Legal Assistant

National law firm Michael Best & Friedrich LLP is seeking a proactive, highly organized, and tech-forward administrative support professional to join our Wilmington, North Carolina office. This role supports the North Carolina Managing Partner and the firm’s National Strategic Growth Partner, whose practice focuses on General Corporate, Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), Corporate Governance, Litigation (General), and related areas.

Responsibilities

• Manage an active calendar of appointments, schedule meetings, video calls, and travel plans on behalf of attorneys, ensuring optimal performance of the schedule.
• Keep attorneys well informed and up to date on upcoming commitments and responsibilities through excellent verbal and written communication.
• Draft, review, and manage client-facing emails and professional communication, ensuring all external correspondence reflects a polished, professional tone.
• Function as a client concierge responding to inquiries from clients, referral sources, and attorneys in a timely and professional manner, and assist with client touchpoints and follow-up.
• Take business development notes on client calls.
• Process new client/matter documentation including initiation of conflict checks, input information into the Firm's new business intake system, and prepare engagement letters to clients.
• Leverage AI tools and emerging technologies to streamline administrative workflows, enhance productivity, and improve the quality and efficiency of work product.
• Compose and prepare confidential correspondence.
• Draft, transcribe, type, edit, proofread, and finalize legal documents, correspondence, memos, charts, billings, and reports.
• Maintain and organize both hard-copy and electronic files.
• Prepare and submit personal and client-related attorney expense reports and reimbursements into the Firm’s expense management software.
• Enter time into time management software on behalf of timekeepers and assist with reviewing prebills.
• Communicate with clients regarding billing issues and status of matters.
• Update and maintain reports and trackers using Excel and/or Smartsheet.
• Docket, track, and create reports with litigation software, Court Alert.
• E-file in North Carolina Courts and NC Secretary of State.
• Track and file continuing legal education credit for assigned legal staff.
• Provide assistance in civic, charitable, community, and professional activities.
• Provide backup coverage for the front desk as needed.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, or relevant legal/administrative training preferred.
• 5+ years of experience working in a legal environment, preferably in the corporate transactional and litigation practice areas.
• Preference given to those with experience with electronic filings or working knowledge of the litigation process.
• Ability and willingness to work in the office four to five days per week.
• Exceptional communication skills via phone, email, and in-person, with the ability to represent attorneys and the firm effectively.
• Ability to prioritize competing deadlines.
• Professional demeanor and willingness to work proactively as part of a team across various practice groups.
• Growth mindset.
• Strong organizational and process skills, focused attention on detail, and ability to spot inaccuracies and inconsistencies in documents.
• Valid authorization to work in the U.S.

Skills

• Technology:
  • Demonstrated proficiency with AI-powered tools and platforms (e.g., Microsoft Copilot). Comfort adopting and integrating new AI technologies into daily workflows is essential and non-negotiable for this role.
  • Proven technological savvy and willingness to learn new applications and software.
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel.
  • Experience in the following software is a plus:
    • iManage or similar electronic document management system
    • CourtAlert
    • DocuSign or similar e-signature program
    • iTimekeep or similar electronic time management system
    • Emburse or similar expense report and reimbursement software
    • Electronic billing software
• Adaptability:
  • Ability to learn and embrace new skills and best practices — including AI and emerging technologies — as the position and Firm evolves.
  • Ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure and varying deadlines.
  • Ability to work well independently as well as effectively within a team.
  • Ability to multi-task, set priorities, manage time effectively, and exhibit excellent judgment, proactivity, and follow-up.
• Collaboration:
  • Team player mentality, with a desire to be a part of a collaborative, high-performing group.
  • Ability to develop relationships and foster teamwork at all levels of the Firm.
  • Willingness and ability to work proactively in our Team Environment, across various groups and/or locations.
• Communication:
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a diverse group of internal and external clients, attorneys, and staff.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, with a strong ability to draft polished, professional correspondence for external audiences.
• Problem Solving:
  • Ability and confidence to identify and analyze issues, make decisions, and initiate actions/solutions.
  • Agility to respond to unexpected challenges, including proactively developing innovative solutions to complex problems.
• Professionalism:
  • Ability to maintain composure and demonstrate good judgment.
  • Ability to manage confidential information and sensitive situations with tact and discretion.
  • Exceptional attention to detail.

About the Company

Michael Best & Friedrich LLP is a full-service law firm with more than 350 lawyers and technical professionals who work in collaborative, interdisciplinary practices to serve clients around the world. We work with companies in all kinds of industries, as well as trade associations, nonprofits, educational institutions, governments, family trusts, and high-net-worth individuals. Since our firm’s founding in 1848, we’ve continuously evolved to meet our clients’ changing needs and expectations. One thing remains the same: For generations, clients have relied on Michael Best for exceptional legal service and business acumen.

Location

This position will be based in our Wilmington, North Carolina office. We have offices in Wisconsin (Green Bay, Madison, Milwaukee, Waukesha); Illinois (Chicago); Utah (Salt Lake City); Colorado (Denver, Broomfield); Texas (Austin); North Carolina (Charlotte, Durham, Raleigh, Wilmington); California (Los Angeles); Nebraska (Lincoln); and Washington DC. Our contemporary office spaces are ideal for concentration and collaboration, supporting our culture of working together to make great things happen for our clients.

Benefits

• Learning and Growth:
  • Challenging and Dynamic Role
  • Career Development Planning
  • Professional Growth Opportunities
  • Performance Management and Coaching
  • Specialized Training Programs
• Health & Wellness:
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision Care
  • Health Savings Accounts
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Wellness Program
  • Employee and Family Assistance Program
• Total Compensation:
  • Competitive Base Pay
  • Annual Merit Review/Incentive Pay
  • Outstanding Benefits
  • Generous PTO Plus 10 Paid Holidays
• Planning for the Future:
  • 401(k) with Company Contribution
  • Short Term Disability Plan
  • Long Term Disability Plan
  • Life Insurance
  • Critical Illness Insurance
  • Parental/Family Leave
• Culture and Workplace:
  • Respected organization with Collaborative Culture
  • Growing Firm with an Exciting Future
  • Contemporary Work Environment
  • Positive and Respectful Work Climate
  • Performance Recognition