Senior Paralegal

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Job Description

Equity Residential (EQR) is a leading REIT based in Chicago, with high-quality apartment properties in major cities. 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 role supports in-house and external counsel in investigation, discovery, and resolution of a diverse range of disputes, including complex commercial and class action litigation, construction and development litigation, general business disputes, and compliance support.

The Senior Paralegal will administer legal policies and procedures, ensure compliance, track litigation, and manage critical file and database systems.

• Organized, efficient, accountable with the ability to juggle changing priorities and meet deadlines. Strong attention to detail.
• Motivated and eager to learn, questions smartly, and seeks to understand and improve processes.
• Analytical with the ability to identify issues and propose solutions.
• Creative and able to generate innovative solutions.
• Strong communicator with clear writing and speaking skills.
• Team player who partners with others to deliver results.

• Support the investigation and handling of claims and matters in suit and pre-litigation.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for electronic discovery processes, including collection and initial review of documents.
• Review and summarize complex litigation pleadings and orders; maintain a tracker of relevant industry litigation.
• Develop and manage discovery databases and data-tracking methodologies for litigation.
• Collaborate with internal and external legal teams on efficient litigation management strategies.
• Administer litigation matters, including tracking holds and internal matter management systems.
• Conduct online research using electronic research resources.
• Support and lead compliance-focused projects and activities as needed.
• Perform other litigation-related tasks as assigned; some administrative duties (e.g., calendar events, case files, logistics).

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in a law firm and/or in-house legal department. A college degree is required; a paralegal certificate is preferred.
• Experience managing all phases of sophisticated commercial and/or class action litigation.
• Superior communication and interpersonal skills for liaising with management, colleagues, and outside counsel.
• Exceptional writing, organizational, and project management skills; ability to analyze complex issues.
• Experience preparing witnesses for deposition, internal investigations, and assisting attorneys with client interviews.
• Highly flexible, detail-oriented, with the ability to prioritize a substantial workload and work independently.
• Maintains confidentiality and discretion at all times.

• Proficient with Microsoft and Google programs;
  Relativity or similar litigation review tools.
• Expertise with Westlaw or Lexis Nexis and PACER.
• Strong working knowledge of databases and e-discovery tools; advanced Excel for data analysis and case management.

$94,000 - $115,000 per year; discretionary 15% annual bonus. Starting pay determined based on skills, experience, and qualifications.

• Physical Wellbeing:
  Medical, dental, vision care and wellness programs
• Social Wellbeing:
  Paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, new parent benefits, adoption assistance
• Financial Wellbeing:
  Competitive compensation, 401(k), rent discounts, FSA/HSA, company-paid life & disability insurance
• Community Wellbeing:
  Paid community service hours
• Career Wellbeing:
  Leadership development, tuition assistance

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

Working for Equity Residential means living our purpose: creating communities where people thrive. We strive to provide the best in apartment living and to foster innovation and collaboration. Our portfolio includes properties in urban growth markets across the country.

• Mid-Senior level

• Full-time

• Legal