Legal Assistant - Litigation (Insurance & Reinsurance)

• Maintains Equity Partner's calendar and contact lists as requested. Arranges all aspects of both internal and external client meetings and conferences. Stays apprised of calendars and actively communicates changes or reminders as needed. Coordinates all business-related travel arrangements. Assumes expertise of Firm calendar management software.
• Provides trial preparation support, including reservation of court reporter, reservation of trial prep space, working with external vendors to reserve offsite "war room", hearing and breakout rooms, coordinates shipping of necessary documents, supplies, and technology, organizes meals and client group dinners, and travels when necessary to assist trial team onsite.
• Provides general legal administrative support to the Equity Partner which may include typing and drafting documents, liaising with marketing/client accounting departments, answering phones, scheduling appointments, calendar management, dictation, expense processing, and opening and distributing mail. Maintains strict confidentiality in all interactions and ensures that day to day support for team runs smoothly and effectively.
• Prepares legal documents, correspondence, memos, letters, and reports. Assists with drafting and preparing documents such as petitions, motions, and interrogatories. Establishes and maintains files and enters data into a case management system. Assists in preparing written and oral presentations. Organizes, summarizes, and indexes documents. Sends and retrieves documents from Record Center as needed and follows workflow procedures as it relates to opening/closing matters and generating engagement/disengagement letters.
• Reviews, revises, and disseminates monthly client billing statements; maintains annual client rate structures and ensures individual matter budgeting parameters are met; liaises with billing department.
• Responds to routine inquires for both internal and external contacts; refers calls to other contacts as needed and transcribes voicemail messages. Utilizes strong communication skills, both written and verbal, to ensure information is obtained and relayed in a professional manner. Maintains a courteous and service driven demeanor at all times.
• Maintains familiarity with legal terminology, state and federal court filing rules, basic legal procedure and law firm document protocol. Has knowledge of legal document formats such as contracts, agreements, briefs, summonses, complaints, and motions.
• Keeps the Equity Partner informed about upcoming commitments and responsibilities, ensuring appropriate follow-up.
• Manages own workload, reprioritizing as unanticipated situations arise; adjust schedules to meet new and changing deadlines.
• Ensures a high level of service when interacting with clients, opposing counsel and other related internal and external contacts. Maintains discretion and sound judgment at all times, while assuming a helpful, proactive and professional manner. Supports and cultivates service standards as expected by the Firm.
• Utilizes time-entry billing systems to record, edit, and submit timesheets.
• Supports team work not only within the practice area but also in the Firm as a whole. Assists others with questions, projects, and basic task work consistently. Takes the initiative to orient new employees, assistants and associates regarding Firm processes and procedures.
• Takes initiative to build on existing skills through both self-directed development as well as Firm sponsored training programs. Shows willingness to share knowledge or specialty with others in the Firm.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Essential Competencies:

• Works proactively with others to support efforts within a department or function of the Firm.
• Organizes and prioritizes assignments and contributes to the department's ability to meet or exceed goals and standards.
• Maintains current knowledge of trends and developments affecting the area of specialization.
• Uses innovative thinking and exercises sound judgment to achieve results.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Proficiency in all Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Proficient use of time entry and billing software, preferably 3E and Elite.
• Demonstrated ability to balance customer service while delivering high results and productivity.
• Effective oral and writing communication skills with strong knowledge of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and legal terminology.
• Has knowledge of legal document formats such as contracts, agreements, briefs, summonses, complaints, and motions.
• Ability to handle complex tasks and quickly adapt to changes while maintaining strong organization and attention to detail.
• Team player and the willingness to support others and take on additional responsibilities as needed.
• Ability to lift boxes and move files as needed.

Work Authorization:

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship by the Firm (either now or in the future).