Legal Assistant - Tax, Trusts & Estates (Chicago, IL) (#5024)

We are seeking a Legal Assistant to join our growing Chicago office. As a valued member of our team, you will provide high-quality legal administrative support to multiple timekeepers in a fast-paced, collaborative, and client-focused environment.

About the role

This position is based in our downtown Chicago office, with work hours from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

• 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 to ensure deadlines are met.
• Create, edit, revise, redline, and/or proofread documents.
• Enter attorneys’ time, ensure accuracy by proofreading, using spellcheck and appropriate task codes to comply with firm policies.
• Assist with reviewing daily docket and coordinate with attorneys and paralegals on upcoming dates and deadlines.
• Assist with the billing process, including distributing monthly proformas, reviewing and editing proformas, and sending invoices and related correspondence to clients.
• Maintain client files, both electronic and hard copy; file electronic documents promptly and accurately in Outlook and document management system.
• Process and route incoming mail and electronic communications upon receipt as well as prepare outgoing mail (including packages for shipment) for prompt delivery.
• Process reimbursement requests, check requests, and vendor invoices.
• Coordinate attorney meetings and appointments, including scheduling 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.
• Notarize and witness document signing.
• May be requested to perform other duties as needed.

Requirements

• High School diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.
• At least 4 years of related experience; law firm experience preferred.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Proficient with Kofax Power PDF.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Excellent customer/client service focus and skills.
• Ability to coordinate multiple tasks and perform well under pressure to ensure deadlines are met.
• Ability to use good judgment in resolving conflict and working in 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.

Preferred experience working with tax, trusts and estates.

About the firm

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 a diverse range of industries, including banking & financial institutions; development & infrastructure; energy & natural resources; food, beverage & agribusiness; healthcare & life sciences; and technology. Dorsey offers opportunities for advancement within a collaborative and dynamic environment.

Benefits

Dorsey’s benefit package is available to business professionals working 17+ hours/week along with their dependents, including spouses and domestic partners regardless of gender, and includes:

• Comprehensive medical insurance with coverage for infertility, gender-affirming care, behavioral health, and access to virtual providers.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with Firm contribution.
• Basic and optional life insurance.
• Short and long-term disability.
• Paid time off.
• Up to 8 weeks of paid parental leave with up to an additional 6-8 weeks of paid short-term disability for business professionals who give birth.
• Paid holidays.
• Paid volunteer day.
• Discretionary bonuses (if bonus 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 access to five confidential visits with a licensed counselor at no cost.

Some benefits are subject to eligibility criteria.

Pay

The pay range for this position in Illinois is $29.89 to $58.02 per hour. Actual pay will be dependent upon the candidate’s experience, qualifications, skills, and location and may fall outside of the range indicated.

Reasonable Accommodations

Dorsey is committed to providing disability and religious-based reasonable accommodations, as well as menopause, pregnancy, or lactation-related reasonable accommodations. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application and hiring process, or have questions about a workplace reasonable accommodation, please contact us at 612-492-5178.