Position Overview
Tucker Ellis LLP is seeking an experienced Complex Litigation Paralegal to join our Business Litigation Group in our Cleveland office. This role will support attorneys in all phases of complex commercial and business litigation, with a particular focus on case management, discovery, eDiscovery, and trial preparation.
The ideal candidate will have experience supporting complex litigation matters on the defense side and assisting attorneys through the critical stages leading up to trial. Prior trial experience is preferred; however, we welcome candidates with strong litigation and eDiscovery backgrounds who are interested in developing their trial-support skills and gaining hands-on trial experience as part of their professional growth at Tucker Ellis LLP.
This position may require travel in connection with trial preparation and trial attendance. When not actively preparing for or supporting trial activities, the paralegal will support the Business Litigation Group from the Cleveland office. Tucker Ellis offers hybrid flexibility; however, a minimum of three days per week in the office is required, with additional in-office time expected during periods of intensive trial preparation.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide litigation support throughout all phases of complex business and commercial litigation matters, from inception through resolution.
- Assist attorneys with fact investigation, case analysis, discovery strategy, and trial preparation.
- Draft, edit, proofread, and manage pleadings, motions, discovery requests and responses, subpoenas, and other litigation-related documents.
- Coordinate and manage large-scale document productions and electronically stored information (ESI).
- Utilize eDiscovery platforms to organize, review, analyze, and produce documents, with experience using Relativity strongly preferred.
- Prepare deposition materials, witness files, exhibit lists, trial binders, and other trial-support materials.
- Support attorneys during trial preparation and, when applicable, provide in-person trial support.
- File pleadings in state and federal courts and manage court-related deadlines and filings.
- Conduct factual research, public records investigations, and docket searches.
- Summarize depositions, discovery responses, and business records.
- Maintain case files, calendars, litigation databases, and document repositories.
- Collaborate effectively with attorneys, paralegals, and support staff to meet client needs and litigation deadlines.
Required Skills & Qualifications
- Minimum of three years of litigation paralegal experience, preferably supporting complex commercial, business, or defense-side litigation matters.
- Strong experience managing discovery and eDiscovery processes.
- Experience with litigation support and document review platforms, including Relativity (preferred).
- Demonstrated involvement in trial preparation, including exhibit management, witness preparation, and trial logistics.
- Prior trial attendance and courtroom support experience is preferred but not required.
- Knowledge of state and federal court procedures and filing requirements.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, and litigation support technology.
- Excellent organizational, project management, and attention-to-detail skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills and a collaborative, team-oriented mindset.
Education & Certifications
- Associate's degree, bachelor's degree, or paralegal certificate from an ABA-approved or accredited paralegal program preferred.
- Equivalent combination of education, training, and relevantΒ litigationΒ paralegal experience will be considered.
- Paralegal certification (e.g., CP, ACP, RP, or comparable credential) is a plus but not required.
- Commitment to ongoing professional development and staying current on litigation technology, eDiscovery practices, and court procedures.
Compensation
Target salary range will begin at $87,000 + and will be commensurate with experience, qualifications, and relevant litigation, eDiscovery, and trial-support expertise. Tucker Ellis offers a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for professional growth and development.
Working Conditions
- Work is performed primarily in a typical office setting.
- Hybrid work environment with a minimum expectation of three days per week in the Cleveland office when not actively preparing for or supporting trial activities.
- Increased in-office presence may be required during active trial preparation and trial periods.
- Opportunities to provide in-person trial support will arise as business needs dictate. Most trials are expected to take place within Northeast Ohio, though occasional out-of-state travel a few times per year may be necessary.
- Trial preparation and support may require extended or flexible hours to meet client and case demands.
- Some hybrid flexibility may be available when not actively preparing for or supporting trial activities, depending on business needs.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Tucker Ellis LLP is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. We celebrate diversity and foster an inclusive workplace for all.
Non-Solicitation Notice
Tucker Ellis LLP does not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters. Any resumes submitted without a prior signed agreement will be considered property of the firm, and no placement fees will be paid.