Legal Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Legal Assistant

A well-regarded estate and trust litigation boutique in Beachwood, Ohio is seeking a Legal Assistant to support its attorneys on contested estate, trust, and probate matters.

Location: Beachwood, Ohio

Salary: $55,000 to $65,000

Reports To: Assigned Attorneys

Position Summary

The Legal Assistant provides administrative and legal support to attorneys and other legal professionals to keep a busy litigation practice running efficiently. This position prepares legal documents, maintains case and matter files, coordinates schedules and deadlines, manages correspondence, and supports the firm's litigation process.

The ideal candidate is a fast learner who picks up new procedures, systems, and areas of law quickly. Probate experience is preferred but not required.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Draft, prepare, revise, proofread, and format legal documents, correspondence, pleadings, motions, discovery, agreements, and other legal materials.
• Maintain, organize, and manage physical and electronic legal files, records, and databases.
• Coordinate, track, monitor, and maintain legal calendars, including court dates, filing and response deadlines, hearings, depositions, mediations, and meetings.
• File legal documents with probate courts and other courts, including electronic filing, ensuring compliance with applicable procedural requirements.
• Assist attorneys with case preparation, discovery, document collection and organization (including estate, trust, and financial records), trial or hearing preparation, and time entry.
• Maintain confidentiality of privileged, proprietary, and sensitive information.
• Provide reception and general office coverage as needed.
• Assist with special projects and other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Fast learner who quickly picks up new case management software programs which office uses for all cases.
• Document preparation in word and adobe, and legal administrative procedures.
• Familiarity with court filing requirements and legal recordkeeping practices.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organization and time-management abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality in handling sensitive client and family information.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively as part of a small team.
• The capacity to adapt quickly to new information, shifting priorities, and changes in case needs.

Minimum Qualifications

Education/Experience

• High school diploma along with experience with a law firm.

Preferred Qualifications

• Probate experience, including estate, trust, or guardianship matters and filing with Ohio probate courts (preferred, not required).
• Litigation support experience.
• Experience with Adobe Acrobat, such as combining, organizing, and preparing PDFs for filing and production, is helpful and useful.
• Experience with legal case management, document management, and electronic filing systems.
• Legal Assistant or Paralegal certification.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Prolonged periods of sitting and working on a computer.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and in writing.
• Ability to occasionally lift or move files and office materials up to 20 pounds.
• Professional office environment.
• Work may involve strict deadlines and periods of increased workload tied to hearings, trials, and other litigation deadlines.

Core Competencies

• Professionalism and Integrity
• Confidentiality
• Reliable, Dependable, Trustworthy
• Quick Learner
• Client Service
• Attention to Detail
• Written and Oral Communication
• Time Management
• Problem Solving
• Collaborative, Team-Oriented
• Accountability
• Mental Flexibility