Legal Support - Assistant and Senior Assistant

We are actively hiring for multiple levels within our Legal Support team in Chicago. Depending on your background, you may be considered for one of the following roles: Assistant or Senior Assistant. Candidates will be evaluated on their skills, education, and experience to determine the appropriate level, and compensation will depend on the specific role and individual candidate. Legal Support Assistant works closely with manager or supervisor for training and development opportunities to grow in understanding and ability to perform various clerical and administrative tasks for attorneys in a law firm environment. Position coordinates and follows effective office procedures and efficient work flows, establishes and maintains harmonious working relationships with both internal and external clients while adhering to firm policies and procedures. Legal Support Senior Assistant is responsible for various administrative tasks for attorneys, coordinates and follows effective office procedures and efficient workflows, establishes and maintains harmonious working relationships with both internal and external clients while adhering to firm policies and procedures. Prior experience working in key firm practice areas with knowledge of practice specific operations is essential. Involved in the day-to-day management of clients and matters. Duties And Responsibilities – Legal Support Assistant Prepare, format, edit and finalize documents including correspondence, charts, motions, briefs, pleadings, exhibits, contracts, memoranda, etc. using MS Office applications and other firm softwareProofread all work to ensure proper formatting, spelling and grammarInput, edit and finalize attorney daily time entries using the InTapp billing system ensuring compliance with time entry policies and client billing guidelinesPrepare and submit expenses and invoices for payment; submit check requests as neededCoordinate travel arrangements including air, hotel and car service for attorneys; maintain travel expensesReceive, screen and route telephone calls, conference calls and messages to attorneys, clients and staffProcess incoming and outgoing mail and deliveries; distribute promptly upon receiptCoordinate conferences, meetings, and appointments for attorneys and clients including conference room scheduling and cateringEstablishes and maintains paper and electronic files in compliance with current firm policiesCollaborate with departments across the firm in order to complete required tasks within the role by using appropriate resourcesPerform a variety of clerical and administrative functions including photocopying, printing, binder assembly, transcribing and revising digital audio, etc.Operates office equipment including PCs, printers, phones, copiers, scanners and facsimilesCover other desk assignments when needed and offers assistance to others on the team in order to meet firm and client needsPerform other duties as assigned Duties And Responsibilities – Legal Support Senior Assistant Collect and submit information needed to open new client matters and run conflictsAssist attorneys in preparing for client meetings, deal closings, hearings, trials, depositions and other client related project supportTrack and organize material and information related to attorney leadership roles in bar and other professional organizationsPrepare, format, edit and finalize documents including correspondence, charts, motions, briefs, pleadings, exhibits, contracts, memoranda, etc. using MS Office applications and other firm softwareProofread all work to ensure proper formatting, spelling and grammarInput, edit and finalize attorney daily time entries using the InTapp billing system ensuring compliance with time entry policies and client billing guidelines;Prepare and submit expenses and invoices for payment; submit check requests as neededCoordinate travel arrangements including air, hotel and car service for attorneys and clients; maintain travel expensesReceive, screen and route telephone calls, conference calls and messages to attorneys, clients and staffProcess incoming and outgoing mail and deliveries; distribute promptly upon receiptManage calendars and coordinate conferences, meetings, and appointments for attorneys and clients including conference room scheduling and related servicesCollaborate with departments across the firm in order to complete required tasks within the role by using appropriate resources, address issues and resolve problemsEstablish and maintains paper and electronic files in compliance with current firm policiesOperate office equipment including PCs, printers, phones, copiers, scanners and facsimilesPerform a variety of clerical and administrative functions including photocopying, printing, binder assembly, transcribing and revising digital audio, etc.Maintain and demonstrate proficiency in the use of firm-issued equipment, firm-required software and practice specific applications, as requiredCover other desk assignments when needed and offers assistance to other members on the team in order to meet firm and client needsPerform other duties as assigned Legal Support Assistant Required: Education and/or Experience: High school graduate or equivalencyProficiency in Microsoft Office applications with high aptitude for learning new software and systems Preferred: Bachelor's degreeAbility to accurately type 50 words per minuteProfessional services industry experience a plus Legal Support Senior Assistant Required: High school graduate or equivalencyThree or more years of related work experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experiencePrevious experience in a similar role in a law firm or professional services environment supporting multiple fee earnersProficiency in Microsoft Office applications and other software typically used in law firms (ex. InTapp, Chrome River, NetDocs, etc.); high aptitude for learning new software and systemsKnowledge of legal terminology and formats Preferred: Bachelor's degreeAbility to accurately type 50 words per minuteGlobal law firm experience Other Skills And Abilities – Legal Support Assistant Superior written and verbal communication skillsStrong attention to detailExcellent organizational and time management skillsSelf-starter who takes initiative; shows ownership and commitment to the positionAbility to work harmoniously and effectively with othersAbility to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretionAbility to work under pressure; manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and prioritiesAbility to develop proficiency in legal and administrative applications that support firm operations and client workEager and willing to learn new skillsReliable with strong work ethicPresents professionally with an ability to speak comfortably and professionally with attorneys, staff, clients and vendorsExcellent customer service Other Skills And Abilities – Legal Support Senior Assistant Proactive and positive approach to assignments and responsibilitiesExcellent customer service and client relationship skillsSuperior written and verbal communication skillsStrong attention to detailExcellent organizational and time management skillsSelf-starter who takes initiative; shows ownership and commitment to the positionAbility to work independently, harmoniously and effectively with othersAbility to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretionAbility to work under pressure; resilience to navigate multiple projects with competing deadlines and prioritiesAbility to learn and embrace new skills and best practices as the position evolves and Firm needs changeReliable with strong work ethicWillingness to develop others through mentoring and sharing experiences The Target Salary Range For This Role Is: Legal Support Assistant: $56,000 - $65,000, Legal Support Senior Assistant: $62,000 - $80,000 if located in Illinois Salaries vary by location and are based on numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the relevant market, skills, experience, and education of the selected candidate. Our compensation package also includes bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits program. Benefits information can be found at Sidley.com/Benefits. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the Duties and Responsibilities above satisfactorily and meet the requirements. The requirements listed above are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. If you need such an accommodation, please email sidleytalentacquisition@sidley.com (current employees should contact Human Resources). Sidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.