BANKRUPTCY PARALEGAL JOB DESCRIPTION

A Bankruptcy Paralegal handles the document lifecycle of federal insolvency proceedings from petition through plan confirmation. Few legal support roles carry exposure to both the debtor and creditor sides of Chapter 11 restructuring, which shapes how this person reads a case and anticipates what counsel needs next. Familiarity with CM/ECF electronic filing requirements and PACER docket monitoring is a baseline expectation, not a differentiator. The role demands sustained accuracy under court-imposed deadlines that cannot move.

As the Bankruptcy Paralegal, you own the preparation, filing, and tracking of pleadings and case materials that keep active restructuring and adversary matters on schedule, directly supporting attorney effectiveness on high-volume federal dockets. You will typically manage 150 or more concurrent case files, working within a bankruptcy practice group that represents creditors, debtors, or both across multi-district proceedings.

Career Impact: Deep experience managing complex Chapter 11 case files across both debtor and creditor representations builds the kind of procedural fluency that senior bankruptcy counsel actively seek when staffing large restructuring engagements.

Business Impact: Attorneys handling high-volume federal dockets depend on accurate, timely filings and docket monitoring to protect client interests at every court-imposed deadline; errors at this stage directly affect case outcomes.

Growth Opportunity: Paralegals who develop expertise in fee application preparation, SOFA and disclosure statement assembly, and appellate process management are well-positioned to advance into senior paralegal or legal project management roles within restructuring practices.

• Draft pleadings, motions, proofs of claim, fee applications, and notices for attorney review and approval.
• File documents electronically with federal Bankruptcy and District Courts in compliance with local and federal procedural rules.
• Monitor PACER docket reports daily and communicate case status updates to supervising attorneys.
• Manage 150 or more active case files, maintaining electronic and hard-copy records with strict attention to deadline tracking.
• Liaise with clients, outside counsel, creditors, and third parties to coordinate information exchange and case activity.
• Prepare hearing materials including agendas, binders, and certifications of counsel for scheduled court proceedings.
• Review billable hours and prepare monthly fee statements, interim applications, and final compensation submissions.
• Conduct legal research to locate precedent documents and verify citation accuracy in briefs and court filings.

• Bachelor's degree in Paralegal Studies, Legal Studies, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• 3 or more years of paralegal experience in a law firm bankruptcy or litigation practice, with direct exposure to federal court filings.
• Working knowledge of Chapter 11 restructuring processes, including petitions, schedules, SOFAs, and plans of reorganization.
• Demonstrated experience with CM/ECF electronic filing and PACER docket retrieval within federal courts.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to correspond professionally with attorneys, clients, and court personnel.
• Proven ability to manage a high-volume caseload, prioritize competing deadlines, and maintain accuracy under pressure.
• Sound judgment in handling confidential case materials and exercising discretion across all client communications.

• Certification through NALA or NFPA, indicating formal credentialing beyond on-the-job experience.
• Prior experience in multi-district or complex Chapter 11 cases representing both debtors and creditors' committees.
• Familiarity with Delaware bankruptcy local rules or other major federal district court procedures for restructuring matters.
• Experience preparing disclosure statements, plans of reorganization, and fee applications under U.S. Trustee guidelines.

• Case filing accuracy rate, measuring the percentage of submissions accepted by the court without procedural rejection.
• Docket monitoring coverage, tracking whether all ECF alerts and deadline-sensitive filings are flagged and actioned same day.
• Case file currency, reflecting how consistently the 150-plus active files are updated after each court event or client communication.
• Fee application turnaround time, measuring days elapsed from attorney time review to submission of monthly invoices.
• Deadline adherence rate across the managed caseload, distinguishing this role from general litigation support metrics.
• Typical tools: federal e-filing platforms (commonly CM/ECF); docket monitoring systems (commonly PACER); vendor management platforms (commonly VendorScape, LPS).

• Base Salary Range: $55,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on experience and market
• Bonus: Discretionary year-end bonus common in law firm settings
• Equity: Not typically offered at paralegal level
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage standard
• PTO: 15 to 20 days annually, plus standard federal holidays
• Common Perks: Overtime pay or comp time, CLE reimbursement, legal research platform access

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. Employment in this role is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, which may include a review of criminal history consistent with applicable law. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process upon request. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law.

The Bankruptcy Paralegal delivers end-to-end litigation support across all phases of bankruptcy proceedings, compiling written materials, drafting court documents, and managing electronic filings through CM/ECF on behalf of supervising attorneys. The role operates within a practice group environment, coordinating directly with firm leadership and court personnel to keep case files, discovery tracking, and attorney calendars aligned with court deadlines.

Key Responsibilities

• Compile, prepare, and summarize written materials for attorney use in all phases of bankruptcy litigation.
• Draft routine court documents for attorney review and approval.
• Prepare and file pleadings and docketed materials electronically using CM/ECF and related platforms.
• Maintain case files and track document discovery.
• Manage attorney calendars with attention to court dates and case-related deadlines.
• Index, track, and control exhibits and materials for depositions, hearings, and trials.
• Perform general administrative support functions to meet deadlines and further practice group objectives.

Required Qualifications

• Strong organizational and administrative skills with a detail-oriented approach.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Able to quickly master court filing software, law firm billing systems, and legal research platforms.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to address firm leadership and court personnel professionally.
• Self-motivated with a proactive approach to anticipating issues and delivering high customer service.
• Proven track record of reliability, responsibility, and team-focused support at all levels.
• Available to work overtime as needed to meet client and court deadlines.

Embedded within a specialty law firm representing financial institutions, investors, and mortgage banking clients, the Bankruptcy Paralegal builds and sustains a caseload of 150 or more active files through vendor systems, PACER monitoring, and direct client liaison. Working closely with attorneys, outside counsel, and third parties, this role enables high-volume bankruptcy proceedings to advance efficiently by serving as the primary telephone point of contact and managing all filing, tracking, and hearing preparation activities.

Core Functions

• Draft motions, proofs of claim, responses, and various other pleadings as needed.
• Review court dockets via PACER and monitor ECF emails for important filings.
• Notate the in-house file tracking system and liaise with clients through vendor systems, updating as needed.
• Oversee and manage 150+ case files.
• Research process information while following established procedures.
• Communicate with attorneys, clients, third parties, and outside counsel.
• Act as telephone point of contact for all files in caseload and prepare files and notes for hearings.
• Provide staff support for firm attorneys and perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 3 years of office-related experience in a busy legal setting.
• Previous bankruptcy experience required.
• Experience in file processing, working with attorneys, and working with lenders preferred.
• Previous experience with VendorScape, LPS, and other vendor-related software preferred.
• Able to maintain records, prepare reports, and manage a large caseload in a fast-paced environment.
• High proficiency with computers and technology.
• Strong written, verbal, and organizational skills.

Reporting to firm attorneys, the Bankruptcy Paralegal owns the preparation and filing of complex Chapter 11 pleadings, including agendas, fee applications, certifications of counsel, and forms of motions across large restructuring cases and adversary proceedings. Partnering with clients, creditors, and interested parties across multi-district proceedings, this role enables litigation teams to move complex bankruptcy matters from initial filing through appellate processes with accuracy and procedural compliance.

Primary Duties

• Assist attorneys representing debtors, creditors, creditors' committees, and other parties in large Chapter 11 restructuring cases and adversary proceedings.
• Draft documents including agendas, fee applications, certifications of counsel, notices, and forms of motions.
• Analyze due diligence materials regarding all aspects of a company's business operations.
• Prepare pleadings and complete daily assignments supporting active litigation matters and trial preparation.
• Correspond with clients, creditors, and other interested parties regarding case issues.
• Move cases through multi-district proceedings, including filing, managing appellate processes, and handling dispositioned matters.
• Maintain and organize litigation files, case materials, and research on case and statute validity.

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 3 years of paralegal experience, or 5 years of paralegal experience in lieu of degree.
• Degree in Paralegal or Legal Studies highly preferred, with all disciplines welcome to apply.
• Certification by NALA or NFPA is beneficial but not required.
• Previous law firm experience in federal and state litigation, particularly complex bankruptcy representing debtors and creditors.
• Experience with CM/ECF or local e-filing processes strongly preferred, including familiarity with Delaware court local rules.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, including virtual communication via phone and videoconference.
• Able to use sound judgment, work independently, prioritize under pressure, maintain confidentiality, and collaborate effectively in a team environment.

Sitting at the intersection of procedural precision and complex case management, the Bankruptcy Paralegal shapes a high-volume docket by preparing Pro Hac Vice filings, Chapter 11 petitions, SOFAs, monthly fee statements, and compensation applications across both Bankruptcy and District Courts. Operating across electronic and hard-copy case files, PACER docket monitoring, and direct attorney communication, this role enables litigation teams to maintain accurate, deadline-driven Chapter 11 proceedings from petition through plan of reorganization.

Duties

• Manage assigned cases and their related tasks and projects.
• Prepare pleadings including Pro Hac Vice, notices of hearing, hearing agendas, and certificates of no objection.
• Assist with Chapter 11 petitions, schedules, SOFAs, unsecured creditor lists, and first-day motions.
• Verify legal authority in briefs and memos and ensure accuracy of Bluebook citation format.
• Review local and federal bankruptcy rules and administrative orders to ensure filings are in proper form.
• Electronically file documents with Bankruptcy and District Courts and serve documents per case management orders.
• Prepare monthly fee statements, interim and final compensation applications, and expense reimbursement submissions.
• Monitor PACER dockets daily, retrieve pleadings, conduct precedent research, and communicate case status to attorneys.
• Manage high-volume electronic and hard copy case files, edit filed documents, and maintain case calendars.

Requirements

• Minimum 5 to 7 years of experience in Bankruptcy Court procedures and practices.
• Familiarity with Chapter 11 reorganization, including SOFAs, fee applications, disclosure statements, and plans of reorganization.
• Prior experience in a law firm bankruptcy group representing debtors and creditors in complex Chapter 11 matters.
• Experience with e-filing in federal Bankruptcy and District Courts, including CM/ECF and PACER.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, and able to conduct research using Westlaw and Courtlink.
• High level of accuracy, attention to detail, accountability, and ability to manage multiple priorities under deadlines.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent teamwork and client service orientation.