Paralegals

Covington offers competitive salary and benefits.

Paralegals are:

• eligible to participate in the firm’s health plans, financial well-being & work-life programs, all commencing with their first day of employment;
• eligible for up to 24 days of Paid Time Off and one elective day per year (pro-rated in the first year);
• eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, based on performance;
• non-exempt so they are paid overtime and are compensated for meals and transportation when working overtime; and
• welcome to use the firm’s complimentary in-house fitness facilities.

At Covington, we recognize the differences among us as an asset and a source of strength. We celebrate this diversity and we recognize the importance of an inclusive workplace - one in which all individuals, regardless of identity, feel safe and respected, can be ourselves, and know that we belong. By recruiting, developing, and promoting a diverse group of paralegals, we advance the interests of our practice, our clients, and our entire profession.

Since its founding, Covington has demonstrated a strong commitment to public service with paralegals playing an important role. Much of our pro bono work is anchored in meeting local needs by representing economically disadvantaged individuals and families in our surrounding communities. As part of this commitment, Covington also partners with two charitable organizations in Washington, DC to provide a unique opportunity for two qualified and highly motivated Covington paralegals to be part their organization for up to a year. This opportunity enables paralegals to work full time at their rotation site while working alongside a Covington associate to serve the organization.

Entry-level paralegal candidates must have a four-year undergraduate degree, strong academic background, and interest in pursuing a legal career. Entry-level paralegals must be willing and able to make a two-year commitment to the firm, which allows them to assess their career interests while gaining professional experience and insight into the practice of law.

Experienced paralegals are career-track litigation (mid-level and senior) or practice specialists. Mid-level litigation paralegals must have two or more years of experience with general litigation matters; and senior litigation paralegals must have five or more years of experience with general litigation matters. Paralegal specialists must have substantial experience in their respective specialty area.

Our paralegals come from varied geographical areas and diverse educational backgrounds. Many of the firm's paralegals are entry-level paralegals who are recent college graduates recruited from top colleges and universities each year. Most entry-level paralegals continue on to graduate studies, including law school, business school, and doctorate studies, or to other professions, while some continue their employment with the firm as generalists or ultimately become a specialist in a particular area of practice. If you are interested in being considered for an open entry-level paralegal position, please send your resume and cover letter to paralegal@cov.com. 

The firm also recruits experienced paralegals and specialists in various practice areas. If you are interested in being considered for an open experienced paralegal position, please send your resume and cover letter to experienced_paralegals@cov.com.

Candidates are first screened on the basis of their resume; if invited in for an interview, are asked to provide college transcripts and professional references.

At Covington, we strive to maintain the highest standards of integrity to ensure the commercial success and reputation of our firm. One means by which we do this is through conducting routine background checks, which is a requirement of joining Covington. The standard pre-employment background checks we may conduct on prospective partners, lawyers, and employees include checks relating to public social media presence, criminal records, education, and employment history. Additional checks may be undertaken appropriate to the requirements of the role. All background checks are conducted in accordance with applicable local laws.

When newly hired paralegals join the firm, they undertake a period of orientation, which includes an overview of firm policies and recommended practices, technology training, and an introduction to the other staff functional segments of the firm, like IT, HR, Marketing, and Litigation Support Services. Litigation and practice group specific training sessions follow, taught by lawyers, senior paralegals, and experienced outside professionals. Refresher training is also provided throughout the year to reinforce Covington practices and procedures, and to introduce new technology and information to staff.

Entry-level paralegals are also assigned a mentor to help them navigate their first few months at Covington. These mentors provide advice, guidance, and most importantly, insight into firm culture.

At the direction of and under supervision of an attorney, entry-level, mid-level, and senior litigation paralegals are responsible for all aspects of case management and support; and paralegal specialists support their assigned Practice Groups with all pertinent tasks.

Entry-level paralegals most frequently work on general litigation matters and are usually assigned full-time to three or four cases, though opportunities often arise for varied short-term projects. Experienced litigation paralegals assist in the management of complex litigation matters, including trial preparation and participation as well as mentoring entry-level paralegals. Paralegal specialists support the firm’s practice groups in such areas as communications, intellectual property, and life sciences. In addition, all paralegals may assist attorneys on pro bono matters.

Typical litigation tasks performed by paralegals entail: organizing and maintaining documents and databases; using LexisNexis or Westlaw to pull cases and cite-check briefs; and, preparing attorneys for client meetings, depositions, hearings, and trials. Paralegals working on transactional matters will typically be engaged in organizing and maintaining due diligence documents, working with documents from SEC databases and client websites, and interfacing with corporate service companies to prepare attorney teams for corporate filings and closings.