Practice Assistant / Legal Assistant

Position Summary

The Phoenix, AZ office of Ogletree Deakins is seeking a Practice Assistant to support the firm's growing legal team. This role involves providing secretarial and administrative support to attorneys, performing complex tasks, and collaborating in a team environment.

About the Role

Works under the direction of assigned attorneys and paralegals, supporting the delivery of high-quality legal services. Supports multiple attorneys and provides back-up secretarial assistance as needed.

Responsibilities

• Prepares and processes correspondence and legal documents using word processing and document management software.
• Drafts routine cover letters and documents, proofreading for appropriate formatting, spelling, and grammar.
• Manages calendars for assigned attorneys, maintaining and updating appointments, meetings, and client-related activities.
• Maintains and retrieves files in compliance with internal policies, ensuring chronological and administrative files are up-to-date.
• Prepares time entries, expense reimbursement requests, and billing letters for assigned attorneys.
• Coordinates travel arrangements, prepares itineraries, and handles client billing matters.
• Communicates effectively with clients and colleagues, anticipating and meeting business needs.
• May assist with mentoring new office staff and piloting new software.

Requirements

• 4+ years of experience as a practice assistant or legal secretary.
• Knowledge of legal terminology, documents, and processes.
• Accurate typing of at least 70 words per minute.
• Strong computer proficiency in MS Office, document management, time entry, e-filing, and database software.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Understanding of correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Strong proofreading skills.
• Superior organizational skills, including filing, calendaring, and proofreading.
• Time management skills and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Regular predictable attendance.

Qualifications

• Understanding of legal processes and terminology.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proactive approach to anticipating and meeting business needs.

Skills

• Legal terminology and processes.
• Word processing and document management software.
• MS Office, document management, time entry, e-filing, and database software.
• Communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Proofreading skills.
• Filing, calendaring, and proofreading.
• Time management skills.

Benefits

Ogletree Deakins offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Paid Time Off
• Paid Sick Leave
• 401(k) matching program
• Profit Sharing
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Affordable Health and Life Insurance, including Dental & Vision coverage
• Health Savings Account / Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program

Contact Information

If you have questions about the Practice Assistant position, please email Brooklyn Butler at brooklyn.butler@ogletree.com with "Practice Assistant – [Location]" in the subject line. Applications submitted via email will not be considered.