Legal Assistant

Role Overview

• Type, proofread, format and edit correspondence, pleadings, memorandums, agreements and other legal documents under time-sensitive deadlines.
• Some pleading drafting.
• Conversion of both paper and electronic files to pdf format
• Heavy court filings including serving pleadings with the court and on opposing and associated counsel, at state and federal level and in many different venues
• Open new client and new matter files
• Maintain attorney and client files, both paper and electronic formats.
• Maintain email and electronic files
• Organize and maintain binders for trial, working papers, and business development purposes
• Schedule appointments, depositions, meetings; maintain calendars; make travel arrangements; set up conference calls
• Track litigation deadlines, provide deadlines to docketing and confirm deadlines are docketed correctly
• Answer, screen and respond to phone calls
• Open and route mail and email, attaching files and documents
• Enter attorney time into time-keeping program
• Maintain and track CLE records for attorneys
• Prepare and submit expense/reimbursement reports
• Assist fellow secretaries and additional attorneys as needed

Requirements

• 7+ years’ experience as a litigation secretary or litigation legal assistant
• Strong skills in word processing and computer use: ability to type 85 wpm with high accuracy; proficiency in MS Office Products (Word, Outlook, Excel) and Adobe Acrobat required; some knowledge of PowerPoint, time keeping programs, NetDocs preferred; ability to perform internet research
• Current experience filing documents with State and Federal Courts, including electronic filing.
• Ability to read and understand court rules, including rules for courts you have not worked with before, and to ensure compliance with assigned judge’s Individual Rules and Practices
• High attention to detail and sensitivity to confidential and sensitive materials
• High level of energy
• Very fast paced desk and attorneys; ability to prioritize on a constant and high level basis
• Ability and willingness to learn new programs and program updates
• Excellent transcription, grammar, proofreading and organizational skills
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, with all levels of a professional services organization, including interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a team-oriented, service focused environment and to handle stressful situations in a calm, composed manner
• Ability to communicate by telephone in a professional, courteous manner with clients, firm members, and other business contacts
• Ability to prioritize tasks on a desk and to handle multiple demands from multiple people
• Ability to understand and follow work instructions with minimal supervision
• Ability to follow client confidentiality guidelines
• Ability to read and write in English
• High School Diploma or GED, Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Benefits

• Choice of health and vision insurance plans
• 2 paid volunteer days for qualifying community service work
• Dental plan
• Fertility and adoption benefit
• Paid sabbatical after 13 years of service
• Tuition reimbursement
• Commuter benefits
• Retirement contribution