Legal Secretary - Estate Planning

Vedder Price's Chicago office is looking for a Legal Secretary. As a member of a secretarial team, the legal secretary handles all levels of support to attorneys and paralegals, providing a high level of client service including but not limited to, document processing and editing of Estate Planning documents, managing travel arrangements, processing new business intake, preparing and submitting attorney expenses, entering attorney time, handling client billing, responding to client inquiries via phone and email, arranging meetings and conferences, coordinating calendars, monitoring mail and e-mails, maintaining and updating client files and other tasks as assigned.

As a Legal Secretary, your duties will include but not be limited to:

• Prepare, revise, format and finalize a wide variety of legal documents
• Assist attorneys with new client applications and conflict checks
• Accurately enter attorney time into timekeeping system to meet weekly deadlines
• Establish and maintain paper and electronic client and administrative files in compliance with current Firm policies including email filing within iManage system
• Interact on a daily basis with the secretarial team and departments within the Firm to facilitate highest possible legal support
• Prepare and submit expense reports
• Work closely with Accounting Department staff to prepare client billings and receivables
• Proficiency with making and managing travel arrangements with assistance of travel agency to ensure all aspects of travel are made accurately and communicated effectively (i.e., air, hotel, car, train, meeting rooms, travel memberships accounts and the like)
• Arrange client and group meetings with calendar appointments and other hospitality arrangements
• Answer, screen and place phone calls to clients and other business associates and respond to client inquiries
• Open, review and route mail as directed
• Provide assistance to other Legal Secretaries within Firm whenever necessary to meet Firm and client needs

Skills & Competencies:

• Advanced knowledge in formatting and preparation of documents related to Estate Planning
• Knowledge of corporate transactional and closing processes
• Knowledge of legal terminology
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Positive team player with the ability to deal courteously and effectively with others
• Personable, professional, detailed-oriented and a problem solver
• Ability to read, interpret and follow instructions
• Ability to work core business hours with flexibility for overtime, as required
• Able to prioritize tasks in a high-pressure environment
• Strong organizational skills combined with the ability to work independently on several projects at one time
• Position also requires the ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines

Qualifications & Required Experience:

• Bachelor's degree preferred
• Minimum of five (5) years of legal secretarial experience in a law firm environment working with multiple attorneys required
• Position also requires the ability to work under pressure to meet strict deadlines

Computer Skills:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be proficient in:

• MS Word
• Adobe
• Excel and Visio preferred

Compensation Range: 75,000/yr. to $90,000/yr.

At Vedder Price, we believe in recognizing and rewarding our employees' contributions. Our comprehensive Total Rewards Package includes:

• Competitive Salary: We offer a competitive base salary commensurate with skills and experience.
• Bonus Program: Discretionary annual bonus program.
• Retirement Planning: Discretionary profit sharing and 401(k) matching to help you plan for your future.
• Health and Wellness: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans, along with optional health savings and flexible spending accounts, firm-paid Life and Disability benefits, and wellness programs to support your overall well-being.
• Paid Time Off: Competitive time off package including vacation days, paid holidays, sick time and personal days.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and career growth through firm provided training programs.
• Employee Recognition: Anniversary and Vedder Praise Programs to celebrate your achievements and milestones.
• Work-Life Balance: Hybrid work model and family-friendly policies.
• Additional Perks: Employee discount program, pre-tax commuter benefits, back up child & elder care, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), fitness center discounts and more.

Join Vedder Price and be part of a team that values hard work and dedication!

Equal Employment Opportunity

Vedder Price P.C. is an equal opportunity employer. We value and encourage diversity and solicit applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability (where applicant is qualified to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations), medical condition, protected veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We participate in E-verify.

Applicants who are interested in applying for a position and require special assistance or an accommodation during the process due to a disability should contact the Vedder Price Recruiting Team at vprecruiting@vedderprice.com.