Senior Legal Executive Assistant

Gibson Dunn is a leading global law firm, advising clients on significant transactions and disputes. Our exceptional teams craft and deploy creative legal strategies that are meticulously tailored to every matter, however complex or high-stakes. The firm’s work is distinguished by a unique combination of precision and vision.

Based in Houston, the Senior Legal Executive Assistant will support a senior transactional partner and practice group leader who, in addition to a legal practice, holds leadership roles within the firm and participates extensively in business development activities, requiring added support. Although this is a one-on-one support position, the role involves close collaboration with the team-based support structure within the Legal Administrative Services Department.

Senior Legal Executive Assistants are responsible for providing their assigned partner with the highest level of administrative support and practice coordination. This role emphasizes strategic support over transactional tasks—requiring demonstrated experience in anticipating needs, proactively identifying potential challenges, and adding commercial value to the partner’s practice.

This role will report to the local Legal Administrative Services Manager and Director of Administration, taking daily direction from their assigned partner.

Responsibilities include:

• Providing one-on-one executive support to the assigned partner, while working with other firm Executive Assistants and Legal Administrative Assistants as needed on projects and for back-up support.
• Collaborating closely with the assigned partner to effectively manage day-to-day coordination of the partner’s practice and leadership responsibilities.
• Liaising regularly with other firm departments, such as Marketing, Finance, and Conflicts, to ensure the smooth operation of the partner’s business.
• Managing a broad range of complex administrative duties, including scheduling meetings, preparing reports and meeting materials, furnishing information, responding to correspondence, assisting with technical support, processing expense reports, and answering telephone calls and emails, while maintaining high responsiveness.
• Managing client onboarding, billing, and relationship management activities, requiring the ability to communicate directly with clients in person, via telephone, and by email.
• Assisting with client entertainment and development activities both in advance, onsite, and with follow-up.
• Organizing complex domestic and international travel arrangements, with detailed itineraries covering both personal and professional aspects.
• Proactively determining, managing, and enforcing deadlines for the partner’s practice and leadership roles.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to go beyond transactional tasks (calendar management, expenses, travel) and engage in strategic support. Examples include actively managing a partner’s email inbox, planning strategic business travel with suggested meetings for clients or contacts, directly assisting with business development activities and research, and proactively supporting deadlines, billings, and client matter management.
• Strong attention to detail in composing, typing, and proofing materials, as well as in establishing priorities and meeting deadlines.
• Capacity to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, with proven ability to handle multiple competing tasks and demands.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, alongside interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders and clients.
• Skilled in collaboration and facilitation, enabling effective teamwork across various departments.
• Ability to work independently and within a team, while also delegating and managing resources efficiently.
• High degree of initiative and critical-thinking skills, exercising independent judgment and decision-making in managing multiple priorities within a fast-paced, deadline-driven, and detail-oriented work environment.
• High level of adaptability and flexibility, with a 24/7 mindset.
• High level of integrity and discretion when handling sensitive or confidential information.
• Self-starter with a history of taking initiative.
• Creative and resourceful thinker, able to anticipate and respond to the needs of assignments effectively.
• Ability to work overtime as necessary.

Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 5 years relevant experience required, preferably in a professional services environment.
• Law firm experience strongly preferred.
• Highly skilled in Microsoft Office Suite and ability to quickly learn and utilize industry specific computer applications.

Gibson Dunn will consider for employment qualified Applicants with Criminal Histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of local law.

Compensation & Benefits:

The annual compensation range for this position is $115-125k. The salary offered within this range will depend upon qualifications and other operational considerations.

Benefits offered for this position include health care; retirement benefits; paid days off, including sick time, and vacation time; parental leave; basic life insurance; Flexible Spending Accounts; as well as discretionary, performance-based bonuses.