A well-established Southern Illinois law office is seeking an experienced Legal Assistant or Paralegal to join its legal support team. Candidates will be considered based on the work they have actually performed, regardless of their current or previous job title. This is not an entry-level or training position. The successful candidate must be able to independently manage assigned responsibilities, prepare legal documents, monitor deadlines, and provide meaningful support to attorneys in an active litigation practice. The office offers a professional, collaborative environment that values sound judgment, accuracy, organization, confidentiality, and compassionate client service. Primary Responsibilities

• Independently draft pleadings, discovery, correspondence, notices, motions, and other legal documents
• Manage case files, court dates, calendars, and critical deadlines
• Complete electronic filing in Illinois state courts
• Organize and respond to discovery
• Assist attorneys with hearing, deposition, and trial preparation
• Communicate professionally with clients, courts, opposing counsel, and outside professionals
• Review files and identify outstanding tasks, deadlines, and needed follow-up
• Conduct legal and factual research as needed
• Maintain accurate records and case-management information Required Qualifications
• A minimum of three years of substantive legal-support experience performing paralegal-level or advanced legal-assistant duties
• Demonstrated ability to independently draft legal documents
• Regular experience with electronic filing in Illinois courts
• Strong knowledge of litigation procedures, deadlines, and case organization
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and legal case-management software
• Professional judgment and strict respect for confidentiality Preferred Qualifications
• Family-law experience involving divorce, allocation of parental responsibilities, parenting time, child support, maintenance, or related matters
• Experience preparing discovery and assisting with contested hearings or trials
• Paralegal certificate, degree, comparable legal training, or substantial equivalent law-office experience
• Three or more years of directly relevant experience

Pay:

$25.00 - $32.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Disability insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Application Question(s): How many years of substantive legal-support experience do you have, and what titles have you held while performing that work? How frequently have you electronically filed pleadings and other documents in Illinois courts?

Please indicate:

regularly, occasionally, or never. What types of pleadings, discovery, or other legal documents have you independently drafted?

Work Location:

In person