Legal Assistant - Real Estate
Varnum LLP · Grand Rapids, MI · 1 mo ago
LegalFull-time
Roles & Responsibilities
- Participates on a client-focused team displaying professionalism, excellent communication skills, and exercising personal judgment under the ultimate direction of assigned attorneys.
- Proofreads and edits attorney time in the billing system; ensures accurate entry of complete information before each monthly deadline.
- Opens and creates new files, performs conflict of interest checks through conflicts control system, and maintains all electronic and physical client and general files in a neat and orderly condition.
- Drafts, finalizes, and delivers engagement letters.
- Receives, reads, and routes incoming postal mail. Arranges for the proper delivery of documents/projects via courier runs, hand-deliveries, Federal Express, UPS, Express Mail, etc.; provides complete information to courier for delivery.
- Answers telephone calls in a courteous and professional manner; forwards messages to the intended parties; answers non-legal questions.
- Places phone calls as needed or requested.
- Maintains appointment and deadline reminder calendars (docket) for all case-related dates. Including but not limited to follow-up dates and prepares necessary documents, copies, and binders.
- Closes inactive files in a timely manner and in accordance with the Record Retention & Destruction Policy and Guideline.
- Requests checks for filing fees, etc. and attorneys' business expense reimbursements.
- Affords assistance with legal assistant work overflow or absence coverage as time permits or needs dictate and as requested by other attorneys, paralegals, or Human Resources representatives.
- Attends staff meetings, training sessions and other required employee meetings.
- Copy, type, scan, fax and any other general office duty as needed.
- Transcribes documents from dictation.
- Maintains confidentiality in all firm and client matters.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Education: Completion of high school. Bachelor’s degree in legal studies or related field preferred.
- Experience: Two to three years on the job experience in order to gain an understanding of law office policies and procedures and produce accurate legal documents with minimal supervision. Experience supporting Real Estate and/or Corporate practices preferred.
- Required Skills/Abilities: Proficient in MS Office Suite and legal document management software with the ability to transcribe legal documents, correspondence, and reports from rough draft, dictation, or transcription at a level of at least 30 wpm. Excellent proofreading skills. Exceptional organizational and multitasking abilities to meet deadlines and manage competing priorities. Works independently and completes tasks with minimal supervision. Professional demeanor and ability to work well in a team-oriented environment. Ability to communicate and follow instructions effectively from a diverse group of attorneys and staff. Committed to providing responsive client service. Occasional hours outside of normally-scheduled hours.
- Preferred Skills: Knowledge of real estate property data software, iManage, Adarant, EAPro, Intapp, or other document management systems.
Hours
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday. 100% in-person.