Litigation Paralegal (Multiple Offices)

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton, a global Am Law 50 firm, has an immediate opening for a Litigation Paralegal. We prefer candidates in our Chicago, Dallas or Houston offices but will consider candidates in any of the following U.S. offices: Los Angeles, Century City, Orange County, San Diego (Del Mar), San Diego (Downtown), Silicon Valley, San Francisco, Chicago, Dallas and Houston. There is only one opening. Job Summary Sheppard Mullin is hiring an experienced, well-organized Litigation Paralegal to support litigation attorneys through all phases of the litigation lifecycle, from case inception and pleadings through discovery, motion practice, trial preparation and support, post-trial proceedings, and appellate filings.

This position requires extensive knowledge of litigation and trial procedures, as well as familiarity with federal, state, and appellate court rules and procedures nationwide. Strong technical, organizational, and administrative skills are essential to manage the variety of responsibilities outlined below. The role involves handling multiple projects in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment and requires strong prioritization, flexibility, and collaboration with firm personnel at all levels.

Essential Functions

• Communicates regularly with the team. Double checks work product before presenting attorneys for review and again before sending or filing.
• Prepare pleadings and discovery documents for filing and service, including advanced documents (e.g. complaint, motion for summary judgment, documents under seal).
• Conduct fact investigation and development, analysis and strategy, and document and file management.
• Support trial efforts as needed, including assisting attorneys by coordinating the collection and preparation of trial exhibits, files, and all other supporting documents.
• Attend trial proceedings to provide on-site support to attorneys and legal teams.
• Must be available and able to work during core business hours.
• Ability to work overtime, evenings, and weekends, as needed.

Required Qualifications

• A minimum of 4-7 years of Litigation Paralegal experience working in a law firm.
• Ability to self-manage projects and monitor discovery and filing deadlines to ensure completion of pending projects and compliance with statutory pre-trial deadlines.
• Ability to handle multiple projects with changing priorities while working independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with voluminous document productions and e-discovery.
• Working knowledge of Superior, Federal, and U.S. District Courts rules and procedures.
• Ability to work overtime, evenings, and weekends, as needed.
• Possess excellent spelling, grammar, and punctuation skills.

Education A high school diploma or equivalent is required, plus substantial and relevant work experience. A bachelor's degree or some college is preferred.

License and Certification An ABA-approved paralegal certification is required.

Computer/Software Knowledge Must have proficiency in Windows 11, Microsoft Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat Professional, Zoom, and Teams. Experience with TrueFiling, Relativity TextMap, CaseMap, PageVault, or other document management system is preferred. Must be able to quickly learn new skills and systems.

Work Environment

• Working indoors with limited exposure to hazards (only those that customarily come up with working in a high-rise building).
• Indoor office work environment in a cubical or workstation.
• The current Firm policy is hybrid–working in the office a minimum of 3 days per week and working from home the rest of the week (subject to change).
• Overtime may be required as the job duties demand.

Travel Requirements Minimal domestic travel may be required to other SMRH offices and trials, up to 10%.

California: The salary range for this position is $51.00 - $76.00 per hour.

Illinois: The salary range for this position is: $55.00 - $82.00 per hour. This position is eligible for bonuses. This position is also eligible for medical, vision, and dental insurance. Please note that the foregoing compensation and benefit information is a good-faith assessment associated with this position only and is provided pursuant to Illinois Equal Pay Act.

We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

Sheppard is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, protected medical condition, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.