Legal Assistant

Sarah E. Wilson Law Firm, PLC is a dedicated family building law firm led by a solo practice attorney committed to providing compassionate, client focused, and collaborative legal services to families and individuals navigating the complexities of adoption and fertility law. The firm guides families through the legal steps of family building journeys, such as adoption, surrogacy, and Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART).

POSITION OVERVIEW

The firm is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Legal Assistant to support the attorney in carrying out the day-to-day operations of the firm. This role involves a broad range of administrative, research, and client service tasks, providing an opportunity to contribute significantly to our mission of helping clients achieve the legal steps of their family building goals. The Legal Assistant will be based on-site at the office located in Ankeny.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Case Management: Ensure case files and documents are managed with the highest level of confidentiality. Organize and maintain records using our secure cloud-based practice management software, adhering to our firm's strict security guidelines.

• Document Drafting: Provide essential support by assisting in preparation and review of a variety of correspondence and legal documents, such as letters, pleadings, and contracts. Attention to detail will be crucial in these tasks.

• Scheduling Coordination: Keep our office running smoothly by scheduling appointments, court dates, and meetings, ensuring efficient scheduling and clear communication.

• Office Administration: Be the friendly voice on the phone and manage email correspondence. Maintain and update the attorney’s calendar. Handle the mail, obtain certified document copies from the court and government offices, and complete other errands.

• Legal Research: Under the attorney's direction, research relevant facts and laws to support case preparation and contribute to the success of legal proceedings.

• Client Communication: Maintain regular and supportive communication with clients and other professionals, providing updates and information to assist the attorney in managing cases.

• Court Filings: Take on the responsibility of filing pleadings accurately through the court's electronic document management system (EDMS), a task vital to the progress of our cases.

• Adaptable Team Role: Be prepared to tackle a variety of duties and projects that come your way, all of which contribute to the smooth operation of our firm and successful outcomes for our clients.

In this role, your efforts will have a direct impact on our ability to deliver compassionate and client-centered legal services to each client we represent.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Strong organizational skills, detail-oriented, and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Efficient time management skills with ability to complete assignments within timeframes as assigned and meet required deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion in dealing with sensitive information.
• Commitment to learn and adapt to the specific needs of the niche law practice.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 and Adobe Acrobat.
• Proficiency in proofreading and editing documents, ensuring accuracy, comprehension, and overall grammar and punctuation.
• Previous work experience in customer or client-facing role.
• A valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Associate degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Familiarity with adoption and/or assisted reproductive technology.
• Proficiency with Clio’s suite of software products.
• Experience working in Mac OS.
• Understanding of legal terminology, research methods, and court procedures.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Driving to run errands (use of own vehicle and maintain own auto insurance).

WHAT WE OFFER

• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• A supportive work environment where your contributions directly impact our clients’ journeys to build their families.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit your resume and cover letter detailing your interest and qualifications for this position.