Manager, Paralegal Services - Chicago - Jenner & Block

Description

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Jenner & Block LLP is a law firm with a fearless reputation and global reach, high-level problem solvers in litigation, government controversies, investigations, regulatory challenges, and complex corporate transactions. With offices in Century City, Chicago, London, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Washington, DC, the firm represents a wide range of clients, counseling Fortune 100 companies, large privately held corporations, major nonprofits, top universities, private equity investors, and Native American tribes. Consistently recognized as a firm that stands up for its values with its commitment to justice and community service, Jenner has been named the No. 1 pro bono firm 13 times in the United States by The American Lawyer.

If the following job requirements and experience match your skills, please ensure you apply promptly.

POSTION SUMMARY

As a leader within the career strategy function, the Manager of Paralegal Services oversees and drives the development, performance, and effectiveness of paralegal professionals and contributes to firmwide initiatives and growth. This role partners closely with legal teams, administrative leadership, the professional development team, and paralegal supervisors across offices to deliver consistent, high-quality, and efficient paralegal support aligned with the firm's strategic priorities. This role will serve as an advocate for the paralegals across the firm to ensure processes are streamlined and paralegals have the training support and resources they need to meaningfully contribute to their matter teams.

This individual plays a key role in talent management, resource planning, and operational excellence. The Manager ensures high levels of client satisfaction, team performance, and cross-office collaboration to support firmwide goals and legal service delivery.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Leadership & Strategic Oversight

• Partner with other firm departments to shape and implement strategic initiatives that ensure the consistent delivery of best-in-class paralegal services across all offices and practice groups.
• Provide leadership and advocacy for paralegal professionals, aligning team goals with firm priorities, ensuring staffing levels meet business needs, and promoting a collaborative, high-performance culture.
• Serve as a liaison between legal teams and support departments to ensure seamless integration of paralegal resources within case teams.
• Coordinate and lead monthly meetings with supervisors to evaluate paralegal staffing and caseloads.

Talent Management & Development

• Lead the recruitment, onboarding, and development of paralegal talent; identify growth opportunities aligned with individual and firm needs.
• Conduct performance evaluations, establish development plans, and provide real-time coaching and mentorship to promote continuous improvement and career advancement.
• Monitor performance metrics, manage workload distribution, and ensure billable hour targets are met across the team.
• Establish monthly firm-wide paralegal meetings to discuss firm business, review big cases and flush out ideas on areas of interest for additional training.

Operational Excellence

• Optimize workflows, resource allocation, and project staffing.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies and professional development requirements (e.g., CLE, technical competencies).
• Monitor team engagement, morale, and productivity, proactively addressing performance or employee relations issues in partnership with Human Resources.

Client Service & Professional Standards

• Partner with the paralegal supervisors and the paralegal team to ensure teams have the resources they need to deliver responsive, client-focused service and maintain adherence to the highest standards of legal and ethical practice.
• Partner with attorneys and administrative leadership to identify opportunities for improved service delivery and efficiency.

Change Management & Innovation

• Champion the use of new technologies and practice-specific tools to enhance productivity and collaboration.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, best practices, and innovations in legal service delivery; serve as a thought leader within the department and broader firm.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of five (5) years as a practicing paralegal in a law firm or corporate legal department; IP, litigation, or transactional experience preferred.
• Bachelor's degree and/or Paralegal Certificate from an ABA-approved program required.
• Periodic travel to regional offices to support collaboration and projects.
• Proven leadership experience managing legal support teams or paralegal departments in a fast-paced, service-driven environment.
• Demonstrated ability to drive operational excellence, deliver results, and lead high-performing teams.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively at all levels of the organization.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and practice-specific technologies; experience with SharePoint, Relativity, Lexis/Westlaw, and trial support software is a plus.
• Must be able to work in a hybrid office setting and meet the physical demands of the position.
• Committed to maintaining confidentiality and upholding the highest standards of professional ethics.
• Active participation in professional organizations such as IPMA is encouraged.

Disclaimer

Additional Duties

This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the primary duties and responsibilities for the position. It is not an exhaustive list of all tasks or responsibilities that may be assigned. The role may include additional duties, specialized projects, and other tasks as required. The firm reserves the right to modify or adjust the responsibilities to meet business needs.

Physical Requirements

Candidates must be able to meet the physical demands of the position, including the ability to commute to the office as required on designated in-office days based on the position. The firm is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for qualified individuals with disabilities.

EEO Statement

Jenner & Block LLP is an equal opportunity employer. Recruitment and employment decisions are not made on the basis of an individual's race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability or medical condition, genetic information, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity and/or expression, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions, arrest record, matriculation, personal appearance, political affiliation, marital, parental, veteran, military, or order of protection status, or any other protected status or that of their relatives, friends, or associates.

Jenner & Block is proud to offer a competitive total rewards package, including comprehensive health & well-being benefits and 401k profit sharing. The anticipated pay range for this role is $175,000 to $200,000 in Chicago. xhmxlyz The actual offered rate for this position will be determined based on several factors, including qualifications and experience, geographic location, education, external market data, and consideration of internal equity.