Paralegal - Litigation

DLA Piper is, at its core, bold, exceptional, collaborative and supportive.  Our people are the backbone, heart and soul of our firm.  Wherever you are in your professional journey, DLA Piper is a place you can engage in meaningful work and grow your career.  Let’s see what we can achieve. Together.

Summary

The Paralegal, under the supervision of attorneys, performs a range of substantive cases, matter or entity related duties. Prepares drafts of legal and other documents and correspondence for attorney review. Compiles, analyzes and summarizes information. Coordinates efforts between attorneys, clients, outside legal counsel, opposing legal counsel, other parties and outside vendors.
Location

This position is located in our Wilmington office and offers a hybrid work schedule.
Responsibilities

Litigation

• Prepares first drafts of discovery requests and responses.

• Drafts simple pleadings and assists with major motions.

• Performs cite‑checking, fact‑checking and Bluebooking.

• Supports witness interviews, hearings, depositions, trials, arbitrations, and mediations.

• Reviews, organizes and maintains document databases and matter files.

• Uses legal software such as Relativity and eDiscovery tools.

• Understands Federal, State and local rules of procedure and filing requirements.

• E‑files documents in State and Federal Courts and coordinates service.

• Conducts online research and document reviews.

• Assists in preparation of pretrial motions, trial binders and exhibits.

• Attends and assists attorneys at depositions, hearings, trials, and arbitrations.

• Prepares subpoenas and coordinates service of process.

• Research legal issues and prepare memoranda.

• Conducts document searches and creates electronic files in Relativity.

• Creates and maintains production and privilege logs.

• Acts as lead paralegal and guides other paralegals and case assistants.

Desired Skills   

Must have strong skills in Word, Excel and Outlook. Experience with legal software such as Relativity, LexisNexis, Westlaw or similar application required. Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills required to interact with staff, paralegals, attorneys and clients on a daily basis. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail required to handle large volumes of work associates with each matter. Responsibilities will include assisting attorneys in your home office and in offices across the firm. Must be able to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Minimum Education    

• High School diploma or GED.
   

Preferred Education  

• Bachelor's Degree and/or a Paralegal certificate.
   

Minimum Years of Experience  

• 1 year of paralegal experience for individuals with a bachelor's degree and/or paralegal certificate. Individuals without a degree or certification require five years' legal support experience in the specific practice area.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with Court of Chancery, Superior Court, Supreme Court, and Federal District Court in Delaware is preferred.

Essential Job Expectations

While the specific job requirements of a DLA Piper position may vary depending upon scope of the job and area of specialty, there are certain universal requirements that are expected of all DLA Piper employees, which include but are not limited to:
 

• Effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, with clients, lawyers, business professionals, and third parties.

• Produce deliverables, answer phone calls, and reply to correspondence in an efficient and responsive manner.

• Provide timely, accurate, and quality work product.

• Successfully meet deadlines, expectations, and perform work duties as required.

• Foster positive work relationships.

• Comply with all firm policies and practices.

• Engage in both physical and sedentary activity, such as (a) working at a computer for extended periods of time, including on-screen reading and typing; (b) participating in digital/virtual conference calls; (c) participating in meetings as needed.

• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing demands in a fast-paced environment.

• Perform all other duties, tasks or projects as assigned.
   

Our employees are expected to embrace and uphold our firm values as a part of our DLA Piper culture. We are committed to excellence in how we represent our clients and develop our people.
Physical Demands

Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.    

Work Environment    

The individual selected for this position may have the opportunity for a hybrid work arrangement comprised of remote and in-office work, the requirement for which will be determined in coordination with the hiring manager or supervisor and may be modified in the firm’s discretion in the future. 
Disclaimer    

The purpose of this job description is to provide a concise statement of the work elements and to organize and present the information in a standardized way. It is not intended to describe all the elements of the work that may be performed by every individual in this classification, nor should it serve as the sole criteria for personnel decisions and actions. The job duties, requirements, and expectations for this position may be modified at the Firm’s discretion at any time. This job description does not change the at-will nature of employment. 
 

Application Process     

Applicants must apply directly online instead of sending application materials via email. 
 

Accommodation    

Reasonable accommodations may be made upon request to permit individuals with a disability to perform the essential functions and responsibilities of the position or to participate in the job selection process. If you have a request for an accommodation during the application process, please contact [email protected]. 
 

Agency applications will not be considered.     
 

No immigration sponsorship is available for this position.    
 

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DLA Piper is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. Job applicant poster viewing center.