Job Title: Legal Practice Assistant
Job Responsibilities:
The Legal Practice Assistant at the law firm, based in Phoenix, Arizona, plays a crucial role in supporting the Commercial and Construction Litigation Team. This position involves a variety of responsibilities that require attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with attorneys and clients. The main duties include:
- Drafting, formatting, and proofreading written materials, forms, and documents using MS Word, with a focus on detail, grammar, and editing.
- Managing data and electronic documents, ensuring compliance with firm policies using document management software and spreadsheets like NetDocs, iManage, and MS Excel.
- Filing documents accurately and regularly, both electronically and physically.
- Monitoring and following up on both docketed and non-docketed deadlines, with the support of the firm’s docketing department.
- Performing E-Court filing using State and Federal Court filing systems and interpreting court rules accurately.
- Preparing and maintaining document binders or supervising project clerks in their preparation.
- Redlining contracts using comparison software.
- Scheduling and organizing meetings and events, liaising with multiple internal departments, and coordinating internal resources.
- Interacting with clients to provide notifications regarding service of process, due dates, disclosure statements, and other pleading information, while keeping the Litigation Team informed.
- Proactively reaching out to clients to provide updates, follow up on open items, and communicate next steps.
- Organizing and tracking activities throughout the lifecycle of a matter.
- Developing and maintaining positive business relationships with clients, paralegals, attorneys, and other colleagues.
- Maintaining confidentiality of client matters with diplomacy and discretion.
- Managing and maintaining schedules and calendars for timekeepers.
- Handling CLE-related tasks, updating the firm’s CLE database, researching issues, and obtaining certification documents.
- Providing administrative support to busy lawyers, including scheduling, time entry, expense reporting, email management, correspondence, initiating conflict checks, and opening matters as requested.
- Collaborating effectively with colleagues as part of a team.
Education and Experience Information:
The position requires at least five years of litigation experience. Candidates should have demonstrated knowledge of the administrative aspects of commercial law practice, particularly in litigation. While an Associate or Bachelor’s degree is preferred, additional relevant experience may be considered as an alternative to formal education.
Candidates should be self-managed, energetic, and able to add value to the team. Experience with both electronic and paper file organization and maintenance is necessary, with preference given to those familiar with NetDocs or iManage. Intermediate expertise with MS Word and experience using MS Excel for tracking projects or managing deadlines is required. Solid time management skills, the ability to prioritize tasks and execute them in a timely manner, and a results-driven orientation are essential.
Candidates should demonstrate a professional demeanor and have experience communicating through various channels with different personalities and audiences. Proven organizational skills and a project management mindset are crucial, including the ability to monitor due dates and status of multiple tasks simultaneously. Astute judgment is required to determine when to handle problems independently and when to engage or notify others.
Salary Information:
The text does not provide specific salary information for the Legal Practice Assistant position.
Legal Notices:
The law firm is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with federal employment laws, including those protecting veterans and individuals with disabilities. Applicants are notified of their rights under these laws and are encouraged to review the "Know Your Rights" notice from the Department of Labor for further information.
