiences. 

• Produce high-quality work and respond to correspondence in an efficient, timely, and professional manner. 

• Meet deadlines, manage competing priorities, and commit to meeting high standards. 

• Comply with firm policies and procedures. 

• Maintain confidences as required in a law firm environment. 

Physical Demands 
Sedentary work: This is primarily sedentary work, requiring occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects. The role involves sitting for extended periods, with occasional walking and standing, and occasional travel, both domestic and international. 

Work Environment    

The individual selected for this position may have the opportunity for a hybrid work arrangement comprised of remote and in-office work, the requirement for which will be determined in coordination with the hiring manager or supervisor and may be modified in the firm’s discretion in the future. 

Disclaimer    

The purpose of this job description is to provide a concise statement of the work elements and to organize and present the information in a standardized way. It is not intended to describe all the elements of the work that may be performed by every individual in this classification, nor should it serve as the sole criteria for personnel decisions and actions. The job duties, requirements, and expectations for this position may be modified at the Firm’s discretion at any time. This job description does not change the at-will nature of employment. 

Application Process     

Applicants must apply directly online instead of sending application materials via email.  

Accommodation    

Reasonable accommodations may be made upon request to permit individuals with a disability to perform the essential functions and responsibilities of the position or to participate in the job selection process. If you have a request for an accommodation during the application process, please contact [email protected]. 

Agency applications will not be considered.  

This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship or support.   

The firm’s expected hiring range for this position is $56.08 - $74.31 per hour depending on the candidate’s geographic market location. Non-exempt positions will be paid on an hourly basis and paid overtime in accordance with applicable laws. 

The compensation offered for employment will also be dependent on other factors including the candidate’s experience, skills, educational and professional background, and overall qualifications. We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k). 

Applicants who are not based in the jurisdiction in which this position is posted and who apply for this role are doing so voluntarily and are not eligible for relocation assistance. Any relocation benefits, if any, are provided only where a relocation is required at the firm’s direction and in accordance with applicable policy and law.  
 

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DLA Piper is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. Job applicant poster viewing center.