Legal Assistant

Description

This position performs a variety of administrative support duties and delivers high-quality services to internal and external clients, exhibiting a commitment to integrity and excellence. The position requires a thorough knowledge of all firm and practice specific administrative processes and procedures, information technology systems, research tools and a broad-based understanding of the clients, matters and associated practices. The scope of responsibilities includes prioritizing, managing and following through on multiple projects, and communicating effectively, courteously and professionally with clients, attorneys, staff, and peers.

Requirements

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• coordination or management of email, calendars, contact information, tasks or similar communications, including phone calls, voice mail messages or conference calls, utilizing systems such as Outlook or manual systems.

• drafting, revising, proofreading or transcribing documents, presentations or correspondence, including handwritten notes, annotated hard copies, includes transcription.

• proofreading and editing of documents for grammatical, spelling and format errors, including documents from handwritten notes, annotated hard copy, transcription, shorthand, etc. Includes comparisons, conversions, merges, creation of tables of contents/authorities, etc.

• familiarity with various court services including filing, requesting transcripts and litigation searching.

• processes associated with identifying attendees, inviting/scheduling attendees, meeting RSVP tracking, menu planning, and caterer selection, identification of support services needed and equipment required.

Competencies

• Adaptability - Ability to adapt to change (expected and unexpected) and balance competing demands in a fast-paced environment.

• Customer Service - Ability to work in collaboration within a group to ensure that internal and external clients are satisfied; includes the desire to understand client concerns and build trust.

• Diligence - Monitors, proofreads and takes ownership of work product for accuracy, ability to apply organizing strategies to ensure projects are appropriately prioritized and resources are used effectively and efficiently and performs independently with little supervision.

• Effective Communication (Written and Verbal) - Ability to communicate clearly and coherently, interpreting information and adapting communication to suit particular situations and audience needs. Demonstrates excellent communication, grammatical and proofreading skills.

• Temperament - Ability to work with little supervision; prioritizes and anticipates work needs; works well under occasional periods of pressure and short deadlines.

• Ethics - Keeps client and firm information confidential at all times; understands and implements general rules of ethical behavior applicable to legal personnel.

• Detail-Oriented - The ability to develop and apply comprehensive planning and organizing strategies to ensure projects are appropriately prioritized and resources are used effectively and efficiently.

• Manages Change - The ability to change directions quickly as workflow needs change, and to respond with flexibility to a changing work environment.

• Interpersonal Skills - Proactively demonstrates effective teamwork and communication with team members, actively participates in team meetings, prioritizes and anticipates work needs, and works well under occasional periods of pressure and short deadlines.

• Technology Skills - Possesses strong knowledge of computer operation, spreadsheet software, and word processing software; the use of Microsoft products and office technology — to include imaging and scanning applications — is required.

Education and/or Experience

• Minimum 2 years of college or associate degree.

• Minimum 5 years of related experience.

• Must have strong technology skills and particularly strong skills in a service-oriented office environment.

• Must have full knowledge of e-filing in federal and state courts throughout Tennessee and other jurisdictions.

• Must be able to demonstrate proficiency with Microsoft Office, specifically Word, Excel, and Outlook.

• Ability to multitask and prioritize.

• Ability to organize the workflow and use time efficiently.

• Ability to show strong attention to detail, as well as strength in the area of proofreading.

• Ability to transcribe dictation accurately.

• Ability to coordinate travel arrangements and prepare itineraries. 

• Ability to plan and coordinate attorney events and volunteer activities.

• Ability to anticipate work needs and follow through with minimal direction, follow up on own initiative.

• Ability to organize and track files from case documents and make them available and easily accessible for attorneys.

• Ability to maintain and enter time for attorneys.

• Ability to perform at high levels in a fast-paced, ever-changing work environment and successfully adapt to changing priorities and work demands.