Legal Support Senior Assistant

About the role

The work of the Legal Support Senior Assistant at Sidley Austin LLP (the "Firm") is critical to the overall operation of the Firm and the ability of each and every lawyer to serve the Firm's clients effectively. At the Firm, legal secretaries are considered professionals and important members of the team. An effective team is based on mutual respect, cooperation and commitment to a common goal.

Responsibilities

• Aid lawyers in dedicated assignments as well as associates assigned to Practice Support Team(s)
• Conserves assignments' time by reading, researching & routing email correspondence
• Liaise with various support departments of the Firm
• Maintain assignments' calendars, plans and schedules meetings, conferences, teleconferences, video conferences and travel; apprise assignment of schedule in advance of commitments
• Analyze, allocate, process and monitor complex expense reports
• Maintain and update assignments' client/matter lists, Outlook contacts and Marketing mailing lists
• Research and route correspondence
• Produce information by formatting, inputting, editing, retrieving, copying and transmitting documents
• Proofread and review all work produced
• Receive, screen and transfer telephone calls; relay telephone messages according to method preferred by assignments (e.g., written messages, email, or voicemail)
• Submit requests for conflicts reports; prepare and monitor creation of new business forms
• Coordinate client billing with billing specialist
• Enter, proofread and finalize assignments' time entries on a daily basis
• Maintain assigned lawyers' files pursuant to the Firm's Policy on Records Management
• Support visiting lawyers/clients when required
• Work well with all levels of internal management and staff as well as outside clients and vendors
• Work harmoniously and effectively with others as part of a team

Requirements

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
• Demonstrated proficiency in the Microsoft suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint)
• Demonstrated proficiency in basic knowledge of legal terminology, formatting of legal documents and practice group's systems and procedures (e.g., court procedures, closings)
• Preferred: B.A. or B.S. degree from an accredited college or university
• Previous experience in a professional services firm (not necessarily all in a law firm)
• Advanced proficiency in Spanish language
• Types accurately at 60-70 wpm
• Proficiency in advanced functions of Microsoft suite (e.g., Adobe)
• Excellent command of Blackline packages such as DeltaView

Qualifications

• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite (particularly, Outlook, Word, Excel)
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Good judgment and strong interpersonal communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills
• Strong time management skills
• Requires strong computer and Internet research skills
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize work proficiently and effectively completes same in a timely manner
• Ability to work independently and anticipate needs of assignments
• Maintains composure while meeting multiple deadlines (even with frequent interruptions)
• Responsible for assignments' annual mailings
• Responsible for submitting requests for conflicts reports; prepares and monitors creation of new business forms
• Coordinates client billing with billing specialist
• Enters, proofreads and finalizes assignments' time entries on a daily basis
• Maintains assigned lawyers' files pursuant to the Firm's Policy on Records Management
• Supports visiting lawyers/clients when required
• Works well with all levels of internal management and staff as well as outside clients and vendors
• Works harmoniously and effectively with others as part of a team
• A self-starter who desires to show ownership and commitment to the job; accepts responsibility for actions
• Exercises confidentiality and discretion
• Volunteers to assist others and seeks out work during slow periods in workload
• Continues to develop skills and abilities
• Maintains a safe and unobstructed work area, including a neat and well-organized desk; demonstrates safe work practices

Skills

• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite (particularly, Outlook, Word, Excel)
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Good judgment and strong interpersonal communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills
• Strong time management skills
• Requires strong computer and Internet research skills
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize work proficiently and effectively completes same in a timely manner
• Ability to work independently and anticipate needs of assignments
• Maintains composure while meeting multiple deadlines (even with frequent interruptions)

Benefits

The benefits package 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).

Pay

The Target Salary Range For This Role Is $61,000 - $92,000 if located in New York or reporting to a supervisor in New York. 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.

Schedule

N/A