Legal Assistant

Michael Best & Friedrich LLP is a full-service law firm with more than 350 lawyers and technical professionals serving clients around the world across various industries, including trade associations, nonprofits, educational institutions, governments, family trusts, and high-net-worth individuals.

About the role

The Legal Assistant will provide legal and administrative support to timekeepers in the Transactional practice area in our Austin, TX office.

Responsibilities

• Manage an active calendar of appointments, meetings, video calls, and travel plans on behalf of attorneys.
• 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.
• Compose and prepare confidential correspondence.
• Transcribe, type, edit, proofread, and finalize legal documents, correspondence, memos, charts, billings, and reports.
• Maintain and organize both hard-copy and electronic files.
• Respond and resolve questions or concerns from clients and other attorneys in a timely and professional manner.
• Prepare and submit personal and client-related attorney expense reports and reimbursements into the Firm’s expense management software, Emburse.
• Enter time into time management software on behalf of timekeepers.
• Create reports using Excel.
• Communicate with clients regarding billing issues and status of matters.
• Track and file continuing legal education credit for assigned legal staff.
• Provide assistance in civic, charitable, community, and professional activities.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; Certificate or Undergraduate Degree strongly preferred.
• Five years of experience in a legal environment, preferably in the transactional practice area.
• Ability and willingness to work in the office four days per week.
• Professional demeanor and willingness to work proactively as part of a team across various practice groups.
• Exceptional communication skills via phone, email, and in-person.
• Strong organizational and process skills, focused attention on detail, and ability to spot inaccuracies and inconsistencies in documents.

Skills

• Technology: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office. Experience in the following software is a plus:
  • iManage or similar electronic document management system
  • DocuSign or similar e-signature program
  • iTimekeep or similar electronic time management system
  • Emburse or similar expense report and reimbursement software
  • Electronic billing software
  • CourtAlert
• Adaptability:
  • Ability to learn and embrace new skills and best practices 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 follow-up.
• Collaboration:
  • Team player mentality, with a desire to be 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.
• 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.
• Valid authorization to work in the U.S.

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, and vision care.
  • Health Savings Accounts and 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 and long-term disability plans.
  • Life insurance and critical illness insurance.
  • Parental/family leave.
• Culture and Workplace:
  • Respected organization with a collaborative culture.
  • Growing firm with an exciting future.
  • Contemporary work environment.
  • Positive and respectful work climate.
  • Performance recognition.