Senior Paralegal

Equity Residential (EQR) is a leading REIT based in Chicago, with high-quality apartment properties in major cities like New York, Boston, and San Francisco. The company promotes a culture of innovation, collaboration, and community, where employees are valued and encouraged to make an impact. EQR is committed to providing exceptional living experiences, helping residents “Live Remarkably” while offering a supportive and rewarding workplace.

Under the general supervision of the Legal Services Group attorneys, the Senior Paralegal assumes a leadership role in the strategic administration and day-to-day management of the Company’s complex litigation portfolio. This position requires an advanced level of expertise to support in-house and external counsel in the meticulous investigation, discovery, and resolution of a diverse range of disputes. The scope of responsibilities can include, but is not limited to, complex commercial and class action litigation, construction and development litigation, general business disputes, and compliance support. This role is also responsible for supporting the preparation of comprehensive litigation responses and the oversight of critical special projects. The Senior Paralegal will also be instrumental in administering legal policies and procedures, ensuring compliance, tracking litigation, and managing critical file and database systems.

WHO YOU ARE:

• Organized, Efficient, Accountable.  You are flexible and able to juggle the needs of changing priorities of the business. You multitask well, re-prioritize accordingly, and meet deadlines consistently.  You have a keen eye for detail and pride yourself on delivering quality work.  
• Motivated. Eager to Learn.  You ask smart questions, challenge the status quo, and regularly seek to understand. You invest extra energy to reach your goals.
• Analytical. You understand the “why” behind the workpapers you are preparing and are able to identify potential issues with the data, as well as potential solutions for how it needs to be corrected.
• Creative. You are an “idea person” and like coming up with smart, innovative solutions.
• Strong Communicator. Your writing and speaking skills are clear and effective, helping you connect well with others.
• Team Player. You enjoy partnering with others, whether internal or external, in order to get work done and deliver great results.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Support the investigation and handling of claims and matters in suit and pre-litigation.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for and take charge of electronic discovery processes, including the strategic collection and initial review of documents.
• Review and summarize complex litigation pleadings and orders, and maintain a tracker of relevant industry litigation.
• Develop and manage discovery databases and innovative data tracking methodologies for litigation and related inquiries.
• Collaborate closely with internal and external legal teams to devise and implement efficient litigation management strategies.
• Administer the company’s litigation matters with precision, including the rigorous tracking of litigation holds and our internal matter management system.
• Conduct online research using a variety of electronic research resources.
• Proactively support and/or lead compliance-focused projects and activities.
• Perform other litigation-related tasks as assigned.
• Perform some administrative duties (e.g., calendar events and deadlines, organize case files, manage logistics).

REQUIREMENTS:

• A minimum of 7 years of extensive experience in a law firm and/or in-house legal department is required. A college degree is required, and a paralegal certificate is preferred.
• Demonstrated expertise in managing all phases of sophisticated commercial and/or class action litigation.
• Superior communication and interpersonal skills essential for effective liaising with all levels of management, colleagues, and outside legal counsel.
• Exceptional writing, organizational, and project management skills, and the capacity for critical analysis of complex issues and information.
• Expertise preparing witnesses for deposition, internal investigations, and assisting attorneys with client interviews by gathering critical information.
• Must be highly flexible, detail-oriented, and capable of prioritizing a substantial workload, managing numerous matters concurrently, and independently completing assignments.
• Must maintain the highest standards of confidentiality and discretion at all times.

Software and Technical Skills:

• Proficient with a suite of tools, including Microsoft and Google programs, Relativity and or similar litigation review tools. 
• Particular expertise required in Westlaw or LexisNexis and PACER.
• Possesses a strong working knowledge of Microsoft and Google programs, database systems, and specialized e-discovery tools.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel is required for data analysis and case management.

Salary: $94,000 - $115,000 per year; in addition to base salary, a discretionary 15% annual bonus is provided.

The successful candidate's starting pay will be determined based on job-related skills, experience, and qualifications.

Highlights of the wellbeing benefits for Full-time employees include:

• Physical Wellbeing: Medical, dental, vision care and wellness programs
• Social Wellbeing: Paid holidays, annual vacation time, paid sick leave, new parent benefits, adoption assistance
• Financial Wellbeing: Competitive Compensation, 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan, Rent Discounts, FSA/HSA, and company-paid life & disability insurance
• Community Wellbeing: Paid Community Service Hours
• Career Wellbeing: Leadership Development, Tuition Assistance

Learn more about our Total Wellbeing program here.

Equity Residential is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. No job applicant or employee will be discriminated against because of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, sexual/gender identity, age, disability, pregnancy, national origin, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Equity Residential is committed to hiring a diverse workforce. Equity Residential has a smoke-free workplace environment.