Product Liability & Mass Torts Litigation Paralegal

Faegre Drinker is a firm designed for clients and designed for you. We understand that our people are critical to our success and we are committed to investing in our paraprofessional, administrative and operations professionals. We are always looking for talented, service-focused individuals to join our flexible and high-performing culture. With technology tools and resources that support our hybrid work environment, our colleagues enjoy a culture of learning, support for work and personal goals, opportunities to give back to our communities, and competitive benefits and rewards programs. At Faegre Drinker, you will have the opportunity to share your expertise within and across teams and contribute to our success.

Job Description Summary:

Faegre Drinker, one of the 100 largest law firms headquartered in the U.S., is searching for a Paralegal to join our Products Liability & Mass Torts practice in the Chicago office. Work alongside top lawyers and legal professionals to make a difference servicing our clients. Join our team where you will make an impact and be rewarded for contributing to the firm’s success.

Job Description:

What you would do:

• Provide high level, detail focused, and proactive litigation support.
• Track and manage various aspect of the discovery process, including organization, tracking charts, searches, productions, redactions, and log document dispositions.
• Track and manage expert materials.
• Analyze and organize large amounts of information and data sets.
• Demonstrate knowledge and expertise in civil litigation, state and federal court procedures.
• Research, prepare and file agency, state, and federal court filings.
• Cite and fact check briefs.
• Gain and utilize a deep understanding of product liability laws and issues in industries such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, food, agriculture, consumer and automotive products, toxic torts, and sports law.
• Manage medical records collection and review.
• Analyze records and compile medical chronologies.
• Assist with research, such as rules and procedures, public searches, and compiling information for attorney review.
• Organize documents, prepare witness files and materials for deposition
• Prepare materials and coordinate logistics for trial/arbitration.
• Attend trial and provide onsite support.
• Special projects and duties, as assigned.

What is expected:

• Energetic, organized, detail orientated and disciplined with the willingness to learn and work hard.
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team, through effective communication strategies.
• Ability to manage workflow and work under tight deadlines and other time constraints, with competing and shifting priorities.
• Ability to bill 1550 hours annually.
• Ability to travel to trials.
• Ability to effectively manage projects.

What we offer:

• Flexible working environment for work-life success.
• Opportunity to participate in firm-sponsored volunteer events.
• Wellness programming with personalized content and activities.
• Professional environment and the opportunity to work with experts at the top of their fields.
• Variety of health plan options, as well as dental, vision and 401(k) plans.
• Generous paid time off. 

The anticipated initial hourly rate for someone who is hired into this position is $43.00– $50.00/hour based on a 37.5 hour a week schedule. 

Actual initial hourly rate may be above or below the above-identified range and will be based on the relevant skills, training, experience, and other job-related factors, including the location where the position is filled, in all cases consistent with applicable law.  This is a non-exempt role paid on an hourly basis.  The initial hourly rate listed above is just one component of Faegre Drinker's total compensation and benefits package for professional staff, which includes, but is not limited to, a discretionary bonus; life, health, accident, and disability insurance; and a 401(k) plan.

What is required:

• Bachelor’s degree and 3+ years’ experience required or 5+ years of related experience in place of education; paralegal certificate from an ABA accredited program preferred.
• Previous experience with litigation at the federal and state level.
• Experience with medical records required.
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, PPT, etc.).
• Proficiency in tracking, organizing and running basic calculations and analytics using Excel strongly preferred.
• Experience as a paralegal in a law firm strongly preferred.
• Experience in CM/ECF or local e-filling strongly preferred.

Apply now if you are ready to join the Faegre Drinker team!

Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, national origin, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic made unlawful by applicable federal, state or local laws. Equal employment opportunity will be extended to all persons in all aspects of employment, including retirement, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, discipline and termination.