Legal Assistant - Corporate (New York, NY) (#5014)

Dorsey & Whitney is a global law firm with over 650 lawyers across 22 offices in the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia. We provide strategic legal counsel to companies worldwide across industries such as banking & financial institutions; development & infrastructure; energy & natural resources; food, beverage & agribusiness; healthcare & life sciences; and technology. The firm represents some of China’s largest corporations and financial institutions and assists U.S. clients with their Chinese counterparties.

About the role

We are seeking a Legal Assistant to join the Corporate department in our New York office. This hybrid position requires in-office presence at least four days each week after an initial training period. Bilingual proficiency in Mandarin and English is required to assist Mandarin-speaking clients with intake, scheduling, and routine correspondence. All responsibilities will be performed in both Mandarin Chinese and English.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal administrative support to attorneys, serving as a liaison for clients.
• Initiate client/matter openings, including conflicts checks and engagement letters.
• Proactively review calendars to maintain an overview of attorneys’ deadlines; anticipate next steps and implement follow-up procedures.
• Enter attorneys’ time, ensure accuracy by proofreading, using spellcheck and appropriate task codes to comply with firm policies.
• Assist with the billing process, including distributing monthly proformas, reviewing and editing proformas, and sending invoices and related correspondence to clients.
• Assist with monthly closing preparations including editing, proofing, PDF hyperlinks, and preparation of closing binders.
• Draft, format, proofread, redline and/or edit electronic correspondence, pleadings, discovery, briefs, and other memorandum for accuracy.
• Maintain client files and file electronic documents promptly and accurately in Outlook and document management system.
• Process and route incoming mail and electronic communications; prepare outgoing mail and packages for prompt delivery.
• Process reimbursement requests, check requests, and vendor invoices.
• Coordinate attorney meetings, appointments, and conference rooms.
• Coordinate travel arrangements, including flights, hotels, and rental cars.
• Maintain attorney CLE records, including seminar registration and reporting.
• Delegate administrative tasks to Department Administrative Assistants.
• Provide a high level of customer service to attorneys and clients.
• Perform other duties as requested.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; High School diploma or G.E.D. equivalent required.
• At least 4 years of related experience; law firm experience preferred.
• Fluency in Mandarin and English (professional working proficiency in both languages).
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Proficient with Kofax Power PDF.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to coordinate multiple tasks and perform well under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Strong customer/client service focus.
• Ability to use good judgment in resolving conflicts and challenging situations.
• Ability to maintain client and firm confidentiality.
• Positive attitude and ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to use independent judgment.
• Thorough understanding of legal terminology and procedures pertinent to the practice area.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical insurance with coverage for infertility, gender-affirming care, behavioral health, and virtual providers.
• Dental and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with firm contribution.
• Basic and optional life insurance.
• Short and long-term disability.
• Paid time off, holidays, and volunteer day.
• Up to 8 weeks of paid parental leave, with additional 6-8 weeks of paid short-term disability for birth parents.
• Discretionary bonuses (if eligible).
• Adoption assistance.
• Healthcare, dependent care, and transportation pre-tax reimbursement accounts.
• Back-up child and elder care program.
• Education and college advising program; virtual tutoring.
• Wellbeing programs and activities.
• Mass transit program (certain offices).
• Travel assistance program.
• 24/7 employee assistance program with five confidential visits to a licensed counselor at no cost.

Some benefits are subject to eligibility criteria.

Pay

The pay range for this position in New York City is $36.90 to $68.30 per hour. Actual pay will depend on the candidate’s experience, qualifications, skills, and location.

Schedule

Hybrid position requiring in-office presence at least four days each week after an initial training period.