Legal Assistant - Litigation

Provide comprehensive legal and executive support to attorneys in the Litigation area. Responsibilities include trial preparation, document production, electronic filing, data entry, and marketing contact management. The Legal Assistant is also responsible for extensive calendar management and travel arrangements, frequently interacting with clients both by phone and in person. Organizes and maintains all files related to practice and administrative matters according to the attorneys' preferences.

Job Functions :

• Maintains attorneys' calendar and contact lists as requested. Arranges all aspects of both internal and external client meetings and conferences. Stays apprised of calendars and actively communicates changes or reminders as needed. Coordinates all business-related travel arrangements. Assumes expertise of Firm calendar management software.
• Provides trial preparation support, including reservation of court reporter, reservation of trial prep space, working with external vendors to reserve offsite "war room", hearing and breakout rooms, coordinates shipping of necessary documents, supplies, and technology, organizes meals and client group dinners, and travels when necessary to assist trial team onsite.
• Provides general legal administrative support to the attorneys which may include typing and drafting documents, liaising with marketing / client accounting departments, answering phones, scheduling appointments, calendar management, dictation, expense processing, and opening and distributing mail. Maintains strict confidentiality in all interactions and ensures that day to day support for team runs smoothly and effectively.
• Prepares legal documents, correspondence, memos, letters, and reports. Assists with drafting and preparing documents such as petitions, motions, and interrogatories. Establishes and maintains files and enters data into a case management system. Assists in preparing written and oral presentations. Organizes, summarizes, and indexes documents. Sends and retrieves documents from Record Center as needed and follows workflow procedures as it relates to opening / closing matters and generating engagement / disengagement letters.
• Reviews, revises, and disseminates monthly client billing statements; maintains annual client rate structures and ensures individual matter budgeting parameters are met; liaises with billing department.
• Responds to routine inquires for both internal and external contacts; refers calls to other contacts as needed and transcribes voicemail messages. Utilizes strong communication skills, both written and verbal, to ensure information is obtained and relayed in a professional manner. Maintains a courteous and service driven demeanor at all times.
• Maintains familiarity with legal terminology, state and federal court filing rules, basic legal procedure and law firm document protocol. Has knowledge of legal document formats such as contracts, agreements, briefs, summonses, complaints, and motions.
• Keeps the attorneys informed about upcoming commitments and responsibilities, ensuring appropriate follow-up.
• Manages own workload, reprioritizing as unanticipated situations arise; adjust schedules to meet new and changing deadlines.
• Ensures a high level of service when interacting with clients, opposing counsel and other related internal and external contacts. Maintains discretion and sound judgment at all times, while assuming a helpful, proactive and professional manner. Supports and cultivates service standards as expected by the Firm.
• Utilizes time-entry billing systems to record, edit, and submit timesheets.
• Supports team work not only within the practice area but also in the Firm as a whole. Assists others with questions, projects, and basic task work consistently. Takes the initiative to orient new employees, assistants and associates regarding Firm processes and procedures.
• Takes initiative to build on existing skills through both self-directed development as well as Firm sponsored training programs. Shows willingness to share knowledge or specialty with others in the Firm.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Essential Competencies :

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