U.S. Paraprofessionals

Overview

For several decades, Reed Smith has employed paralegals and other professionals to assist its attorneys in better serving clients. Reed Smith classifies all of its Paralegals, Case Assistants and Practice Group Specialists as “Paraprofessionals” for recruiting, evaluation, compensation and work assignment purposes. Reed Smith is committed to providing paraprofessionals with first-class career and professional development opportunities through its professional development program, CareerRS, and its award-winning internal educational program, Reed Smith University, all of which complement the training and development one receives on the job.

Reed Smith has paraprofessionals throughout the firm's U.S. offices and practice groups. They operate in a team environment and are encouraged to participate in cross-office and cross-practice assignments in order to provide efficient and high-quality service to clients. Our paraprofessionals have varied backgrounds and a wide breadth of experience relating to their practice areas. Each office further has a paraprofessional Coordinator assigned to help distribute work among the paraprofessionals. The Coordinators work directly with attorneys and each other to tackle projects so the work can be done quickly and efficiently.

Reed Smith also encourages paraprofessionals to give back to their communities through numerous pro bono initiatives and involvement in community activities.

Current Team

Reed Smith currently has approximately 150 paraprofessionals throughout 14 U.S. offices. They have a range of experience from just a few years to more than 30 years. The paraprofessionals provide a wide variety of skilled legal services to all practice groups and clients.

Recruitment

Reed Smith seeks to hire highly qualified and trained paralegals, as well as entry-level paralegals and recent college graduates, for its paraprofessional program. We utilize a successful multi-level tiering structure in order to offer clients paraprofessionals with different levels of experience, to meet their needs in the most cost-effective manner. This also allows Reed Smith to provide paraprofessionals with opportunities for advancement within the firm.

Reed Smith recruits paraprofessionals with a strong commitment to professionalism, excellent client service, integrity and teamwork. We are committed to diversity. We are also committed to providing challenging work in the best working environment to allow paraprofessionals to grow within the profession and within the firm.

CareeRS Professional Development Program

This program provides a competencies-based approach to development that identifies what is expected of Reed Smith paraprofessionals at various career tier levels and what it takes to advance to the next tier; focused development resources that will help navigate a path to career satisfaction and success; the opportunity to take advantage of mentoring and RSU educational services, and a competencies-based performance review process.

Reviews and Benefits

Reed Smith believes in providing timely and meaningful feedback to its paraprofessionals. In addition to an annual performance review, we do informal evaluations for all new paraprofessional hires after their first three months with the firm. We also encourage our attorneys to provide real-time feedback during the year.

Reed Smith provides a comprehensive compensation program to paraprofessionals, including competitive salaries, merit increases and bonuses. We provide a wide selection of benefits, including health and insurance plans, paid time off, paid holidays, and a 401(k) plan with a 7.5 percent firm contribution. In addition, we offer optional college saving plans, reimbursement accounts, transportation benefits, tuition reimbursement and an employee assistance program.

Openings

We thank you for your interest in Reed Smith. As positions become available, our site will be updated with the position description, location and job requirements.

For open positions only – please submit all resumes to:
Janet A. Sullivan
Senior Paraprofessional Manager
2500 One Liberty Place
Philadelphia, PA 19103

By email to:

By fax to: 215.851.1420