Legal Practice Assistant needed for a top NY law firm.
Primary Job Functions
* Document Preparation and Management: responsible for formatting, editing, and proofreading
a wide range of legal documents, including correspondence, memoranda, pleadings, briefs,
contracts, and other legal instruments on a need basis. The Practice Assistant manages daily
workflow by determining action items and priorities. This includes ensuring that all documents
comply with firm formatting standards, and client-specific guidelines.
* Calendar: manages attorney calendars, including scheduling meetings, and other appointments.
The Practice Assistant is expected to proactively alert attorneys to potential scheduling conflicts.
* Client Communication and Coordination : serves as a primary point of contact for clients. This
includes responding to routine inquiries, and relaying messages in a timely and professional
manner. The Practice Assistant coordinates client meetings, and ensures that client
communications are handled with the highest degree of professionalism and confidentiality.
* Billing and Time Entry Support: assists attorneys with the preparation and submission of time
entries, ensuring accuracy and compliance with client billing guidelines. This includes reviewing
and editing proformas, coordinating with the billing department to resolve discrepancies, and
assisting with the preparation of expense reports and invoice submissions.
* Travel Coordination: arranges domestic and international travel for attorneys, including
booking flights, hotel accommodations, ground transportation, and conference registrations. This
function also includes preparing detailed travel itineraries and processing related expense
reimbursements.
* Matter Management and Intake: supports the new matter intake process, including conducting
conflicts checks, preparing engagement letters, and opening new client and matter files in the
firm's practice management system.
* Administrative Support: provides general administrative support, such as reconciling monthly
American Express invoices, coordinating with office services, and assisting with special projects
as assigned. The Practice Assistant provides back-up coverage for others as may be required.
* Technology and Systems Proficiency: utilizes and maintains proficiency in firm-standard
technology platforms, including document management systems, practice management software,
time and billing applications, and the Microsoft Office Suite. The Practice Assistant is expected
to learn, adapt to and master new technologies and participate in training programs as required by
the firm.
* Confidentiality and Compliance: handles all client information and firm matters with strict
confidentiality, in compliance with applicable ethical rules, data privacy regulations, and firm
policies. This includes safeguarding privileged and confidential information in all
communications and document handling.
Specific Skills, Knowledge and Abilities Required
* Tasks and responsibilities must be performed timely and accurately; attention to detail is
important.
* The environment is frequently fast paced and demanding and the Practice Assistant must be able
to proficiently manage multiple tasks, and working for multiple attorneys, at the same time.
* The Practice Assistant is expected to work to support other assistants and staff when requested.
* Professional interactions are expected and required.
* The ideal candidate will possess strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability
to clearly communicate complicated information, exceptional organizational and time
management abilities, and demonstrated proficiency in legal document preparation and
formatting.
* The candidate must be able to work independently with minimal supervision, exercise sound
judgment and discretion, and manage competing priorities under tight deadlines.
* A professional demeanor and a commitment to providing high-quality client service are essential.
Education and Experience
* A vocational or higher educational degree in any field is strongly preferred.
* Experience in a similar capacity within a law firm is strongly preferred.