Senior Paralegal

Location: Nicor Gas HQ, Naperville, IL ( Hybrid)

Experience Level: 10–15 Years

Job Summary:

A Senior Paralegal with 10 to 15 years of experience is a highly skilled and seasoned legal professional who plays a critical role in supporting attorneys and legal teams. This position requires advanced legal knowledge, strong leadership abilities, and exceptional organizational skills to manage complex legal matters across a variety of practice areas. The Senior Paralegal is a trusted advisor who ensures the highest standards of accuracy, compliance, and confidentiality.

Key Responsibilities:

Legal Research & Documentation

• Conduct in-depth legal research using tools such as Westlaw, LexisNexis, and public records databases.

• Draft, edit, and proofread complex legal documents including pleadings, contracts, agreements, motions, and briefs, ensuring clarity and legal compliance.

Case & File Management

• Maintain comprehensive case files, ensuring accurate documentation of all correspondence, filings, exhibits, and evidence.

• Manage case calendars and docket schedules for court deadlines, hearings, and depositions.

Client & Court Interaction

• Act as a primary liaison with clients, witnesses, experts, and opposing counsel.

• Coordinate and file legal documents with courts, agencies, and e-filing platforms.

Discovery & Trial Preparation

• Lead discovery processes including document collection, review, production, and drafting of discovery requests and responses.

• Manage preparation for depositions and hearings, including organizing exhibits and witness materials.

Legal Technology & Billing

• Utilize advanced legal software, document management systems, and e-discovery tools.

• Oversee legal billing processes, reviewing invoices and tracking billable time and project costs.

Compliance & Mentorship

• Stay current on legal and regulatory changes and advise legal teams on compliance implications.

• Mentor and supervise junior paralegals and legal support staff, ensuring high-quality work output and adherence to legal best practices.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies or related field.

• Paralegal certification (e.g., NALA, NFPA, or ABA-approved program) preferred.

• 10–15 years of paralegal experience in a law firm, corporate legal department, or government agency.

• Mastery of legal research platforms (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis) and case management systems.

• In-depth knowledge of court rules, legal procedures, and jurisdictional filing requirements.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a strong command of legal writing and document preparation.

• Proven ability to manage multiple complex cases simultaneously under tight deadlines.

• Strong commitment to ethical standards and client confidentiality.

Core Competencies:

• Advanced legal research and drafting

• Project and case management

• Litigation support and trial prep

• Team leadership and mentorship

• Client service and professional communication

• Legal compliance and risk awareness