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SUMMARY
The Paralegal will help Chicago Housing Authority’s (“CHA”) legal department protect CHA’s legal interests. Under general supervision of attorneys, the Paralegal will perform responsible legal, administrative, and related paralegal functions for our Litigation Team, including but not limited to working on forcible entry and detainer matters (eviction cases), personal injury, employment litigation, commercial litigation, housing choice voucher, code violation, and related matters. The Paralegal will conduct internal and external legal research related to forcible entry and detainer cases, and prepare the necessary pleadings, documentation, and discovery for litigation of eviction cases.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Assists in preparing termination notices, notices to pay rent, and other documents for the various types of forcible entry and detainer cases. Corresponds with the property manager to ensure that termination notices and other notices have been served upon the tenant. Collects served notices and helps prepare pleadings to be filed in court.
• Assists in drafting complaints, use and occupancy motions, and gathering and reviewing documents for Discovery purposes. Corresponds with client departments and vendors to obtain relevant information, and prepares and reviews litigation-related documents, including for answers and discovery.
• Assists in subpoenaing and interviewing witnesses.
• Manages and maintains attorney and court calendars for large volume of forcible entry and detainer and other cases. Creates chronological reports, summaries, and statuses of each case.
• As needed, prepares and summarizes/abstracts documents, e.g., pleadings, motions, deposition transcripts, and briefs.
• Conducts legal research, including by using electronic databases and websites, and provides analysis as needed.
• As needed, attends and assists at depositions, meetings, negotiations, and trainings. Gathers and organizes documents to assist in preparing for trials, depositions, and preparing pleadings and answers. As needed, disseminates information to appropriate courtrooms, CHA staff, and vendors.
• Indexes and files court documentation and correspondence to maintain organized department records.
• Provide support to CHA’s attorneys as needed to protect and further CHA’s interests.
QUALIFICATIONS
A preferred graduate of ABA-certified program with a minimum of 3 years of experience in a significant litigation paralegal role working with filings, drafting complaints, using electronic databases, gathering documents for discovery purposes, and working cooperatively with a diverse group of individuals, Or a combination of college education/certified courses, and a minimum of 4 years transferrable litigation work experience. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of forcible entry and detainer cases as it relates to legal case file management, docketing procedures, legal research practices, courtroom procedures, and legal terminology. E-discovery experience would also be a plus. Must be detailed oriented, have strong organizational, written and oral communication skills, research skills, good judgment, an ability to work well with others, and a strong work ethic. Candidate must be a team player, readily able to adapt to and provide support in a dynamic environment. This position will report to the main office Mon – Fri between the hours of 8am to 5pm. This position is not eligible for telework.
Salary Range: $72,000 - $75,000
Grade: S8
FLSA: Exempt
Union: None
- $72,000 - $75,000
