Senior Legal Assistant - Litigation (Paralegal)

About Us 

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP (Skadden) has forged a reputation as one of the most prestigious law firms in the world. By relying on innovation, intellect, teamwork and tenacity, our lawyers deliver the highest quality advice and novel solutions to our clients' legal issues. We are recognized as a global powerhouse for complex transactions, litigation/controversy issues, and regulatory matters, as well as for the open, collaborative relationships we build with clients. Our attorneys, who reflect diverse backgrounds and perspectives, collaborate seamlessly across 50-plus practices and 21 offices in the world’s major financial centers. 

The Opportunity

Skadden is seeking an enthusiastic Senior Legal Assistant (Paralegal) to join our Legal Assistant Services team in the Palo Alto Office. This position utilizes experience and knowledge of case resources and methods to assist with advanced, complex tasks and projects, with minimal supervision, throughout all phases and aspects of Litigation work, while providing guidance to legal practice assistants, legal assistants, attorneys and other professional staff.

• Assists with the preparation and filing of California state court and Federal Court pleadings and other court papers.
• Prepares and handles technical, complex filings, including sealing procedures.
• Pulls cases, shepardizes briefs and assists with cite-checking.
• Provides support throughout all phases of discovery, including document review, production and depositions.
• Assists with complex tracking and data analysis projects.
• Assists with preparation for interviews, depositions, hearings, trials and/or client meetings.
• Proofreads briefs, memoranda of law, opinions and other documents.
• Assists with retrieval of rules, regulations and company profiles.
• Handles advanced, complex projects.
• Ensures that all Litigation case files are maintained within Department-approved protocols and case management systems, and seeks to improve workflows regarding storage and recall of electronic and paper files.
• Organizes and manages electronic and paper files.
• Maintains the integrity of client files.
• Performs non-legal research using various research tools, including the Internet, Westlaw, LexisNexis, PACER, SEC/EDGAR and other media and financial services sites, and/or other court-related websites for case law, statutes, articles, books, etc.
• Assists partners, associates and other legal assistants across offices, practice areas and throughout departments, as needed.
• Demonstrates effective interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills to facilitate effective work relationships with others.
• Manages Firm resources responsibly.
• Complies with and understands Firm operation, policies and procedures.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Working knowledge of California state court and Northern District of California rules and procedures
• Working knowledge of Federal Court rules and procedures, including civil and criminal rules
• Demonstrated experience working on trade secret and/or patent litigation cases
• Demonstrated experience working on government investigations, including investigations by the SEC and DOJ
• Demonstrated ability with complex court filings, in both paper and electronic (e-filing) formats
• Advanced knowledge of Excel
• Ability to fluently navigate various electronic databases and document management systems
• Working knowledge of Relativity and other e-discovery applications such as TextMap and CaseMap
• Knowledge of Firm operation, policies and procedures
• Knowledge of relevant firm computer software programs (e.g., Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), with the ability to learn new software and operating systems
• Strong research skills and proficiency in using various research tools, including the Internet, Westlaw, LexisNexis, PACER, SEC/EDGAR and other court-related websites and/or media and financial services
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, organizational and planning skills
• Demonstrates effective interpersonal and communication skills, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to work well independently as well as effectively within a team
• Ability to assume responsibility for assigned projects and tasks
• Ability to handle sensitive matters and maintain confidentiality
• Ability to organize and prioritize work
• Ability to handle multiple projects and shifting priorities
• Ability to work well in a demanding and fast-paced environment
• Ability to work well under pressure
• Demonstrates close attention to detail
• Flexibility to travel as required
• Flexibility to adjust hours and work the hours necessary to meet operating and business needs

• Bachelor’s degree
• Must be able to meet the requirements of a California Paralegal under CA Business and Professions Code section 6450
• Minimum of five years of experience in a legal assistant position or a position requiring similar skillset, expertise and experience

The starting base salary for this Palo Alto position is expected to be between $110,000 to $125,000 annually. Actual salary will be determined based on skills, experience (to the extent relevant) and other-job related factors, consistent with applicable law.

Culture & Life at Skadden

What makes Skadden special is our people and the culture, community, and spirit of collaboration we have created. We believe in teamwork and inspiring each other to be our best in an atmosphere that promotes professionalism and excellence in all that we do. We know that inclusion, equity, and drawing on the strength of a wide spectrum of diverse talent only make us better and is vital to the Firm's success. Our goal is for everyone at the Firm to enjoy a challenging career with opportunities for development and growth and to support the well-being of our attorneys and professional staff.

Benefits

The overall well-being of our team is important to us. We offer generous benefits to help you achieve wellness in all areas of your life. 

• Competitive salaries and year-end discretionary bonuses.
• Comprehensive health care (medical, dental, vision), savings plan/401(k), and voluntary benefits.
• Generous paid time off.
• Paid leave options, including parental.
• In-classroom, remote, and on-demand learning and professional development opportunities.
• Robust well-being classes and programs.
• Opportunities to give back and make an impact in local communities.