Legal Assistant

Responsibilities

• Strong verbal and writing skills; wants to be part of a client focused team helping clients handle legal issues.
• Capable of performing a variety of clerical and administrative duties using various computer programs typically related to a litigation practice by assisting attorneys in a supportive role.
• Prepares, processes, and proofreads legal documents;
• Mails, faxes, copies, and/or arranges for delivery of documents to clients, witnesses, opposing counsel and court officials;
• Maintains filing systems, control records and indexes using moderate independent judgment;
• Data management including time entry, document databases, email and hard copies;
• Coordinates and participates in document production;
• Obtains information using the Westlaw and Lexis systems;
• Communicates with clients, court personnel, experts, attorneys and others via telephone, email, in person, and in writing, obtaining and giving information as directed;
• Aids in trial preparation including preparation of trial books, exhibits, etc.;
• May transcribe dictation from dictating machine, as required by the supervising attorney(s);
• Maintains supervisor(s) calendar electronically and/or manually by scheduling appointments and critical dates and keeping supervisor posted of same;
• Opens and closes files, and maintains client and business files by filing and retrieving materials as required;
• Screens phone calls; records and delivers messages and provide callers with information as authorized by attorney;
• Makes travel arrangements through the Firm’s designated Travel Agency;
• Presents and edits client invoices for billing purposes;
• Enters and maintains attorneys’ time sheets, as required;
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Acceptable Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• 5+ years of legal secretarial experience in a related area of law.
• Ability to type 65 wpm – excellent spelling, punctuation and grammar required and knowledge of legal terminology. May be required to know real estate closing procedures and terminology.
• Competent in the use of computers and Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Power Point and Microsoft Outlook.
• Excellent organizational skills and people skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.

Additional Desirable Qualifications

• College degree
• Paralegal skills