Legal Support - Assistant and Senior Assistant

About the role

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.

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 software
  • Proofread all work to ensure proper formatting, spelling and grammar
  • Input, 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 needed
  • Cover other desk assignments when needed and offers assistance to others on the team in order to meet firm and client needs

• Legal Support Senior Assistant:

  • Collect and submit information needed to open new client matters and run conflicts
  • Aid attorneys in preparing for client meetings, deal closings, hearings, trials, depositions and other client related project support
  • Track and organize material and information related to attorney leadership roles in bar and other professional organizations
  • Prepare, format, edit and finalize documents including correspondence, charts, motions, briefs, pleadings, exhibits, contracts, memoranda, etc. using MS Office applications and other firm software
  • Proofread all work to ensure proper formatting, spelling and grammar
  • Input, 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 needed
  • Coordinate travel arrangements including air, hotel and car service for attorneys and clients; maintain travel expenses
  • Receive, screen and route telephone calls, conference calls and messages to attorneys, clients and staff
  • Process incoming and outgoing mail and deliveries; distribute promptly upon receipt
  • Manage calendars and coordinate conferences, meetings, and appointments for attorneys and clients including conference room scheduling and related services
  • Cover other desk assignments when needed and offers assistance to other members on the team in order to meet firm and client needs

Requirements

• Legal Support Assistant:

  • Education and/or Experience: High school graduate or equivalency
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications with high aptitude for learning new software and systems
  • 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

• Legal Support Senior Assistant:

  • High school graduate or equivalency
  • Three or more years of related work experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Previous experience in a similar role in a law firm or professional services environment supporting multiple fee earners
  • Proficiency 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 systems
  • Knowledge of legal terminology and formats

Qualifications

• Legal Support Assistant:

  • Education and/or Experience: High school graduate or equivalency
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications with high aptitude for learning new software and systems
  • 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

• Legal Support Senior Assistant:

  • High school graduate or equivalency
  • Three or more years of related work experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Previous experience in a similar role in a law firm or professional services environment supporting multiple fee earners
  • Proficiency 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 systems
  • Knowledge of legal terminology and formats

Skills

• Superior written and verbal communication skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Self-starter who takes initiative; shows ownership and commitment to the position
• Ability to work harmoniously and effectively with others
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion
• Ability to work under pressure; manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities
• Ability to develop proficiency in legal and administrative applications that support firm operations and client work
• Eager and willing to learn new skills
• Reliable with strong work ethic
• Presents professionally with an ability to speak comfortably and professionally with attorneys, staff, clients and vendors
• Excellent customer service

Benefits

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.