The Employment Paralegal Associate will support litigation and compliance, conduct legal research, prepare documents, and ensure HR compliance with labor laws.
Grant Thornton is seeking an Employment Paralegal Associate to join the team in Chicago, IL.
Grant Thornton Advisors LLC seeks an experienced labor & employment paralegal to join its dynamic in-house legal team to provide comprehensive support to employment attorneys and the legal department in litigation, compliance, contract review and drafting. To excel in this role, you should have a strong understanding of labor and employment laws, experience supporting litigation activity, excellent communication and organizational skills, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
Responsibilities
- Provide litigation support, including collection, review and preparation of documents for discovery;
- Conduct legal research and provide analysis on labor and employment laws, regulations and case law & provide updates and recommendations for compliance;
- Collaborate with HR and other internal teams to ensure compliance with employment-related laws and regulations;
- Assist with review of employment and benefits related vendor contracts;
- Manage and maintain legal documents and files related to labor and employment matters; provide regular analysis and reporting on metrics and trends;
- Monitor case deadlines and maintain accurate calendar tracking for cases;
- Support employee-related investigations, including attending witness interviews and preparing notes or summaries;
- Support drafting and review of employee handbook policies and procedures to ensure compliance with relevant laws;
- Assist in the preparation and review of cease & desist letters, employment-related contracts and agreements;
- Communicate with external parties, such as government agencies and outside counsel, as needed;
- Participate in the development and implementation of training programs for employees on various labor and employment topics;
- Assist with additional administrative tasks, including creating presentations, scheduling meetings, managing calendars, and organizing documents;
- Maintain confidentiality, privilege and handle sensitive information with the highest discretion;
- Collaborate with other paralegals and legal assistants to ensure efficient and effective workflow, including supporting work across other legal areas, as needed; and
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Minimum of 3+ years recent experience working as an employment paralegal within a law firm or in-house capacity
- Associate or Bachelor’s Degree
- Paralegal certification preferred
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Proficiency with legal research tools, document management software, case management databases, reporting software, and Microsoft 365 applications (e.g., Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams and PowerPoint)
- Experience using Microsoft Copilot or other AI-productivity tools to support and assist with job responsibilities
- Strong attention to detail and organizational/prioritization abilities
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment and to multi-task
- Ability to work in-person/on-site at least 3x per week
- Ability to travel as needed
The base salary range for this position is between $75,000 and $85,000. Placement within the pay range is at Grant Thornton’s discretion, and it is based on multiple factors, including but not limited to, job-related knowledge/skills, experience, business needs, progression within the role, geographic location, and internal equity. At Grant Thornton, compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.
About UsAt Grant Thornton, we believe in making business more personal and building trust into every result – for our clients and you. Here, we go beyond your expectations of a career in professional services by offering a career path with more: more opportunity, more flexibility, and more support. It’s what makes us different, and we think being different makes us better.In the U.S., Grant Thornton delivers professional services through two specialized entities: Grant Thornton LLP, a licensed, certified public accounting (CPA) firm that provides audit and assurance services ― and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC (not a licensed CPA firm), which exclusively provides non-attest offerings, including tax and advisory services.
In 2025, Grant Thornton formed a multinational, multidisciplinary platform with Grant Thornton Ireland. The platform offers a premier Trans-Atlantic advisory and tax practice, as well as independent American and Irish audit practices. With $2.7 billion in revenues and more than 50 offices spanning the U.S., Ireland and other territories, the platform delivers a singular client experience that includes enhanced solutions and capabilities, backed by powerful technologies and a roster of 12,000 quality-driven professionals enjoying exceptional career-growth opportunities and a distinctive cross-border culture.
Grant Thornton is part of the Grant Thornton International Limited network, which provides access to its member firms in more than 150 global markets. About the TeamThe team you’re about to join is ready to help you thrive. Here’s how:
• Whether it's your work location, weekly schedule, or flex time off, we empower you with the options to work the way that it best serves your clients and your life. Consistent with the firm's hybrid work model, this position will require in-person attendance at least three days per week, either at a GT office or client site.
• Here, you are supported to prioritize your overall well-being through work-life integration options that work best for you and those in your household.
• We understand that your needs, responsibilities and experiences are different — and we think that’s a good thing. That’s why we support you with personalized and comprehensive benefits that recognize and empower all the identities, roles and aspirations that make you, well, you. See how at www.gt.com/careers
• When it comes to inclusion, we are committed to doing more than checking boxes. Explore all the ways we’re taking action for diversity, equity & inclusion at www.gt.com/careers
Here’s what you can expect next:
If you apply and are selected to interview, a Grant Thornton team member will reach out to you to schedule a time to connect. We encourage you to also check out other roles that may be a good fit for you or get to know us a little bit better at www.gt.com/careers.
Benefits:
We understand that your needs, responsibilities and experiences are different, and we think that’s a good thing. That’s why we support you with personalized and comprehensive benefits that recognize and empower all the identities, roles and aspirations that make you, well, you. For an overview of our benefit offerings, please visit: https://www.grantthornton.com/careers/rewards-and-benefits
- Benefits for internship positions: Grant Thornton interns are eligible to participate in the firm’s medical, dental and vision insurance programs and the firm’s employee assistance program. Interns also receive a minimum of 72 hours of paid sick leave and are paid for firm holidays that fall within their internship period.
- Benefits for seasonal employee positions: Grant Thornton seasonal employees are eligible to participate in the firm’s medical, dental and vision insurance programs and the firm’s employee assistance program. Seasonal employees may also be eligible to participate in the firm’s 401(k) savings plan and employee retirement plan in accordance with applicable plan terms and eligibility requirements. Seasonal employees receive a minimum of 72 hours of paid sick leave.
Grant Thornton employees may be eligible for a discretionary, annual bonus based on individual and firm performance, subject to the terms, conditions and eligibility criteria of the applicable bonus plan or program. Interns and seasonal employees are not eligible for bonus compensation.
Additional Details:
It is the policy of Grant Thornton to promote equal employment opportunities. All personnel decisions (including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, working conditions, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, evaluations, and termination) are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital or civil union status, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic predisposition or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws, it is the policy of Grant Thornton to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. To make an accommodation request, please contact [email protected].
For Los Angeles Applicants only: We will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with Criminal Histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.
For Massachusetts Applicants only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Grant Thornton does not require or administer lie detector tests as a condition of employment or continued employment.
Grant Thornton LLP (US) Chicago, Illinois, USA Office
171 N. Clark Street, Suite 200, Chicago, IL, United States, 60601
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