Legal Associate Jobs in Federal Way, WA (NOW HIRING)

Legal Practice Assistant

Drive Operational Excellence

At Ashurst Perkins Coie US LLP, our people are our greatest asset. We're looking for a collaborative, detail-oriented Legal Practice Assistant to join our team and help deliver an exceptional employee experience.

In this role, the Legal Practice Assistant provides high-level, complex administrative support to first-year associates with minimal supervision as a key member of the Legal Practice Assistant (LPAC) team. This role also partners with local offices and practice groups to strengthen collaboration, develop solutions, and bridge support gaps. As a representative of Perkins Coie, the LPA upholds the firm's reputation by demonstrating professionalism, discretion, and the highest standards of confidentiality.

What You'll Do

• Serve as a trusted partner, mentor, and primary point of contact for assigned first-year associates.
• Collaborate with local offices and practice groups to streamline workflows, close support gaps, and deliver effective solutions.
• Anticipate needs by proactively managing attorney workloads, priorities, and deadlines from start to finish.
• Draft, edit, proofread, and finalize complex legal documents with exceptional accuracy.
• Manage calendars, travel, meetings, and court deadlines to keep attorneys organized and prepared.
• Coordinate court and agency filings, ensuring compliance with all procedural and filing requirements.
• Handle client communications, calls, correspondence, and mail with professionalism, discretion, and urgency.
• Partner with docketing, conflicts, accounting, and other business teams to support seamless legal operations.
• Prepare expense reports, reimbursements, trust documents, notebooks, and other administrative materials.
• Organize meetings, conference logistics, and client events while maintaining electronic and physical files.
• Conduct legal and internet research and support special projects as assigned.
• Accurately maintain time entry and leverage firm technology, including ServiceNow, to manage workflow and productivity.
• Demonstrate reliability, accountability, and flexibility through consistent attendance, clear communication, and effective time management.
• Uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and client confidentiality in every interaction.

What You'll Bring

• Requires a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous law firm experience of seven or more years preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Type a minimum of 75 WPM with exceptional accuracy.
• Experience with patent prosecution and trademark law.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including grammar, punctuation, and professional correspondence.
• Strong organizational, prioritization, and time-management skills with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, document management systems, and standard office technology; comfortable using Webex and collaboration tools.
• Solid knowledge of legal terminology, records management, and document retrieval practices.
• Working knowledge of state and federal court rules, administrative procedures, filing requirements, and deadlines.
• Demonstrated technical aptitude with strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills.
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and collaborative, with the ability to build effective relationships across offices and practice groups.
• Experience supporting Perkins Coie First-Year Associates and a strong understanding of the firm's resources, workflows, and support model.
• Proven ability to mentor associates, anticipate needs, identify solutions, and bridge operational support gaps while delivering exceptional client service.

Why Join Ashurst Perkins Coie?

Join a collaborative, high-performing Legal Practice Assistant team where your expertise will help shape the employee experience across our global organization. In this role, if you are passionate about delivering exceptional service and making a lasting impact, you will find meaningful opportunities to grow your career while helping create an outstanding experience for our people.

This position is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, 401(k) plan, medical, dental, and vision insurance, accrued paid time off plan starting at 20 days annually, personal medical and parental leave, up to 10 paid holidays, and family care benefits. More information regarding benefits and programs may be found here.

This position may be filled in the following locations. The listed compensation range reflects the typical pay for this role, though it is rare for new hires to receive an offer at the top of the range. Actual compensation may vary depending on experience, skills, market conditions, and internal equity.

Colorado compensation range: $59,950.00 to $107,910.00 annually

Illinois compensation range: $63,270.00 to $113,890.00 annually

Washington state compensation range: $63,240.00 to $113,830 annually

Washington, D.C., compensation range: $68,300.00 to $122,940.00 annually