Practice Assistant (Legal Administrative Support Training)

Who are we?

Named for several years as a "great place" to work by The Washington Post and Washington Business Journal, Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. is proud to be one of the most highly regarded intellectual property specialty law firms in the world. We recognize that it is the talent and dynamism of each individual at Sterne Kessler that makes that possible. With that in mind, we have cultivated an environment that is welcoming, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating with just the right touch of fun and exuberance. We offer a competitive compensation package with excellent benefits and are Metro-accessible in a prime downtown location with many nearby restaurants and shops.

What do we need?

We are looking for Practice Assistants that will be critical in ensuring seamless practice support to attorneys and legal professionals by delivering flawless administrative support, managing priorities, and maintaining a professional, solutions-oriented approach to all challenges. A successful Practice Assistant anticipates, plans, and proactively meets client needs and delivers tailored solutions with a high level of attention to detail and professionalism. This role is particularly suited for folks with previous customer-service experience in retail, restaurants, hotel concierges; teachers and child-care workers who are looking to transition to a corporate/legal setting. 

How will you make an impact?

• Managing and prioritizing calendars, ensuring optimal scheduling and alignment with individual priorities, practice needs, firm procedures, and client requirements.
• Composing, preparing, formatting, revising, and proofreading standard business communications, forms, and documents.
• Coding and entering Assigned Individuals’ time in the firm's time and billing system.
• Arranging domestic and international travel, encompassing flights, accommodations, and vehicle rentals.
• Planning and coordinating onsite and offsite meetings, conferences, speaking engagements, client proposals, and events. Working with Marketing and/or other office staff to manage food and beverage services, reserve rooms, and prepare materials.
• Facilitating, arranging, and promptly executing reimbursements, invoices, and check requests.
• Supporting calendar, deadline, and project management for Assigned Individuals by monitoring daily incoming correspondence, ensuring timely responses, and following up with Assigned Individuals regarding outstanding tasks.
• Conducting legal and factual research to support client development and business initiatives.
• Gathering and organizing information to do conflict checks, initiate new client paperwork, and develop engagement letters and other necessary paperwork.
• Producing a large number of work assignments in an accurate and timely manner.
• Performing additional duties and assignments as identified to support the team and organizational goals.

What is training like?

The first 4 weeks of the Practice Assistant role will be a hands-on training program that includes classroom lectures and learning, hands-on practice, presentations from our own industry experts, and support from experienced mentors. The training will be in-person from April 7th to May 2nd. 

After the training, Practice Assistants are expected to be in the office at least 3 days per week to serve as in-office anchors at the firm, playing a central role in supporting legal professionals, and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations.

What will you bring to the role?

• Bachelor’s degree or high school graduate with some college study
• Experience in customer service settings, where attention to detail, multitasking, and problem-solving were key to your success
• Genuine interest in making people's days and achieving results for individual people 
• Capable of managing multiple projects while working effectively under pressure
• Superior analytical and organizational abilities
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proactive and resourceful in resolving challenges with minimal supervision
• Demonstrates critical thinking and a solution-oriented mindset
• Ability to receive and process constructive feedback
• A strong desire to learn and develop professionally
• Interest in a long-term commitment with growth potential in a customer-service role in a law firm. This is not a suitable position for candidates that are interested in going to law school. 

The base salary for this position is $50,000 plus full benefits: health, dental, vision, 401(k) participation after a month, pre-tax Metro and parking benefits, and many more.

To Apply

Please include a resume and cover letter in your application materials. 

Sterne Kessler is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.